They are just reaching the Highlands when Ingo stops, and moves off to the side and sits down, shifting his coat onto his lap.
"The eggs?" The two Zubats who decided to hide in Izuku's scarf that morning poked their heads out and squeaked, Izuku moves over and sat down next to Ingo the Zubats scurry over two their eggs, listening to the cracks and tiny chirps coming from within.
Drake sits beside them watching with Bell sitting behind them, Tangela (who wanted to be out today as it was particularly sunny) was gently touching the two of them as it sat between them.
The rest of their teams were either resting in their Poke-balls or lazing about a little further away from them idly watching or keeping an eye on their surroundings.
There's a loud click and a burst of light as the first egg breaks open, curious chirping reaches them as the little bat pokemon crawls out of its egg shell, Ingo holding up a hand to block the sun from the sensitive creature.
The Zubat parents are quick to scurry to their pup, enveloping it in their wings and waiting for the second egg to hatch, the pup chirping between them not used to its new senses.
There's another crack and glow as the second egg hatches, and what comes out is not a normal blue Zubat but a deep green one, Izuku and Ingo started surprised before Ingo shifts putting the pup closer to its parents allowing the parents to bring the baby into their huddle.
"Wow." Izuku murmurs, he's seen a good handful of hatching so he knows the important bits of it due to his mom and uncle Emmet's constant hatching of Joltiks, so he knows the importance of the babies being with at least one parent upon hatching.
Having both parents is great, both seemed to have accepted both the pups.
"If we can get to Lady Sneasler I'm sure she won't mind allowing these four to rest in her cave. I don't believe she has had any eggs recently so there should be room."
Izuku nods and after Ingo puts his jacket on, the Zubat family hides in one of the oversized pockets, and they get back on their way.
Already Izuku knows that he likes the Coronet Highlands a lot more than the Mirelands, despite it being higher up and having to breathe deeper, at least it's not just heat. Even if he has to put his hat away, or else the wind will steal it.
They don't talk much, just Ingo pointing at different areas to avoid at the moment or good places to catch Pokemon. It's as they are walking across a rather nice cobble bridge that Ingo speaks up once more.
"Lord Electrode of the Hollow is somewhat different from the Electrodes that I recall. But its electric discharges, at least, are familiar." Ingo has a brief flash of a little yellow bug, "One false step around it could put you in danger. I would suggest getting a Pokemon that is effective against electric types."
Izuku nods, "That does sound like a good idea.."
Ingo huffs "It must be difficult being a Pokemon, don't you think?" Izuku smiles as Tangela nods solemnly, "Especially one as irritable as Lord Electrode. To become Frenzied to boot…" Ingo shudders a little.
Izuku frowns at that, yeah that would be a problem.
"So true! It's a tough old life for Pokemon and humans alike!"
Izuku's frown deepens at the voice, Ingo sighs.
"Well, well, Warden Ingo of the Pearl Clan… and, oh my! The Galaxy Team grunt from before."
'Yeah the 'grunt' that can kick your butt..'
"You're punching well above your weight to seek out the great Electrode, Lord of the hollow! But! by the sheer tenderness of my heart, I'll grant you a trial to see if you're worthy. The greatest obstacle you'll ever face awaits you right here! Battle me- If you dare!"
"Maybe another time?"
Melli huffs, "Well then, let me tell you the great Melli's take on this whole situation. The frenzy of our nobles is nothing other than a mark of Almighty Sinnoh's favour and protection! Why? Because it makes them stronger! Do I really need to spell out that that's a good thing?"
Izuku tries to get a word in but Melli just steamrolls over him, so he kinda zones out the rest of Melli's rant until the purple haired man takes his leave.
"What a selfish outlook.." Ingo mutters from what he's heard from the other Warden's being frenzied is either really uncomfortable or causes actual pain, and he talks to the other wardens even less than Melli.
"Well, do you wish to press on, Izuku?"
"Yeah."
