Chapter 62 – Battle in Wela Volcano Park
Akala Island, Alola region…
"Seriously. What are we doing here," Hunter groaned? The heat was oppressive. Save for the tops of Mount Hokulani and Lanakila on Ula'ula Island, Alola wasn't known for cold weather, but this particular part of Akala Island, was something else.
The poor Riolu felt as though he were constantly being hit by an overheat attack used by some angry fire type. the fur over his back and under his arms and tail, as well as his forehead was damp with sweat.
Growlithe was panting so heavily he sounded more like a steam train than a Pokémon. "Honestly, all I'd need to do out a whistle and set of wheels on you'd be a locomon rather than a Pokémon," Hunter said to him with a snigger. "Steam powered Growlithe. Want to go for a ride?"
"I can't help it," Growlithe panted back. "It's too hot. My fur's too thick to sweat. Panting's how I keep cool."
"We're here to catch a Turtonator," shorted Cameron enthusiastically, punching the air somewhat unnecessarily. An action that was mimicked by Lucario, causing Hunter to roll his eyes.
"Lu-Lucario!"
"Could you too be any more embarrassing."
However, a split second later, Lucario unfroze from his pose and looked wide eyed and Cameron, asking, "Wait Cameron, are you sure there are Turtonator here?"
Cameron looked back at him perplexed. "Well, I assume so. What fire type wouldn't like this place?"
"Carr." Lucario growled in exasperation and rolled his eyes.
This place, was the Wela Volcano Park on Akala Island…
The Alola region had been born, millions of years ago, when a weak spot in the middle of a tectonic plate had opened, and magma from below the earth's crust had risen to the surface, cooling as it met the ocean. When the building column of rock rose above the surface of the water, the first of the Alola Islands was born.
Over time the plate had shifted, and the other three islands were created in the same way, the youngest being Akala Island. And because that hotspot in the earth's crust still existed, magma continued to rise. When Magma, along with ash and fire, forces its way onto the earth surface, it forms a volcano.
And that is how Wela Volcano, the only active volcano in the Alola Region came to be. It covered most of the north-eastern part of the island. A world of fire and rock and little else. Home to a few species of fire type adapted to live in such an area, and frequently only by the toughest of fire type trainer, who didn't mind the heat.
Hunter, it quickly transpired, did mind the heat. And the strong smell of ash and sulphur assaulting his sensitive Riolu nose. And the soot and smoke that got in his eyes. The further along the path that led up the side of the volcano they trekked, the more miserable he became.
Until finally….
"Ahhhh….I can't take it anymore," he cried dropping to his knees. "It's too hot. Put me back in my Pokémon already. Before I spontaneously combust."
"Oh Hunter, stop being so dramatic," said Cameron, although he too was feeling the heat. His clothes stuck to his body from sweat and he was ashen faced.
"It's not so bad," said Growlithe as he continued to pant. "Check out the view."
From their current position they could see down the side of the volcano. A river of magma and fire slowly sliding down the side of the mountain. In the distance, a white cloud of steam where the lava reached the sea and cooled turning to rock.
It was by this process that the Akala island was gradually expanding.
"I feel like a Joltik living on a Cyndaquil butt," Hunter groaned. "It's times like this, I miss having Geyser around. He could…huh." As Hunter raised his head, he found himself face to face with a black Pokémon with a long snout and thin purple eyes. "Whoa."
He jumped back to his feet and saw that the Pokémon was in fact a salamander like creature with a long body, small claws, and thin tail. The scales on its back were decorated with four short lines that glowed orange red.
"What's that Pokémon," Cameron exclaims, quickly whipping out his Pokédex.
Salandit, the Toxic Lizard Pokémon. A poison and fire type. Volcanoes or dry, craggy places are its home. It emanates a sweet-smelling poisonous gas that attracts bug Pokémon. When its enemies become disoriented from inhaling the gas, it attacks them.
The female can also release pheromones that attract males of all species, includinghumans. These pheromones may cause opponents to be controlled by this Pokémon's will.As a result, males will do whatever the females tell them. They give the females most of their food. Due to malnutrition, the males can't evolve.
"Poisonous gas and pheromones," Cameron repeated biting his lip. "Hunter, stay very still and don't make any sudden movements. Lucario, Growlithe Let's just back away slowly."
