Chapter 37:

Yo Boy Guzma

Location: Malie City

I sat in the Outer Cape of the city, which houses a Recycling Plant. Unsurprisingly, with Alola having the lush nature as it does, they are a very green nation. In fact, an environmental record by the Environmental Region Agency (ERA) has shown that Alola is one of the most sustainable regions in the Pokémon world.

I saw on a bench when a green-saggy Pokémon came up to me.

Trubbish (ヤブクロン)

#264

Poison Type

Trash Bag Pokémon

2'00" (0.6 m)

68.3 lbs (31 kg)

Unsanitary places are what they like best. They can be spotted in Alola, often with Grimer in hot pursuit.

"What seems to be the problem?" asked a Janitor who was clearing up some of the garbage that had blown away. "Don't answer that, the whole city knows! You've challenged Team Skull's boss to a battle! That's quite risky I tell ya."

"I know," I said. "Yesterday I was pretty optimistic about it, but after a good night's sleep, I've become worried again."

"SNAP OUTTA IT! ROTO!" Rotom Dex shouted. "Now, izz there the pozzibility of lozzing? Yezz! Roto! But, you are Elliott Mitchell! Zzt zzt! You have support! You have strength! You have courage! You can do it! Roto!"

"That's it!" said the Janitor. "Say, will a battle with me calm you down? I only use one."

"Sure thing!" I said.

Elliott Vs. Janitor Shawn

"I choose Hariyama!" I shouted.

"Go Muk!" Shaun replied. This was an Alolan Muk and was made of multiple colours and had teeth.

Muk (Alolan Form) (ベトベトン)

#058

Poison/Dark Type

Sludge Pokémon

3'03" (1 m)

114.6 lbs (52 kg)

There are over a hundred kinds of poison inside its body. Chemical reactions between different poisons are the source of its vitality.

Grimer -Lv 38- Muk

"Start with Fake Out!" Hariyama clapped in front of Muk, making it flinch. Then, Hariyama grabbed Alolan Muk and threw it down.

"That's Seismic Toss!" Hau shouted, running along to see me. "Grampa Hala taught me about this move. It does equivalent damage of your opposing Pokémon's level!"

Hariyama looked at me and gave a thumbs up.

"Now Muk, Poison Fang!" Muk bit down on Hariyama, badly poisoning it. This wasn't good.

"Let's show Muk what we're really made of!" I said. We put our hands out in front. "This is more than simple training for Guzma! Let's use… ALL OUT PUMMELING!" Hariyama punched Muk multiple times, then gave it one huge wallop. It was finished.

"Nothing like a battle to let off some steam aye?"

I went up to Hariyama. "Great job!"

"Here," Shawn said, giving me a Full Restore. "This'll save you a trip to the Pokémon Center."

"Great," I said, healing Hariyama. "Speaking of which…" I looked at the sun in the sky; it was almost directly above us. "Looks like it's almost noon. Hau, should we head over to Malie Garden?"

Hau nodded. "Team Skull have already taken over the place. Looks like they won't leave until you put on a show."

I patted my face twice with both hands. "Let's do this!"

Location: Malie Garden

What should've been a lovely garden with golden architecture reminiscent of ancient Johto, complete with a beautiful pagoda, had become a mosh pit for Team Skull brutes. Upon entering, Plumeria 'welcomed' us.

"Guzma is waiting so you better writing your wills," she said.

As I walked in, a bunch of Team Skull Grunts started taunting me and Hau.

"You think you can beat our boy Guzma yo? You got another thing coming!"

"Worst mistake of yo life!"

I did not let my nerves get the better of me this time; I only let them show a little.

Then, right at the end of the line of Grunts on the bridge stood a man wearing baggy-black clothes, a gold necklace with the Team Skull logo on it and with messy-white hair on his head. He had his arms crossed and a smug grin on his face.

"Well well well," he said. "What have we here? Trial Boy, huh? I'm really scared! Oh no!"

"Guzma," I said. "My name is Elliott-"

"Yeah yeah, we know!" he said. "I've heard you've steamrolled my Grunts, and even Plumeria. So, when I heard you wanted to get stomped on by me, I couldn't refuse."

"Now hold on!" Hau said. "Don't decide the fate of the battle before it's even started! Just the other day, Elliott won his fifth trial! He's not one to be underestimated!"

Guzma laughed, as did the other Grunts and Plumeria. "You think your so funny don't ya?"

"Yes, I do." From behind us, we saw Professor Kukui walking up to Guzma.

"What?" he said "Who invited you?"