"Very well, to reach Lady Sneasler we must go through the Wayward cave. It's quite dim inside so best take Cinnamon out."
Izuku nods, it would probably be best, so he returns Bell who had been quietly talking with Drake and releases Cinnamon who after looking around settles and walks with the three of them through the cave.
As they walk in, Ingo grumbles, "Odd, the torches have been moved…", not like it matters to him, even without his precious partner Pokemon or the purple light that Cinnamon gives off he could still see better in the dark due to both his quirk and his bond with Chandelure and, looking back at Izuku and noticing the slight glow coming from the youngers eyes, he bets Izuku could see better too.
"Could it be Melli?" Izuku questioned as he looked around.
"Perhaps, it matters not, I know this route well, no darkness or obstruction will block our tracks. Onward we roll!"
Izuku nods, smiling as he catches the train lingo, knowing his uncle feels more like himself if he's pulling out the train speech.
As they walked they stayed mostly silent, Cinnamon chittering at Drake who trotted diligently by their side. However they stop when Ingo places a hand on Izuku's shoulder suddenly.
"Please forgive the unscheduled stop." Ingo looks to the right where the sound of beating wings comes from, "I detect an alpha Crobat to the right, we will need to make a detour.
Izuku hums and with that they go left.
Izuku notices the way Ingo keeps eyeing his shadow with it being on his left from where Cinnamon walks with Izuku on his right.
"Ingo?"
"I'm starting to recall a man who looked… like me. We'd battle and discuss Pokemon, I think…"
Izuku frowns a bit, he knew the memory problems were bad, but not this bad.
"The words 'I like winning more than anything' flashed through my mind just now…"
Izuku smiles sadly, "That does sound like Uncle Emmet."
Ingo freezes for half a second before he continues walking, "Emmet… yes, the man in white who has my face. And a… Eclectic partner."
"Eelektross. Yeah, I loved watching his battles when I was younger."
Ingo nods, "They were astounding," Ingo looks ahead, "We are reaching the end of the cave."
It's as they are walking the last stretch that Ingo groans, "The torches have been located."
They were stacked by the wall of the cave, all packed tight. The two of them (plus the Pokemon) stare at the torches before Ingo pulls out two Poke-balls and releases them.
"Machoke, would you and Kadabra return these torches to their proper stations?"
CHA-!
Machoke quickly walks to the torches and picks up as many as he can carry, Kadabra walking steadily after him, floating the rest of the torches.
Izuku thinks on it quickly before releasing Lola.
"Lola, could you follow those two and light the torches that they set down."
Lola cries cheerfully before bolting after the two Pokemon.
"Good thinking, Izuku."
Izuku grins.
They spend the next ten minutes waiting for the three of them to get back, Izuku writing in his Poke-dex and his notebook and Ingo cutting up some berries to give to the Zubats in his pockets.
When the three come back looking very proud of themselves Izuku raises an eyebrow.
"What did you do?"
Ingo looks back at Izuku before looking at the three.
Kadabra looks abashed before its eyes glow as it connects with the two of them.
"They bullied me into it."
Izuku narrows his eyes at Lola who shifts a bit, "Into what?"
"We beat up the alpha Crobat."
"WHAT!"
...
They spend about half an hour for a quick break and some snacks before carrying on. Izuku has a slight feeling that Ingo will be followed forever by the quartet of Zubats, with how they cling to him, the sun slowly starting to descend, even if the moon is already visible.
When they get to a large opening to what seems to be another cave, this one seems to be more man-made, Melli Is standing in front of it looking very grumpy and put off at seeing them so soon, the Skuntank beside them was idly chewing at a bone.
Izuku is a little startled when Ingo, who's rather natural frowning face, deepens, before the man sped up and got into a heated conversation with Melli about why he removed the torches in the cave.
Izuku hangs back a bit as while he does want to help, this seems to be a regular conversation between the two wardens. The torches were probably set up by the clans so it's most likely an issue that they deal with regularly. Either one of them probably has to go out regularly and relight them.