Hunter stood there, as Cameron had instructed, staring into Salandit purple eyes. For a Pokémon who, by the description in the Pokédex sounded quite dangerous, it didn't seem to be doing anything. He wasn't even sure if it was looking at him.
And then the slightest sign of emotion. It let out a small cry of "Salandit," and a little colour rose in its cheeks. Was it…blushing? Then, without warning, it turned around and scurried away, darting into a patch of tall dry grass and out of sight.
"Hey, where are you going," Hunter called after it. He was about to follow, but Lucario barked at him, "Hunter no."
"I wonder if there's more of them around here," Cameron wondered. "We could use a Pokémon like that to strengthen our team. Imagine being able to control all of the competition."
"Something was odd about that," growled Lucario, a puzzled look on his face. "It seemed to be interested in Hunter. Then it ran away, as if frightened by something. Cameron, I don't like it."
"Ooh sounds like somebody's got a girlfriend," Growlithe said to Hunter tauntingly, poking him in the ribs with his nose.
"Shut up," Hunter retorted, swatting the puppy Pokémon's snout with his tail.
And that's when they heard it. A loud cry echo across the side of the volcano.
"SNEAAA!"
Lucario looked up wildly. "What was that."
"I don't know," said Cameron. "But it sounds like someone might be in trouble."
[Pokémon]
"Sneasel!"
"Scizor."
Blade threw himself at his captors, slashing out with his claws. Driven by pure instinct, his body urged to fight for his very survival. These two Pokémon he knew, were not nice Pokémon and they would not take mercy on him.
It also quickly transpired that they were much stronger than him too. The one called Scizor, moved forward as it saw him coming and swiped upwards with a large metal claw, striking Blade across his chest and torso. He was sent flying backwards and landed in a heap on the ground.
"SNEAAAA!" Pain exploded throughout the entirety of his body, and he felt warm blood splash across his fur. He was starting to feel dizzy and lightheaded, his vision was blurring, and he could barely make out the two large Pokémon standing before him.
Their trainers had become little more than dark figures standing behind them in the background. And the heat…Oh Arceus was this place hot. Being an ice type Blade struggled on a normal sunny date. But this place was…intense. All around him was fire and ashes.
Had he finally died and been condemned to hell?
How had he gotten himself into this mess….Blade wasn't entirely sure. Everything, since the events of Galar had passed in a sort of blur. Vague images of Cleave attacking him, of a bloody Machoke, a dead Kirlia and the cage…always the cage, flashed through his mind.
In his mind he could still taste the blood in his mouth. Feel the cold embrace of the water in his fur and on his skin. In his mind's eye he pictured himself diving into a pond and everything going black. What had he done?
"Come on Sneasel," said a cold sneering voice. It sounded as though it were coming from far away. "Just jump and get it over with. You're going to die either way. Reckon that would be quicker than having Golisopod tear your throat out!"
"Sneasel!" In spite of everything Blade jumped back to his feet. No way was he going to give these humans the satisfaction of seeing him jump off the cliff behind him. No way would he go down without a fight. "SNEASEL."
He threw himself at his assailants again, brandishing his claw. One of the Pokémon raised its claw to repost once again. And this time, instead of striking Blade and sending him flying backward, it grabbed a hold of him, its claw closing firmly around his throat.
"Snea Sn…" Blade suddenly found himself unable to breath. He squirmed and struggled, trying to pry open the claw closing around his neck with his own claws, but to no avail. Gradually he felt himself growing weaker and weaker. His vision was fading fast. Not only were his surroundings become more and more blurred, but the light was fading.
He was going to die. He knew it. It was like sinking into a black pain…
[Pokémon]
Cameron and his travelling party reached the top of the volcano. The end of the path. The sides of the volcano had become quite steep this far up, and each were covered in a steady flow of lava. The heat had become much worse. This was the point at which the magma emerged from beneath the earth to become lava, where it would begin its journey downhill to the sea.
"Okay. I'm done," gasped Hunter, dropping to his knees and crawling behind Lucario. "I can't go any further. Just leave me here!"
"Hunter quite being melodramatic," Lucario barked, without turning back to him.
"Wow, look at the view from up here," Growlithe complained excitedly.
From here they had had a good vantage point over the rest of the Wela Volcano Park below and outwards to the sea. Most of the landscape was covered by a white mist – the steam rising from the ocean as the lava poured into it. The green edges of the jungle beyond the lava flow to the north and south were just visible.
