Chapter 6: A Rumble with Volo
Ash and May left The Galaxy Hall building, excited with their new teammates.
"Oshawott, you and I are going to be an awesome team!"
"Osha Oshawott!"
"Not as awesome as Rowlett and I!" May giggled as Rowlett cooed.
"My my, so the rumors were true? Jubilife Village does have some royal guests."
Volo came up to them, eyeing them curiously.
"Hello? Who are you?"
Volo chuckled, and extended his hand to them.
"Forgive me, where are my manners? My name's Volo, I'm part of the merchant clan. I'd heard rumors"
"Nice to meet you, Volo. I'm-"
"Oh, no need to introduce yourselves! All anyone could talk about all week was your visit of our humble region. I just didn't think they were true."
"Right then," May interjected, getting a bad vibe coming from the man. "Nice to meet you, sir, but we've had a very long trip, so I think it'd be best if we-"
"Wait! I was wondering if you could do one small favor for me. I know we just met, but it would mean the world to me if Ash and I could have a battle. I could sense his battle spirit from here, and I simply must see it in action."
Ash thought for a minute, before shrugging.
"I guess it'd be alright…"
"Excellent! I promise, you won't regret it."
A few minutes later, Ash and Volo were facing each other on an empty street.
"Does 1-on-1 work for you?" Volo asked. "I only have one Pokemon on me."
"That's perfect," Ash said, having only brought Pikachu and Eevee with him to Hisui.
"Excellent! Come on out, Togepi!"
The cute little eggshell Pokemon bounced out from behind Volo's leg, making May coo at how cute she was. Pikachu, however, was rather unsettled by it, something Ash was quick to pick up on.
"Don't worry buddy, you don't have to fight this one."
Pikachu smiled, and nuzzled his cheek appreciatively. Instead, Ash turned to their new friend.
"Oshawott, I Choose You!"
Oshawott did a happy little dance as he stepped out onto the battlefield.
"Alright buddy, this is your first battle, but don't worry! I know you're going to do great."
"Wott!"
"Now then, use Water Gun!"
Oshawott opened his mouth excitedly, but not so much as a bubble emerged. After an awkward silence, Ash decided to move on.
"Ok…Bubble Beam!"
Nope.
"...Tackle?"
This one Oshawott knew, and he happily charged forwards, knocking Togepi backwards so hard she did a somersault. She wasn't hurt though, even clapping happily with a little giggle.
"Don't let him push you around, sweetheart! Tackle that big old meanie right back!"
With a cute little giggle, Togepi charged forwards, though her Tackle was more like a hug.
"Tackle again!"
"Keep Tackling!"
As it turned out, neither Togepi or Oshawott knew any other moves, so this showcase of affection went on for several minutes. Misty and Pikachu, who had opted to watch it with her, could only watch with utter bewilderment.
"Well…this is amusing."
"Pi."
"Tackle one more time!"
But to Ash's surprise, this time Oshawott's body got surrounded by water as he burst forward, landing on top of a defeated Togepi.
"Alright! Way to go, Oshawott!"
Oshawott smiled proudly, clapping his fins ecstatically as he climbed off of his opponent. Volo sighed, gently cradling Togepi in his arms as Ash returned Oshawott.
"Oh, you poor thing! Don't worry, you were fantastic."
"You were great, Oshawott! And you learned a new move too, that's awesome."
Despite the loss, Volo couldn't help but smile, shaking Ash's hand.
"Congratulations, Ash! It seems like my instincts were right."
"Thanks, Volo. We'll see you around?"
Volo shrugged.
"Every now and then, I suppose. Really just depends on whether we have anything worth trading. But we'll have to battle again sometime."
With that, Volo disappeared, leaving Ash to celebrate his victory.
"You were amazing, Ash," May said, giving her husband a big kiss.
"Aw, thanks honey, but Oshawott was the real star of the show."
Kenny, who had been watching in secret, was amazed by their battle prowess.
"Wow Ash, that was amazing!" He said. "Listen, I was wondering if you could give me some pointers on raising Pokemon."
"Sure! What seems to be your problem?"
Kenny took out a Pokeball and released the Pokemon from within, a Pikachu.
"I caught this fella a few weeks ago, but he won't listen to a word I say. No one else has any experience raising Pokemon aside from Akari, but she has her hands full."
Ash chuckled to himself, fondly remembering how much trouble he had with Pikachu when they first left home.
"Sure, I can help you out! How about I go with you on your next trip out to catch Pokemon?"
"Really? That'd be great, thanks!"
Later that night, Ash and May were getting ready for bed, reflecting on the recent turn of events.
"Poor Dawn," Ash whispered to himself. "It's bad enough to be displaced from your own time without any say in it, but to not be able to remember anything?"
"Yeah," May agreed, though her mind wasn't entirely focused on the conversation, something Ash was quick to pick up on.
"Something wrong, May?"
"It's just…I don't trust that Volo guy. I may not be able to use Aura like you, but something about him makes me uneasy."
Ash nodded in understanding.
"I'm glad I'm not the only one who picked up on that."
"Then why'd you agree to a battle with him then?"
Ash shrugged.
"He asked for one, and I didn't see the harm in it."
May just rolled her eyes, lying down on the bed with a sigh.
"Just be careful, Ash. There's something going on here, and I don't like it."
Ash smiled, and climbed into the bed with her, taking her into his arms and holding her tightly, an action she was quick to reciprocate.
"When it comes to you and our baby, nothing is more important than your safety. And if that Volo guy or anyone else tries anything, I'll make them wish a Wild Pokemon had gotten them."
May smiled, and eagerly kissed him.
"Well, I'm glad we're on the same page then."
"Always."
With that, the happy couple went to sleep.
That night, a strange storm swept the region. From the rift in the sky, a bolt of lightning struck a particular spot in the forest, striking one of the Pokemon and making it howl in pain.
Little did anyone know that this would just be the start of their problems.