Their hushed conversation seems to be heading down a violent road with the way Melli's face is slowly getting redder and Ingo is gripping a Poke-ball in what is just missing the point of a deathgrip.
So, Izuku decides it's probably a good Idea to cut in now.
"You sorry louts put all my effort to waste for those poor Pokemon who live in the caves, but if you think I'll let you just saunter past me and meet lord Electrode, you're sorely mistaken!" Melli slaps a hand to his chest, "The only way you're getting past me.. is If you can defeat my partner Pokemon!"
Izuku frowns and fingers a Poke-ball before Drake jumps ahead and growls, obviously as upset as they were about the torches, Ingo backs up as Izuku gives him a sharp nod.
Melli huffs before gently nudging his Skuntank, who startles for a second before standing up and getting ready, "Go, Skuntank! Show these louts the true meaning of silent but deadly!"
'Was that a fart joke?'
Izuku shakes his head and backs up a bit so he won't get caught in any stray attacks.
"Poison Jab!" Skuntank sways his tail before lashing out as several hairs launch from it, covered in a sickly purple substance.
"Dodge!" Drake is quick to dodge, even before Izuku speaks, and is fast enough to get out of the way of all the attacks, "Double team!"
Drake seems to blur before splitting off into two, then four separate forms, all of them slightly blurred at the edge.
"Swift!" Stars swirl around all the copies before the launch at the Skuntank.
"Night Slash!" Slashes of smoke form and hit the stars that were charging at the Skuntank, the collision causes a kick up of dust.
"Quick attack!" The Eevee's moved all entering the kickup before only one emerges and slams into Skuntanks side, quickly backing off as Skuntank swipes at him.
"Poison Jab!"
Izuku doesn't have much time to think but well, Drake was working on a move that he was proud to use so…
"Quick attack!"
Drake got in close obviously knowing what Izuku was thinking, as he got close again, dodging as many Poisoned hairs as he could he jumped on top of Skuntank back and opened his mouth over top of Skuntanks head.
"Dark Pulse!" A ball of darkness forms in front of Drake's mouth before shooting down and forcing Skuntanks head to hit the ground with a loud thump kicking up more dust again, barely hiding a faint glow coming from within.
When the dust clears Drake is standing confidently on top of Skuntanks back while saying Pokemon was knocked out, and Drake is no longer an Eevee.
"What!?" Melli yells out, hurrying to his Skuntank while Drake prances over to Izuku looking particularly smug with his new form.
Izuku crouches down and gives the ,newly evolved, Umbreon a big hug.
"Look at you! Good job!" Izuku is truly impressed, that was Drake's first true battle against someone.
When Melli stands back up, Skuntank is limping a bit but is otherwise okay, though Melli seems to have taken a hit to his ego.
"Listen here! Neither I nor Skuntank admit defeat just yet… our challenge to you still stands! However! I will withdraw to afford Skuntank time to recover. There's no shame in a tactical retreat. It's more of an advance if you think about it." Melli huffs before turning around and walking into the man made cave. "Keep your guard up- We'll be back!"
The five of them (Cinnamon was still released as it was getting closer to night) watched as the warden and his Pokemon left (fled).
"What a lively character.." Ingo murmured.
Izuku silently agreed.
...
The Cavern they travelled through was actually a quarry, the stones from inside used to build the temple at the top of the biggest mountain in the Highlands. They set up a small camp for the night, with neither of them wanting to risk it out at night very much.
They're cutting up berries when Izuku suddenly gets a feeling of dread and a shiver goes down his spine. 'Oh boy..'
"Ah! There you are, Ingo."
The two of them turned to look at Volo, their Pokemon, who had all been released for the night and watched the merchant as he walked up to their humans.
"Volo, was it? What is the matter, sir?"
Izuku scootches a little away from Volo, the man always seems to give him goosebumps.
"I wanted to ask about that memory loss of yours, have you considered it might somehow be because of the space-time rift?"