But Cameron didn't seem interested in that. "That cry," he said looking anxiously at Lucario. "It sounded like it came from somewhere up here. But I can't see anyone. Did we imagine it or?"
"Are we too late," mumbled Lucario.
It was Growlithe who discovered it. He let out a loud yap of "Grow Growl," before running off down the path.
"Growlithe don't go running off," Cameron called as he gave chase. "You don't want to fall off."
Lucario followed closely behind his trainer, leaving Hunter lying on the ground behind them.
"Hey, wait for me," the little Riolu yipped, suddenly finding the energy to clamber back to his feet and race after his parents.
The path led to the very end of the top of the volcano, the rim of the crater. There was a lava plume on either side and in the centre, curiously, a round stone dais like the setting for some ritual. Three stone steps led up to it, each flanked by a flaming wicker touch.
Cameron had no idea what it was for, and didn't have time to dwell on it, for as soon as they arrived on the scene, he spotted the source of the scream. Standing at the very edge of the cliff were two humans and two Pokémon.
The two humans were both male, probably about Cameron's age. One was probably younger, thought it was hard to tell as his face was hidden by a black mask, while a skull cap covered the top of his head.
However, he was about a head shorter than Cameron and rail thin, a black vest and sort practically falling off his little body. A glinting silver necklace hung around his neck in the shape of a stylised skull like S. Cameron's heart sank – He knew who these people were. Team Skull…
The boy's compatriot was a few years older than him and was about Cameron's height. Unlike the boy he was bigger, more muscular and dressed in a black coat, long pants, and a white t-shirt underneath. A similar skull shaped ornament hung around his neck, but gold rather than silver.
Finally, the Pokémon. A red bug like creature, with wings and large metallic claws. And a second bug like creature with a hunched humanoid posture. It was this second Pokémon that drew Cameron's attention, pale bodied with a silver armour plating it was more terrifying that it's partner.
Cameron took out his Pokédex to give it a quick scan.
Golisopod, the Hard Scale Pokémon. ABugandWatertype. The shell on its body is as hard as a diamond. Its most powerful weapons are its claws, which it can extend and retract at will
And the other…
Scizor, the Pincer Pokémon. ABugandSteeltype and the evolved form of Scyther. Scizor can crush objects with its pincers, which are as hard as steel.
It was then that Cameron, Lucario and Growlithe noticed the third Pokémon that was present. The small weasel like creature clutched by its throat in the claws of the Golisopod.
Lucario's jaw dopped open in surprise. He pointed a paw at the poor creature and gasped, "Wait, isn't that…"
Not wasting time responding to his partner, Cameron launched into action, tossing a Pokéball into the air. "Goodra, I choose you! Come on out and use Dragon Pulse." A popping sound and the usual flash of white light followed, as the large purple dragon Pokémon materialised.
Goodra leapt into action immediately, rearing his head back in a roar, before firing a beam of multicoloured energy at Golisopod, striking the Pokémon in the side, and causing it to let go of the Sneasel in its claws.
"GOODRAAAA!"
Blade collapsed onto the rocky floor, gasping for air.
Scizor and Golisopod wheeled around to face their assailant as their two trainers spun around to see what has going on. The white-haired youth sneered, putting his hands on his hips.
"What in the Distortion World do you think you're doing," Cameron shouted angrily, while Lucario stood beside him growling. "Leave that poor Sneasel alone!"
"It's you! You little brat," the white-haired boy scoffed. "I don't know what you think you're doing here, but I'm sure glad to see ya." He raised his arms, curled his right hand into a fist and pounded it into his left in a threatening gesture. "Payback time!"
Cameron raised his eyebrows confused. "Err…Do you I know you," he asked, gingerly pointing at the kid.
A look of fury crossed the boy's face. "What, you don't remember me?"
Cameron shook his head.
"You sent me to jail! And you don't remember me?"
"I know you're with Team Skull, and that means you're up to no good," Cameron replied definitely.
The look of fury slowly transformed back into a sneer. "Maybe this will refresh your memory. The hated boss who beats you down and beats you down and never lets up…Yeah. Big bag Guzma is here!"
As he spoke, he appeared to be performing some type of…Was it supposed to be a dance? He waved his hands in the air, making an obscene gesture, and thrusted his hips in and out, as though…
Cameron rubbed at his temples frowning before turning to Lucario and asking, "Err have we met this guy before."
