Chapter 30: Leek Master Farfetch'd

Since they had a while before they had to catch their plane back to Kanto, Ash, Goh, and Lillie decided to explore the Wild Area a little bit. They had just set foot into the vast area when…

"AAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

"Someone's in trouble!"

"Let's go help them!"

They didn't have to run far before they found the source. Hop was battling a wild Onix. Or rather, trying to battle it, as all his Sobble could do was run to avoid being crushed by the giant chain of rocks.

"Raboot, use Double Kick!"

"Sobble, use Water Gun!"

Lillie's newest addition leapt off her shoulder and launched a weak stream of water at the Onix, hitting it right in the face. The rock type growled, but didn't react much more than that. Raboot's attack got his attention, roaring in pain after two swift kicks to his tail nearly sent him falling to the ground. With a roar, Onix tried to slam its tail onto Raboot, only for the fire type to jump out of the way just in time. Believing his current venture wasn't worth it any longer, the Onix slithered away.

"Hop, are you alright?"

"Yeah, thanks for the save. I was trying to catch some more Pokemon, but that Onix took me by surprise. I tried throwing a few Pokeballs at it, but you can see how that went for me."

"Yeah, no kidding. I'll never forget my first time trying to catch a Pokemon, and it was not pretty, right Pikachu?"

"Pika."

"Well, isn't that cute? Guess Pokemon training doesn't run in the family after all."

Hop groaned. He knew that voice all too well.

"Hello, Gloria."

"You might as well give up now, Hop. You can't handle a measly Onix, yet you want to take on the entire Galar League? Your own brother doesn't even think you can do it!"

"Shut up! I'll prove you wrong!"

Gloria scoffed, and walked away.

"Whatever. See you at the opening ceremonies."

Gloria walked away, leaving Hop stewing in anger. Ash, knowing all too well how Hop was feeling, put a hand on his shoulder to calm him down.

"Let her go, she's not worth it."

"I know, but she just makes me so mad!"

"Trust me, the best revenge is proving them wrong."

Hop took a deep breath, and calmed down.

"You're right, Ash. Thanks."

"Come on, why don't you travel with us for a while? Help take your mind off her."

"Yeah, that'd be nice."

A while later, the quartet were making good progress through the Wild Area when they came across a fierce battle. A young trainer was commanding their Toxel against a Galarian Farfetch'd. The Electric type put in a valiant effort, but was no match for his opponent.

"Farfetch'd."

"Aw man, just when I thought I had it! Come on Toxel, I need to get you to a Pokemon Center."

"Toxel."

Ash got a good look at the Farfetch'd. It was a lot different than the ones he saw in Kanto. Its feathers were darker in color, and his stalk that he used as a weapon was much larger and sharper, almost sword like. Wanting to know more, he took out his Rotomphone and scanned it.

"Farfetch'd, the Wild Duck Pokemon, Galarian form. A Fighting Type. The Farfetch'd of The Galar Region are brave warriors, and they wield thick, tough leeks in battle."

Farfetch'd, having heard the commotion, turned towards Ash and company. Sensing a strong urge to battle from Ash, he motioned towards him with his wing, narrowing his eyes. Getting the message, Ash grinned and took out a Pokeball.

"Haven't had enough yet? Alright then, go, Riolu!"

The young Fighting type pumped his fists excitedly, eager for battle. Farfetch'd stared in shock for a moment, before shrugging his shoulders and resuming his fighting stance.
"Riolu, use Quick Attack, then use Force Palm!"

The baby Pokemon charged forward, running quickly to make sure his attack landed. Farfetch'd just huffed, and swung his leek around to strike him.

"Jump, then use Vacuum Wave!"

Riolu leapt over the weapon with ease before launching a small blast of energy, striking Farfetch'd right in the chest and knocking him back. Farfetch'd was quick to recover, however, and went in to strike Riolu once more…

Only for Riolu to vanish the moment the leek hit him. Confused, The Fighting type's eyes darted around the small battlefield, only to find himself surrounded by Riolus. While he had been recovering from the blow, Ash's Riolu had set up a Double Team, a fact he realized too late as they all charged up and prepared to attack.

"Aura Sphere, now!"

Farfetch'd had only a minute to react before he was besieged by a volley of energy spheres, knocking him off his feet and depleting his energy rapidly. By the time the dust had settled, the Fighting type could not continue, and waved his leek in surrender.

"Alright, way to go Riolu!"

"Riolu!"

"You guys did great!"

"Yeah, that was amazing!"

Lillie checked her watch, then freaked out.

"Guys, we need to get going! Our plane leaves in two hours, and it'll take an hour by train to get to Wyndon!"

"Oh man, you're right!"

The quartet were about to leave when Farfetch'd approached, wearily bowing to Ash. Luckily, Ash got the message.

"You want to travel with me?"

"Fetch!"

Ash smiled, and tapped his forehead with a Pokeball. Instantaneously, the ball dinged, confirming his new capture.

"Alright, I just caught a Farfetch'd!"

"Pika PIka!"

"Riolu!"

"Um, Ash? The Plane?"

"Oh yeah."

"Bye, guys! See ya later!"

"Bye Hop! Good luck in the league!"

And so, with a new friend in tow, our heroes left Hop to return home, ready for whatever the next day would bring.