Izuku looks to Ingo and see's how the muscles under his eye tightened, he obviously doesn't seem to like Volo either, and Izuku can tell from the way his hand tenses that the older man is going to start lying.
"I have no cause to think the rift is to blame… but then again, I hardly remember a thing, so it's difficult to say with certainty. I can't remember my own home, nor my family, if I had any…" Ingo briefly glances at Izuku, feeling bad about this, but Izuku does truly know more about the rift than himself, even if it's only a little, "So you might do better to pose your questions to Izuku, I think, if it's to do with the rift."
Volo smiles, "Indeed.. Well I do hope your memories return, Warden Ingo." Volo turns to look at Izuku even if his arm seems to unconsciously cover his torso, "How about you, then, Izuku. Do you remember what you saw before you fell out of the rift? Was there anything inside?"
'Yeah… a god.'
Izuku shakes his head, "I didn't see anything.."
"Unfortunate… You see, I suspect there must be something on the other side of the rift that must be causing the strange lightning that plagues us."
"That… makes sense."
"Indeed! I did some digging and found records indicating that this same space-time rift also appeared in Hisui in the distant past. That's why we already had a name for it as it appeared, in fact." Volo rubs his chin in thought, "Now what kind of world stretches out on the other side of the rift? My guess is that it is Almighty Sinnoh's realm… But then the question begs: Why has the space-time rift opened once more, when it closed once so long ago. And why would Izuku have fallen through to us? There's just so much we don't know."
Ingo decides this is a good time to speak up, "I fervently hope you unravel this mystery, Volo. I'm sure it would ease people's fears over the frenzy of our nobles. And while you investigate, sir, I'll continue to prioritise the safety of the people living in this world."
Volo shakes his head, "Oh no, I am a mere admirer of ruins and little more! If something needs investigating, then I would entrust that task to Izuku!" He chuckles before turning on his heel, "Until next time, then!" He waves over his shoulder as he walks away, taking that oppressive dread along with him.
Izuku stands still, watching as Volo walks away, and only when the man is fully gone does he relax and sit down by the fire pit that they were setting up. Cinnamon curls around him and Drake scurries into his lap with Lola and Bell sitting around them.
Ingo had sat as well, currently having Machoke and Kadabra help him set up some stuff to make a rather late supper, Tangela sits to the side playing with a few sticks and rocks, obviously enjoying its playtime.
Izuku leans back and sighs, smiling when Cinnamon purrs as he leans against them, he runs a hand through Drake's fur, idly noting that his freckled fur pattern seems to have stayed the same if just a slight shade of blue on his now dark fur, not very noticeable if you don't know what you're looking for.
"Cinnamon," Ingo says, "Could you light the fire?"
Cinnamon huffs before doing so.
...
They're packing up camp when it happens, there's the sound of a scuffle, a few sharp growls and yells, before the smell of blood fills their senses. Izuku and Ingo lock eyes before they take off in the direction of the sounds, their Pokemon following.
What they find is grim, a rather large Steelix stands above a, what looks to be a corpse of a Gallade and a Ralts who sits beside the corpse crying. They don't have any time to react before Bell is charging forward and slamming into the Steelix, pushing it back as Cinnamon fills their mouth with flames ready to attack.
RAAAAAAH-!
"Izuku, go watch over the Ralts, It shouldn't be in the Highlands. I'll take care of your team with the Steelix."
Izuku nods and hurries over to the Ralts, careful to keep his hands in view, Drake beside him as Lola goes to join the fight.
"Hello…" he softly says, staying still when the Ralts jolts and points, Izuku thinks the Ralts is a girl, her hand at him, a small purple orb forming in front of it, ".. My name is Izuku… We're," here he gestures to the two of them, "Here to help you… If you want."
The Ralts looks at the two of them before hesitantly lowering her hand, and looking between what was probably her father and Izuku, before she scoops up a shard from the Gallades' broken chest spike before she scoots closer to Izuku and grips his pant leg.