Lucario shrugged. "Don't ask me. All these humans look the same."
Cameron shook his head before returning Guzma's glare. "Look, whoever you are you Team Skull thugs don't scare me. Now, we'll give you one last chance. Let Sneasel go or get ready for the fight of your life!"
"GOOODRAA!"
"LUCAR!"
"GROOOOOOWL!"
Goodra, Lucario and Growlithe each roared, growled, and howled their approval of Cameron's words, baring teeth, and flexing muscles in a threatening gesture. Their soon to be opponents didn't show signs of intimidation however, raising their claws and clicking pincers fiercely.
It was at that moment that Hunter came running up to the group, panting and out of breath. "Hey guys, what did I…Ooh." His eyes widened as he caught sight of the scene unfolding before him. "Uh-oh."
"Looks like I'm just going have to teach you a little lesson dork," spat Guzma. "Want to see what destruction looks like? Here it is in human form—it's your boy Guzma!" Scizor use metal claw and Golisopod use Poison jab!"
Cameron and Goodra were ready for it, with Cameron shouting out, "Goodra, use Muddy Water!" The purple Dragon type released a spiralling torrent of dirty brown water from his body.
As Scizor and Golisopod advanced upon him, the spiralling torrent formed two stream and shot at them, striking each in the chest and knocking them both over. Cameron raised an arm in triumph.
"And that's how it's done."
"You little brat!" Guzma screamed. "This isn't over."
Sure enough, the two bug types quickly regained their footing and advanced once again.
"Both of you, attack with signal beam."
A pair of identical rainbow-coloured beams fired at Goodra, one from Scizor's claw and the other from Golisopod pincers. Cameron was ready for it. "Goodra, block them with your Dragon Pulse attack."
But he had underestimated their strength. Goodra fired a similar coloured beam from his maw, but it quickly overpowered by the two Signal Beam attacks, leaving Goodra to gape wide eyed as he saw the attacks approach him. All he could do was raise his arms above his head to shield his face.
"Gooo!"
"Goodra no!" Cameron shouted out as Goodra disappeared in an explosion of light and dust. He felt sick to his stomach. Guzma's laugher rang in his ears.
"Hee-hee. Ready to give up and go crying to mommy kid?"
Cameron gritted his teeth. "Come on Goodra. You can do it." His heart skipped a beat as the dust slowly settled to reveal that Goodra was still standing. His body was a little bruised by the roar he gave he was still rearing to fight.
"GOOODRAA!"
"What!" Guzma and his grunt did a double take in surprise. "How did you live that."
"Yeah, that's what I'm talking about," cried Cameron happily. "Goodra, use Body Slam."
Goodra ran forward and threw himself into the air. Stretching out his arms, he landed hard on top of Golisopod pressing him to the ground. Guzma groaned.
"Scizor, metal claw."
"Flamethrower."
Scizor took a swipe at Goodra with its claw, however, didn't manage to it, as Goodra raised his head and spat a jet of flames at it, engulfing the entirety of his body. Eventually, Golisopod managed to jab Goodra hard in the side of his belly, causing him to recoil and jump off. The bug type clambered back up.
Meanwhile, Blade had managed to claw, bloody and wounded, away from the Team Skull grunts. He had managed to make it as far as the dais, before the skinny grunt noticed. "Hey! Where'd you think you're going."
"Golisopod, get him," roared Guzma. "Scizor, distract Goodra. Use Bug Buzz."
"Sci-ZORRRRRRRR."
The red bug type begun to emit a horrible noise. Red waves emanated from its body enveloping Goodra, who in turn let out a cry and grasped his head with his claws.
"Ah Goodra, don't give in," Cameron cried encouragingly, trying to make himself heard over the sound Scizor was making. "Counter it with flamethrower!"
"Goo." Goodra gritted his teeth and nodded, then reared his head and fired another jet of flame at Scizor.
At the same time, Lucario tapped Cameron on the shoulder and shouted, "Cameron look."
"Huh…Ahhh."
Golisopod was advancing on the Blade, as he desperately scrambled to get away. Its sharp claws were raised. Cameron felt a knot form in his stomach. Lucario was fast, but Cameron knew he wouldn't be able to act in time to stop Blade getting hurt.