"I did myself," the Professor said. "Nice to see you again, Guzma! How's the criminal life?"

"Again?" I asked. "What do you mean?"

"What?" Rotom Dex asked. "Profezzor! Do you have a… hizztory with Guzma!? Roto?!"

"Yeah," Guzma said. "We're just fellow rejects who never could become captains! And what do you decide to do?" Guzma pointed up Mt. Lanakila. "Build a Pokémon League? No point! I am the strongest Trainer in the region!"

"We'll see about that," I said, positioning my Z-Ring.

"Go get em!" Hau said.

"No," I replied. "Hold on." I quickly took off my Z-Ring.

"What?! Roto!"

I gave my Z-Ring to Professor Kukui. "Clearly Guzma has something to do with the trials, and a bad experience maybe. If that's the case, I want this to be a fair match."

I saw Plumeria smile a bit. "This kid is risky, I tell ya."

"Elliott, is that a bit far?" Hau asked.

"Not at all," Professor Kukui said. "I'll tell you more later. For now, I think we should stop delaying the battle!"

"Kukui boy is right!" Guzma said. "Let's show this kid what happens when he messes with the biggest brutes in the Alola region!"

Elliott Vs. Team Skull Boss Guzma

"I choose you Golisopod!" Out came a behemoth of a Pokémon. It was white and made of armour, with multiple hands protruding from its chest. It also had two large arms to its side.

Golisopod (フソコムシャ)

#222

Bug/Water Type

Hard Scale Pokémon

6'07" (2 m)

238.1 lbs (108 kg)

The shell covering its body is as hard as diamond. This Pokémon will do anything it takes to win.

Wimpod -Lv 30- Golisopod

"You're up first Snorlax!" I shouted. "Use-"

"First Impression!" Golisopod quickly got in a move first, slashing Snorlax.

"What was that move Professor?" asked Hau.

Guzma smirked. "It's First Impression, a move only Golisopod is known to use at the moment. It's a Bug Type move that can only be used the first turn of battle."

"Now Snorlax!" I shouted. "Body Slam!" Snorlax jumped up and landed on Golisopod. A direct hit! "Just like that Snorlax!" Suddenly, Golisopod retreated back to Guzma. "Now what?"

"Emergency Exit," Guzma said. "After a hit, Golisopod comes running straight back to me! Looks like you'll have to come back to it! Okay Masquerain, go!" The next Pokémon was white with four wings that had orange patterns on them.

Masquerain (アメモース)

#173

Bug/Flying Type

Eyeball Pokémon

2'07" (0.8 m)

7.9 lbs (3.6 kg)

Its wings and antennae don't cope well with moisture. After a rain, it faces sunward to dry off.

Surskit -Lv 22- Masquerain

"Come back Snorlax," I shouted. "Go Torracat!" Out came my Fire Type.

"Air Slash!" Masquerain sliced the air and hit Torracat.

"Use Fire Fang!" Torracat chomped down on Masquerain with its fiery fangs. It was burned in the process!

"Now use Bubble Beam!" Masquerain fired a jet of bubbles at Torracat for Super Effective damage.

"Use another Fire Fang!" Torracat chomped down on Masquerain once more. The burn finished it off.

"Impressive. Ariados, go!" Next was a red and black Pokémon with four legs and a horn on its head.

Ariados (アリアドス)

#023

Bug/Poison Type

Long Leg Pokémon

3'07" (1.1 m)

73.9 lbs (33.5 kg)

It spews threads from its mouth to catch its prey. When night falls, it leaves its web to go hunt aggressively.

Spinarak -Lv 22- Ariados

I recalled Torracat. "Go Misdreavus!" I shouted.

"Great idea! Roto! Ariados izz a Bug and Poizzon Type, so thozze movezz won't do much! Zzt zzt!"

"Don't get too excited," said Professor Kukui.

"Use Shadow Sneak!" Ariados increased its shadow towards Misdreavus and hit it. Clever idea, having a Ghost Type attack on it.

"Come back with Psybeam Misdreavus!" Misdreavus fired Psychic energy at Ariados. It was a Critical Hit!

"Now Ariados, Shadow Sneak again!" Whilst Shadow Sneak was Super Effective, it also wasn't the strongest move ever. Misdreavus was going to be fine.

"Psybeam once more!" Misdreavus his Ariados one last time, knocking it out.

"Grr. Golisopod, go!" It was out for one more match.

"Use Confuse Ray!" I shouted. Misdreavus sent out a weird ray towards Golisopod, confusing it.

"What? That's not fair! Golisopod, Liquidation!" Golisopod tried to use a move, but it hurt itself instead.

