Chapter 64 – Battle at Brooklet Hill

Akala Island, Alola Region…

The cool sparkling rock pools of Brooklet Hill, and the shady jungle surrounding were a welcome sight after the heat of Wela Volcano Park. Brooklet Hill was on the western side of Akala Island, opposite to Wela Volcano.

A series of three pools fed by a cascading waterfall that resembled a terrace field. Regarded by local trainers in the know as the best fishing spot in Alola, for its abundance of Wishiwashi and other water type Pokémon.

Hunter couldn't help himself. As he, Cameron, Lucario and Growlithe's wandered along the path, and the pond came into view, he turned to Growlithe's, tapped him on the back with his paw and declared, "race you to the pond. Last one in's a rotten execute," before dashing off.

"Hey, no fair," Growlithe's barked giving chase.

The two dashed off towards the pool, Cameron shouting after them, "be careful you two. There could be wild Pokémon in there!"

"You need to not be so uptight," said Lucario putting a paw on his shoulder. "They'll be fine. We can see them."

"Yeah, I know," said Cameron giving his partner a weak smile. "It's just after everything that's happened."

SPLASH

Hunter and Growlithe ran along the little wooden jetty and ran out into almost the middle of the largest pool and leapt off the end, entering the water with a splash. As the clean fresh spring water soaked his fur and kissed the skin beneath Hunter felt a wonderful sense of relief.

The pool was washing away all of the dirt, sweat and ash that had stuck in his fur as a result of the trip to Wela National Park – literally and figuratively. The Riolu closed his eyes and allowed his body to skin into the depths of the pond.

His aura sensors tingled, feeling the waves of aura from the many hundreds of fish Pokémon all around him. After a couple of seconds, he kicked hard with his legs, propelling his body forward until he broke the surface. He shook his head to get the water droplets away from his eyes and opened them.

The first thing he saw was Growlithe doggy paddling around him, a wide grin on his muzzle. "He-he, I was first in. That makes you a rotten Exeggcute. Ugh." He stuck out his tongue for good measure.

Hunter glowered at him. "Like Zapdos' tailfeathers you were first in. It was a tie."

"No, it wasn't," Growlithe retorted. "My paws touched the water first. Also, I surfaced first, that means I win."

"I didn't agree to that." Hunter folded his arms but regretted doing so when it caused him to lose his position and slip back under the water. He kicked hard and stabilised himself. "You can't add rules after the fact, Growly."

"Oh, come on bluey, everybody knows that's the rule," Growlithe retorted. Now you gonna take it like a Lucario and accept your loss, or while like a puppy. You rotten…Ahh."

"No, but I'm going to get you!"

Without warning, Hunter threw himself forward in the water, grabbing hold of Growlithe and dragging them both under the surface, where they started to wrestle, pushing, and pulling each other, biting each other's ears (softly), and tugging and the other's fur. They surfaced a moment later, treading water and breathing heavily…

Cameron watched the two puppies play with a wide grin on his face. He longed to go dive in the crystal blue waters himself, preferably dragging Lucario with him. Alas, he had something else to attend to. He reached to his belt and took out the Pokéball containing his newly caught Sneasel.

"You really think this is that Sneasel," he asked his partner. "The one from Hoenn. The one who was. You know…Getting it on with Ashachu?"

Lucario nodded. "I'm sure of it. There's something else about is aura too. Something dark. I'd be careful around him."

"In that case." Using his free hand, Cameron took a second ball off his belt, and threw both of them. "We'll need some back up."

Blade the Sneasel and Hirosaki the Latios materialised in a flash of light. Blade immediately fell the ground clutching the wound in his chest, while Hirosaki took a flight around the pool, taking in the sights.

"Eeeoonnn," the Latios cried as he flew back to the ground to land beside Cameron. "Nice to be out of that ball. Cameron you've…Whoa what did I miss." He's just caught sight of his brother's dirty and sweaty state. The black marks on his face from the ash of the volcano and the dampness of his t-shirt. "Something fun no doubt."

"Try an encounter with Team Skull," said Lucario through gritted teeth.

Hirosaki ignored him, catching sight of Blade. "Oh, and you made a new friend. That's it, I need to be walking Poké…Wait a minute. It's you." The smile on his face suddenly contorted into a snarl and he pointed a claw at Blade and snapped, "You're the Sneasel from Po Town. The one who turned Ashachu against us. Cameron, what in the distortion world is he doing here. Did you catch up."

"I can explain," said Cameron, holding out an arm. "We found him being attacked by these thugs in Wela volcano park. I had no choice but to catch him. He would have been killed had we not been there to save him. And now he's hurt pretty bad."

"Oh, I see," said Hirosaki folding his arms. "And you didn't bring me out for the battle. Sometimes I wonder who the older one is."

Cameron shrugged. "I honestly didn't think about it. Sorry."

"Oh well." Hirosaki sighed. "I suppose you want me to use heal pulse on him."

"Would you."