"Only one thing for it…Go Pokéball." Cameron took out an empty Pokéball (actually a great ball) and tossed it high into the air. It opened above Golisopod head, and a stream of blue energy spilled from it, showering over Blade.
There was just enough time for Blade's eyes to widen in surprise before his body was dissolved into the blue energy and sucked inside the ball. The Great Ball landed on the ground beside and started to shake, while Cameron, Guzma and the skinny kid watched with bated breath.
One…Two…Three…DING.
The ball emitted a little burst of energy then lay still. For a moment, everyone was quite then Guzma shouted. "GET IT."
Cameron and Team were quick on the draw. "Lucario Psychic!"
Lucario's eyes glowed blue and a thin veil of aura surrounded the ball. It flew from its position on the rock beside the dais over to the Aura Pokémon who caught it in his paws and handed it to his trainer. The Team Skull Duo rounded on him…
"You think catching it's going to stop up," Guzma exclaimed. "Golisopod, Scizor…Huh!"
It was at the same time that Scizor gave a faint cry of "Zor" and toppled over, the flames around his body dissipating. The bug type lay still on the ground, black swirls over its eyes to indicate unconsciousness.
That left Golisopod alone, though undeterred. The bug type slowly advanced on Cameron, clicking its pincers menacingly. Lucario and Goodra moved protectively in front of their trainer, growling and roaring warnings to stay away.
"Lucar LUCARIO."
"Goodra GOO!"
"I see." Guzma folded his arms and laughed. "Great work…I guess."
To Cameron's surprise, he took out two Pokéballs and returned the unconscious Scizor and Golisopod. Cameron raised his eyebrows and shot him a curious look but didn't say anything.
"Didn't expect ya to pull a move like that, but I guess that Sneasel's your problem now. Hee-hee."
"What are you on about," growled Lucario.
"Take some advice brat," Guzma continued. "The Sneasel you just caught there isn't as pathetic as it seems. That one's got blood on its claws. Trust me we were doing the world a favour here, but if you want it! See ya round."
The skinny boy turned to him and said, confused, "Wait that's it."
"Yeah, I'm done here," Guzma replied. He pointed at Cameron. "I'm going to beat you down one of these days! No matter whose helped I need to do it… C'mon let's go." And with that the two of them ran around the dais and down the path leading back down the side of the volcano…
"Well, that was weird," Lucario mumbled.
"Should we be letting them get away like that," wondered Goodra.
Cameron sighed, looking down at the Pokéball in his hand, containing his newly caught Sneasel. "I think we need to get this one to a Pokémon Centre. And fast!"
[Pokémon]
A couple of hours later….
"I see…Well that's most disappointing but I suppose there is little that can be done about it now! Don't call the number again. The President will be in touch when she has need to be I am sure…"
CLICK…
Colress hung up the silvery mobile phone and restored it to the large pocket of his white coat. In a time when Rotom Phones were becoming popular, a silver flip phone like this might have seemed antiqued, but if one were to inspect it, they would find it not to be a phone at all.
It was a radio device, specially designed to communicate on a frequency emitted from a signal hidden inside the laboratory of the Aether Paradise. Allowing for calls to be made that could not be found by any law enforcement agency who might happen to subpoena the data from a cell tower.
"A problem Mr. Branch Chief," a white clad employee asked.
Colress gave him a smile. "Please. Feel free to call me Colress. It seems that dear little Blade has found a new trainer. The plan to snuff him out has been unsuccessful."
"Those Team Skull fools," said the employee angrily.
"Indeed," Colress agreed. "The President will need to be informed. Worry yourself about it not, I will attend to that personally." He sighed and rose from his desk strolling over to the window and looked out into the inky blackness beyond.
"Curious though." Colress held up an arm and pressed a button on the electronic device built into the sleeve. A holographic image of a young teal haired boy with green eyes, wearing and orange t-shirt and a headband appeared in front of him. "Curious it should be this trainer, of everyone, to be the one to rescue Blade."
The employee frowned. "Something special about him."
"Not necessarily," explained Colress. "Merely, I have had dealings with him in the past. Strange I should encounter him again. Fate has a strange sense of humour, does it not…"
A/N: A happy new year to all my dedicated fans. Looking forward to bringing you more exciting chapters of Ash and Pikachu in 2022! Don't forget to favourite and follow the story and leave a review if you enjoyed the chapter.