She's shaking, gripping his pant leg in such a tight grip, Drake sidles closer and nudges the Ralts gently, licking the tears that drip from beneath her hair until the other Pokemon wraps a arm around Drake and clings to him as well.
There's a loud cry followed by what almost sounds like a cave in, but it's just the Steelix seemingly collapsing in on itself. Ralts squeaks before hiding her face in Izuku's knee, releasing Drake and wrapping both arms around Izuku's leg.
"Shh, shhh, It's okay. The monster is gone." Izuku gently scoops up the Ralts, carrying her like a toddler. He gently pushes her head into his shoulder so she doesn't have to see the Steelix up close as he walks towards the others.
"Ingo, there's a heavy ball in the third pouch, could you grab it for me?"
Ingo nods, doing so which allows Izuku to catch the Steelix, as he doesn't think he'll get another chance for this, not unless he wants to evolve a Onix, and he can fill the Poke-dex later.
"I don't think she's hurt, but I'd like to check before we get going… and also probably bury her, father, I think the Gallade was."
Ingo hums before looking at Kadabra, " Would you help to create a grave for Gallade?"
Kadabra nods and heads over with Ingo to levitate Gallades body outside of the cave. Izuku follows after, his team surrounding him and Ingo's trailing after. They find a nice tree, plenty of berries on it where Kadabra removes a large chunk of dirt before gently laying Gallades body down, Ralts watching and crying softly holding the spike chunk tightly in her hand.
She tightens her hold on Izuku when the last chunk of dirt is laid over, Kadabra even moves some wild flowers over top of the grave.
"I know this is probably not a good time, but would you like to stay with us? We'll keep you safe, and teach you to keep yourself safe."
Ralts sits in his arms for a few seconds silently before nodding. Izuku gently pulls out a Pokeball and holds it out in front of Ralts to allow her to go at her speed, which she does, tightly holding the shard before tapping the button and being sucked in.
Izuku is quick to put the ball on the ground before the fireworks pop out, also pulling out a cord so he could make the shard into a necklace.
When he releases her, he gently takes the shard, letting her see what he's doing before wrapping the cord around it and then tying it around her neck.
"There, now you can use both your hands."
She smiles before raising her hands wanting to be picked up again, which Izuku does.
"Are you ready Izuku?"
Izuku nods.
"Good, it's not far now, let us move with speed.. But not in haste."
...
They get to a camp about two hours after starting apparently they just set it up after dealing with some pesky Bronzor that had been bothering the crew, so Izuku and Ingo help them finish setting up before continuing on their way.
At some point Ralts asked to be put down and was trotting along beside Izuku holding onto his hand and looking around curiously, because like Ingo said, Ralts isn't native to the Highlands, they only kept a couple Pokemon out, so as to not stress her out.
They get to a rather large sheer cliff where Ingo stops, looking up he comments.
"You'd never expect to be able to climb such sheer cliffs as these, yes?" He looks at Izuku, "But with Sneasler as an ally, it becomes the work of a moment. She is so at home on the cliff face one might think she knew some secret- some hidden move.." A spark flashes in his eye, "Yes, perhaps it is a hidden move." he mumbles, "Izuku, may we battle? Perhaps it will jog more of my memories loose?"
"Of course!"
They set up with Ralts and Drake sitting this out, because as much as Drake wanted to beat Melli, he's not much of a fighter, so the rest of their Pokemon get returned to their Poke-balls.
"Alright. All aboard, then! Machoke, prepare for departure!"
Looking over his shoulder Ingo throws his arm out pointing forward and grabbing his cap as Machoke jumps forward into battle.
"Cinnamon, get ready!"
Cinnamon cries in glee as they walk forward into battle.
'Machoke is fighting type so…'
As if reading his thoughts Cinnamon's claws glow a bluish white and extend a couple of inches.
"Aerial Ace!"
Jolting forward with a burst of wind Machoke can only brace and block as Cinnamon slashes at him, pushing Machoke back and back hard.
"Bullet Punch!"