"Come back," I told Misdreavus. "Go Toucannon!" Out came my Flying Type.

"Try again!" shouted Guzma. Golisopod instead hurt itself again.

"Now use Beak Blast!" Toucannon's beak started heating up. As this happened, Golisopod snapped out of its confusion.

"Liquidation!" Golisopod's arms turned to water, then it slashed at Toucannon. It had fallen into my trap; Golisopod was burned!

"Now Toucannon!" Touccanon fired energy from its beak towards Golisopod, taking it down!

"What? I lost? No! How?" Guzma smiled. "You're good yo."

"What?! Our boy lost?"

"No! Why is this?!"

Plumeria just frowned and walked by me out the gate.

"Where are you going?" Hau asked. She didn't say a word. "Yeah, you better run!"

"Best to stop," Professor Kukui said.

"Strongest in Alola huh?" I asked. I sent out all my Pokémon. "Look! You didn't even manage to knock out one! Heck, I didn't even use two! All this without a Z-Ring!" I put my hand behind me and Professor Kukui gave it back. I put it back on.

"You…" Guzma said. "Are the most stubborn, selfish little… ever!" Guzma stomped towards me.

"Okay that's enough!" Professor Kukui said, holding Guzma back.

"You're pathetic, you know?!" Guzma shouted. "You and your Z-Ring! You think you're better than everyone else!"

I saw Torracat growling. "What's wrong?" I asked.

"Look at me! I was chosen by the Legendary Tapu Koko to take on the Island Trial for no reason! Any other bozo could have got that, but it chose you! When I tried? I failed!"

Torracat really started getting angry, and it started heating itself up. Fire started swirling around it.

"Could that be?!" Hau shouted.

"It is!" Professor Kukui said. "Torracat is evolving!"

Eventually, the flames died down. In Torracat's place was a bipedal Pokémon with a belt of fire, sharp claws and muscles.

Incineroar (ガオガエン)

#006

Fire/Dark Type

Heel Pokémon

5'11" (1.8 m)

183 lbs (83 kg)

After hurling ferocious punches and flinging furious kicks, it finishes opponents off by spewing fire from around its navel.

Litten -Lv 17- Torracat -Lv 34- Incineroar

"Elliott!" Hau said. "You're first Pokémon! It's fully evolved now!"

Incineroar growled at Guzma. It pushed Professor Kukui out the way and pushed Guzma to the floor.

"Hey!" I said. "There is no need for that!"

"Urgh," Guzma responded. "You got lucky, yo." Guzma looked at his army. "Everyone, back to Po Town. I am not willing to deal with an Incineroar."

All the Grunts nodded, and they all ran out. "And don't come back!" Hau shouted.

"And as for you," Guzma said, looking at me. "I have my eye on you. Keep out of our way and no one will get hurt."

"Hold on," I said as Guzma started walking away. "Wh-where is Gladion? Shouldn't he be here?"

Guzma looked back at me. "I don't care what he does! He does nothing of worth for us anyway!" After that, Guzma stomped away.

"Professor!" I asked, who was still on the floor. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah," he said.

"Incineroar," I said. "Apologise."

Incineroar nodded at the Professor and gave him a hand. He helped him up. "You really care for Elliott, don't you Incineroar?"

Incineroar gave a loud roar; this was my latest Pokémon. It got me giddy thinking about all it's new potential.

"Okay," I said. "Now I believe you have some explaining to do. You have some sort of history with Guzma, and we need to know what. Meet me at the library in an hour. I'm going to get some lunch with Hau."

"I guess I'll have to tell you the story then," the Professor said. "It's a deal. Meet you there."

Location: Malie City

Me, Hau and Rotom Dex met Professor Kukui in the Library with Lillie and Acerola. The two really got on; they had been talking about books the entire time I had been up the mountain!

"So, let me get this straight," I said. "You and Guzma were… friends?"

"Were," the Professor replied.

"So, what happened?" Lillie asked.

"Well. It happened when we first turned eleven years old."

We had come of age to take on Alola's Trials. Me and Guzma were going to the Ruins of Conflict to meet Tapu Koko so that we may get a Z-Ring, which would allow us to take them on.

Amazingly, Tapu Koko appeared before us! It looked at us both and, amazingly, gave Guzma the material for a Z-Ring, the same material it gave to you Elliott. However, Tapu Koko didn't give one to me. I was confused, upset but nonetheless happy for Guzma. Guzma however was a bit concerned as to why Tapu Koko didn't give me a Z-Ring.