"Very well. Brace yourselves!" Hirosaki floated a little higher in the air and his body begun to glow a light green colour. Circular pulses emanated from him, encasing both Blade and Lucario…

Blade slowly raised his head and opened his eyes. He thought he had been dying. The last thing he remember was that scary looking Pokémon baring down upon him before his world had gone black. And surprisingly, he'd been okay with that. Even the pain had started to fade.

But now the opposite was happening. He felt his strength returning to him. He looked down at his chest to find the wound was closing and he was no longer bleeding. The pain had almost entirely vanished, and his vision had returned. Blade was finally able to stand up.

"Blade," said Cameron gently, kneeling down and extending his arm in a non-threatening gesture. "It is Blade isn't it. How are you…AHH"

Blade, apparently choosing to celebrate his newly regained health and strength with a bout of violence, charged at Cameron with his sharp claws, seemingly intent on driving them into the boy's neck. Cameron, trying and failing to get away, fell backwards onto his backside.

Fortunately for him, Lucario acted protectively of his mate, moved in front of Cameron, and struck out at Blade with a hard kick, catching Blade under the jaw and knocking him over. Next thing Blade knew, he was being pinned to the ground by a snarling Lucario.

"Try to harm my mate again, and I'll kill you."

By the look on Lucario's face, Blade knew he meant every word. "Okay, okay, you got me." He went limp, placing his claws on the ground as a sign of surrender. Lucario however did not let up, keeping Blade pinned down beneath his paw.

"What's his problem," Hirosaki asked gruffly, as he helped Cameron back to his feet.

"I'm not sure," Cameron replied. "But from what I've seen, I don't think he's had a particularly easy life so far."

Hirosaki frowned and coxed his head. "So, this is really the same Sneasel that we met in Hoenn. The one who was with Team Rocket. The one Ashachu was disappearing to spend time with."

"Ashachu!" Blade repeated, his eyes widening, but he was ignored.

"I think so," said Cameron. "I mean he looks the same. Not that I can really tell them apart."

"He's the same one," Lucario growled. "I'd recognise his aura anywhere. Though I didn't know it had become so dark."

"What on earth do we do with him," Hirosaki wondered. "Now that he's healed, should we just release him or…"

Cameron beamed and shook his head, causing the Latios to give him a wide-eyed stare. "Nope! I'm keeping him. A spunky Pokémon like Blade will be great to have onside at the league. And if he's with us, we can keep him out of trouble."

Blade let out a long-beleaguered sigh. "Oh great. More trainers!" He regretted it when Lucario pressed his paw harder into his chest.

"What do you say Blade," Cameron asked. "Want to join us and help us take on the Alola League."

"Not really!"

Cameron folded his arms, continuing to smile broadly. "Well, that's tough." Blade grumbled. "Now, let's get you something to eat. Lucario, you can let him up now."

Lucario very reluctantly removed his foot paw from Blade's chest, but not before whispering, "I mean it Sneasel. You make one wrong move. You even made me think you're going to try to hurt someone. And I'll snap your neck. Understood."

Blade made a grunting sound, that could have been interpreted as either a protested or in agreement but said nothing. His instinct told him plainly that, like Charizard, this Pokémon was far too strong for him. He got up very slowly, keeping his claws close to his body and in view to keep the other Pokémon seeing him as a threat.

It was at that point that Hunter and Growlithe came wandering out of the pond, their fur soaking wet, each giggling breathlessly. "Hey, is it lunchtime yet," shouted Hunter. "I'm starving."

"Yeah, me too," barked Growlithe.

The two of them shook their coats dry, flecking Cameron and the others with droplets of water.

"Hunter," said an exasperated Cameron. "Careful."

"What have I told you about doing that around other Pokémon and your trainer," Lucario barked severely.

"Oh sorry," Hunter whined, going a little red in the face and backing away.

Blade too was irritated by being flecked with water but stayed silent. Unliked the other Pokémon, he didn't however try to shield his face lest it appear he was raising his claws in aggression.

He gazed intently at Hunter, a thousand thoughts suddenly running through his mind, and prickling sense of guilt creeping off him. The last time Blade had seen Hunter has been Team Rocket had captured them in Hoenn. And he tried to make amends for Aether Paradise. That memory made him shiver.

'I felt so bad for Ashachu. For running is relationship. But I kind of ruined Hunter's too."

And it seemed that Hunter felt the same way…

"Huh! YOU!" The second Hunter noticed Blade looking at him, and his eyes met the Sneasel's his face contorted with rage, and he raised his paws into first. He sprinted at Blade and punched him hard in the face. "You complete and utter shit. How dare you show your face here!"

Blade's instinct kicked in and he held up a claw to repost before striking back. The two disappeared into a tussle of fur, dust, and claws.

"Hunter, Blade. Stop that," demanded.

"Lu-car!" Lucario was onto of poor Blade again, grabbing a hold of him with his right paw arm and putting him into a half nelson, squeezing his neck, making it hard for the Sneasel to breath. "I warned you. Lay a claw on anyone and I'll end you."

"H-he att-acked m-me f-first," Blade tried to growl, but he couldn't be due to the pressure on his throat.

At the same time, Cameron had grabbed a hold of Hunter by the scruff of the neck and held him back from attacking Blade.