Cinnamon grunts as punch slams into their gut and a hand closes around their arm.
"Bulk Up!"
Machoke's strength goes up as his muscles flex.
Cinnamon smirks because obviously this Machoke's brain isn't as big as his muscles, flames blaze inside their mouth as they open their maw.
"Flamethrower!"
A whirl of fire scorches into Machokes face not giving time to react, when the flames stop, Machoke dropped to the ground like a sack of tumblestones, knocked out.
"Well done, Machoke." Ingo recalls the muscular Pokemon, and pulls out another ball and releases Gliscor, a Pokemon that he's only really released at night.
"Mud Bomb!"
"Dodge!"
Once again Cinnamon seems to have amazing luck as the mud bombs miss completely, which is good as Izuku is pretty sure that move is super effective, Cinnamon could probably tank a hit but they would have to be swapped out after. Better to bring Gliscor down a bit.
"Flame Wheel!"
Cinnamon Kicks forward into a roll as their flames cover their whole body, Gliscor's eyes widen as the blazing wheel somehow kicks off the ground and chases him into the air.
"Mud Bomb!"
Gliscor cries out as the bombs that just formed in front of him were destroyed as Cinnamon collided with him, the backlash of the two moves colliding created what was basically a smoke screen.
When the smoke clears it is obvious that both Pokemon have knocked themselves out, which is astounding.
Ingo and Izuku stand there, staring for half a minute before they both recall their Pokemon.
"Tangela! Stun Spore!"
"Lola! Fire Fang!"
Lola jumps forward with a roar, her fangs blazing, as the Stun Spore hits it doesn't do anything to slow her down as her fangs clamp down on a handful of Tangela's vines.
Tangela screeches as he's shaken like a dog toy back and forth until Lola lets go and launches the poor Pokemon at his trainer who catches him. Tangela doesn't even bother trying to get down, actually he climbs Ingo until he's higher up and away from Lola who had followed him and was growling at Tangela from Ingo's feet.
Ingo sighs, before he returns Tangela to his Poke-ball. Izuku does the same.
Well, battle decided.
Ingo slouched, huffing out before standing up straighter, with a weight seemingly lifted, "Bravo! Excellent!"
Izuku smiles brightly as Ingo walks forward and claps him on the shoulder, "You and your team's hard work has brought you to a station called Victory. Well done."
"Thanks."
Ingo nods, smiling before he looks up at the mountain, "It seems we've got a watcher."
Izuku follows his gaze, his eyes widened as they land on what must be Lady Sneasler, who upon noticing she has their attention digs her claws into the mountain face and climbs down to them. She's tall is what Izuku notices first, even hunched over like her warden she stands at seven feet, though she is obviously rather strong her muscles are covered by her coarse fur, with thicker patches on her shoulders, neck, chest, ankles and wrists. Her hands, which have claws that extend about a foot out, release a sweet smelling aroma that Izuku has a feeling is actually really deadly…
And a rather large basket strapped to her back.
'Claws like those would make a good addition to his gloves, if the way Lady Sneasler uses them is any indication.'
"Allow me to introduce you, Izuku. This is the keen clawed Pokemon, Sneasler. Would you be kind enough to play your flute so she can know it's tune?"
Izuku agrees and after playing the Celestica flute, Lady Sneasler smiles, covering her mouth with her paw and laughing before holding out a hand to him. Izuku watches as Poison seems to collect at the edges of her claws before dropping down in a thick sludge that pops when it hits the ground, leaving a Plate, Izuku hesitantly picks it up.
It hums in his hand, giving off warmth and a sweet aroma, the other plates hum in he pack as well,he places it with the others.
"Thank you, my Lady."
She chirps before turning to Ingo.
"Right My Lady, all aboard Izuku."
Lady Sneasler turns around crouches down enough that they could both climb into the basket on her back, the basket is big enough to hold the both of them, as they settle in Lady Sneasler chirps at them before she starts climbing.
"By the way, my Lady, I hope you don't mind but I have some extra passengers that I hope you don't mind."