We went to Hala who made Guzma a Z-Ring. I asked him why Tapu Koko didn't give me the material. This is what he said.

"It's not that Tapu Koko doesn't see potential in you. Rather, it sees a different path. Maybe another day though."

I thought that meant the trials weren't meant for me. So, I decided to head to the Kanto region and take on the Gyms there.

Kanto however was too hard for me. I managed to get a total of two Badges. The Marsh Badge from Koga and the Thunder Badge from Lt. Surge. But the rest were too strong. Not to mention that around this time was when Giovanni, the Boss of Team Rocket, was found out to be the Gym Leader of Viridian City. He was beaten by the Legendary Trainer Red and the Gym had to close for a bit whilst they found a new Gym Leader, which was later confirmed to be the previous Champion and Red's rival, Blue.

I decided that Gym battles were too much for me, but I do not regret the experience. In fact, it was an eye opener. It made me question; why does Alola not have a Pokémon League yet? So, I started jotting down some ideas on a piece of paper before heading back to Alola.

Upon returning, the first thing I wanted to do was meet Guzma. However, he had not been using his Z-power for good. In fact, he was having fun using this Z-power to do more harm than good, vandalizing communities and fighting unfairly. I tried to tell him to stop, but he wouldn't listen. He even had a few croons with him that would become the first few members of Team Skull. This included Plumeria by the way.

My efforts to talk sense into Guzma were futile however, and he even tried to use a Z-move on me. Specifically, Savage Spin-Out. That's the Bug Type Z-move.

However, before the attack could take place, Tapu Koko arrived before us and stopped the attack. It then took away Guzma's Z-Ring. Following that, Guzma swore off the Island Challenge and started forming Team Skull.

I told Hala about this and my plans for the Pokémon League. He was the first person I told. Now being twelve at this point, of course I was too young to pitch it, but Hala promised to keep this idea safe, and would be in talks with the other Kahunas. And when I would be old enough, we might continue with the project with me in charge.

As for Guzma, Team Skull got bigger and bigger. This was the first time I had talked to him in 20 years.

"So that's why Guzma is so against the Island Trials," said Acerola.

"That's no excuse though!" said Hau. "Elliott has proved that Guzma is not the strongest!"

Professor Kukui nodded sadly. "That's right. If he didn't abuse that power, maybe all this wouldn't have happened." The Professor then got out a map of Ula'ula Island and pointed to a closed off town on the other side. "This here is Po Town, an abandoned settlement where Team Skull makes their base. Elliott, maybe you can talk some sense into him."

I got up. "I'll do it!" I said.

"Quiet!" whispered the Librarian.

"It's a good idea though," Hau said. "And Acerola, we can do your trial on the way."

Acerola smiled. "I'd be glad to."

"And Zygarde," I brought up. "I want to show Dexio and Sina all the Cells that I have accumulated."

"Good ideas all around," said the Professor. "Good luck to all of you. Oh, and Elliott. Before you go, a little congratulations for Torracat evolving." He held up a Z-Crystal. It was orange with Incineroar's face inside. "This is the Z-Crystal that can allow Incineroar to use the Z-move Malicious Moonsault. It should have learned the move Darkest Lariat now, so you can use it. It's a Dark Type move, so watch this." Professor Kukui put both his arms above him so that it looked like he was looming over me. "That's how you use Dark Type Z-moves!"

"Thanks!" I shouted.

"Quiet!" whispered the Librarian.

"And for Hau." He handed Hau a green Z-Crystal with a shape that had seven sides to it and what looked like a beak in the middle. "I know your Dartrix hasn't evolved yet, but once it evolves into Decidueye, it will learn the Ghost Type move Spirit Shackle. This gives access to the move Sinister Arrow Raid. Acerola, care to show the position?"

Acerola crouched a bit and put her hands in front of her head. Then she straightened her legs and put both her hands to the sides. "That's the Ghost Type position!"

"Okay that's it!" said the Librarian. "Get out! All of you!"

Rotom's Move Dex!

What a buzy day! Roto! Elliott fought Guzzma and hizz Bug Typezz! So, that'zz the Type for today! Zzt zzt! The move in quezztion?

Leech Life!

Leech Life izz proof that you can become strong if you put your mind to it! Zzt zzt! Originally having a meazzly power of 20, in recent timezz of becoming a TM, it'zz power wazz quadrupled to 80! That'zz amazing! Like Giga Drain, it rezztorezz HP equivalent to half the damage dealt! Roto!

By levelling up, Pokémon that can uzze Leech Life include Kabutops, Crobat and Araquanid!

So don't give up and you'll get stronger! Roto!