She chitters.
"Yes, I know, but this is a small family of wild Zubat that need a safe home."
She huffs, "Yes my Lady, I will keep watch of them."
She rumbles, "Thank you my Lady. Now, why don't I tell you about the memories I've regained with the help of my nephew."
...
Lady Sneasler's den is a rather cosy place, a large fur canvas covering the entrance inside there is a pile of bones that Ingo says he takes the marrow from to make treats and the rest of the bone is broken down to add to fertiliser, what seems to be a connecting cave and small shelves carved into the wall. There are a couple different nests, some made of fallen fur and straw, one large one made of different pelts and straw under the pelts.
Sneasler chirps before moving to a side room in the cave, there's a thunk before she comes back out without the basket.
Ingo takes some of the straw and fur off one of the bigger nests and makes a really small one on one of the shelves, then gently sets the Zubat family on it and allows the parents to manipulate it how they want.
"We will rest here for the night, then we will head over to the Hollow, and hopefully help Lord Electrode. Does that sound good, Izuku?"
"Yeah."
Ingo nods and heads over to the big nest, Izuku follows and is about to sit down before he's picked up by Lady Sneasler who places him in her lamp and starts cleaning his hair with her tongue.
"Careful my Lady, his hair is different from ours."
...
Izuku has Ingo help with his hair in the morning, as he doesn't have a mirror, Lady Sneasler was hacking up a hairball as, surprise surprise, Izuku's hair texture was different to Ingo's and herself. They made up a quick breakfast before heading out.
Izuku spends a short amount of time catching and documenting some Pokemon that he will release later, they are walking up a slightly steep incline when Izuku catches sight of some ruined pillars and speeds up. Massive pillars stand in a ring, they are mostly intact, but what catches Izuku's attention is the broken statue in the middle.
A rectangular platform with a plaque that's been scratched out until it's unreadable, on the rectangle six feet stand in two rows, the rest of the statue is broken off -and as Izuku gives a quick look around- and nowhere near.
Izuku shivers as he gets goosebumps, he's quick to walk away from the broken statue.
"Ready to continue?"
"Yeah.."
They keep walking, making sure to avoid the increasing amount of voltorb around. Catching sight of Melli -the offering table behind him with the Lord banners to either side- who is Idly cleaning his nails with Skuntank beside him, looking like he would rather be elsewhere.
Melli looks up and sneers at them as they walk up, "Welcome to Moonview Arena- the seat of Lord Electrode! I know I've not exactly been supportive of you reaching this place, but a part of me did hope you'd make it."
'Right…'
"Call me contradictory all you like, Galaxy grunt, but such is life. Embracing the complexity of both ourselves and the world can only help us grow." Melli pauses and places a hand on his chest, "As a member of the Diamond Clan, my highest calling is to please Almighty Sinnoh. And right now, that means stopping you where you stand to protect my lord!" He huffs, "If you still wish to defeat me and gain entry to Lord Electrode's seat, you and your little Pokemon are welcome to give your best shot!"
Izuku is beginning to think Melli has some kind of brain damage… Does he not remember the other day? Izuku grabs a Poke-ball, he already had an idea for if he had to deal with this again.
"Let's go, Skuntank! Give them another whiff of your silent deadliness!"
"Bell, use Bulldoze."
Skuntank doesn't get a chance to react as Bella, barely out of her ball, slams into the poor skunk Pokemon. Melli's eyes widen as the bear Pokemon slams his into the ground, when Bell stands up and walks back to Izuku, Skuntank is knocked out.
Ingo looks on in brief shock, he honestly didn't expect that… but it was deserved.
"Now, are you going to let me pass?"
Melli gulps at the rather irritated look in Izuku's eyes.
"Haha… one problem… I forgot my Lord's favourite food."
. . .
"Melli…" Ingo huffs out in astoundment.
...
AN/
next chapter will be a lot longer til i post since these last 13 were already written and posted on my A03 account.