"You bastard," Hunter continued to growl at Blade. "You turned Ashachu against me, you man stealing…Grrr. If I'd known, it was you with Team Skull I would have."

"Hunter," snapped Cameron. "That's not a nice thing to say!"

"Hunter I'm sorry," said Blade holding up his claws apologetically. He meant it.

The sincerity seemed to take Hunter aback and he stopped struggling against Cameron. "What."

"You're right Hunter," said Blade. "Ashachu was your boyfriend and I let my feelings for him cloud my judgement. I was selfish in trying to mate with him. You have my apology. I'm sorry."

"You-you mean that." The waves of aura coming from Blade no longer felt dark as in bad. They were filled with pain, sorrow, and genuine guilt. In that moment, Hunter thought he understood something much deeper about the Sneasel. Perhaps he was starting to see something that Ashachu had.

"I do," Blade reiterated, feeling his eyes become a little wet. "I do. I'm sorry Hunter."

Cameron, now convinced he wasn't going to attack Blade, released Hunter. Lucario did the same for Blade. The two Pokémon approached each other cautiously. "I-I. I accept you apology," said Hunter offering his paw.

Blade accepted, reaching out to take Hunter's paw in his claw and shake it. "I know it's not enough. But thanks."

"Uhm. Pardon me, but what in the distortion world is going on here," cried a bewildered Growlithe.

"It's a long story," said Hunter. "Believe me!"

[Pokémon]

Half an hour later…

"Concentrate Hunter," said Cameron. "Don't take your eyes off your opponent!"

The opponent was of course Blade – a brief training session in the afternoon, after lunch and before heading out again, and a chance for Cameron to test Blade's natural skills. The two Pokémon stood a few metres apart from each other, eyeing each other carefully.

"Alright Blade. Show us what you've got."

"Sneasel!" A brief grin flashed across Blade's face before he charged at Hunter, claws held aloft.

"Hunter, dodge with quick attack, the use vacuum wave!"

Hunter dashed to the side, running a circle around Blade before spinning around, putting his paws together and firing a wave from them at Blade. The attack struck Blade in the side, causing his wince in pain, though remarkably he remained on his feet.

"Whoa," Hunter gasped to himself, "He's tough."

Cameron smiled widely. "Yeah, this Sneasel's strong! Alright Hunter, try force palm!"

But before the words were out of Cameron's mouth, Blade was on the move, charging at Hunter. Poor Hunter didn't have time to react and felt a strong, sharp claw connect with his stomach. "Rio…" Unlike Blade, he collapsed, falling to his knees.

Cameron gritted his teeth. "Come on Hunter, you can do it."

Hunter took a deep breath, swallowed the pain and leapt back to his feet… The two continued to trade blows at Cameron's command until their bodies and fur were glistening with sweat, and each was becoming visibly fatigued.

"Alright this is the moment Hunter," shouted Cameron. "Your foe's weak, so give him a focus blast."

"Olu." Hunter took a deep breath and took a sprint at Blade, holding his two paws out a large beam of blue energy forming between them.

He had expected the Sneasel to take an evasive manoeuvres or else be too tired to be effective. Instead, Blade charged at him an almost crazed expression on his face.

'Oh, this is going to be too easy,' Hunter thought to himself.

He pushed his energy into the orb between his paws, waiting for the right moment to release it. That moment didn't come. The sight of the charging Sneasel coming towards him became a blur, and then he felt a pair of claws grab him before he tripped and fell to the ground.

The sight of Blade grinning above him was the last thing he saw before unconsciousness…

"Hmmm…What in the distortion world happened," He groaned sometime later when he regained consciousness and found Cameron kneeling beside him, and Blade…Ugh…The Sneasel was standing over him and a wide grin on his muzzle. "Oh no! Don't tell me I…"

"Yep," said Blade gleefully. "You just got your tail kicked by that Sneasel." He put emphasis on the word that, enjoying the look of annoyance on Hunter's face and the glare that he was now wearing. He chuckled, then offered Hunter a claw. "Hey, it was a good match. You fought really hard."

The glower on Hunter's face turned into a smile and he accepted Blade's claw, allowing the Sneasel to pull him back to his feet. "Yeah, it was good. How'd you do that. I was sure I had you."

Blade clapped him on the shoulder and laughed. "You know you remind me so much of him. I had this same conversation with Ashachu!"

"At least you two are getting along now," Cameron sighed.

"Nice battling Hunty-boi," came an annoying snarky voice.

Hunter felt his fur bristle with anger. He looked up and noticed Goodra grinning at him smugly. He and a few of Cameron's other Pokémon, Growlithe included, had gathered around to watch the battle.

"Keep fighting like that, and we'll out of the league at the preliminaries."

"What just happened," barked Growlithe, scratching his ear. "Hunter was winning and then Blade just tackled him."

"I'll tell you what happened," said Goodra folding his arms. "Hunter's battling really sucks."

"Grrrr…" Hunter growled at him, clenching his paws into fist. "Shut up Goodra."

"Who's this asshole," Blade asked frowning at Goodra. "And why does he look like a Salamence's dick."

Goodra's eyes widened in surprise at this response. "Hey Sneasel, ouch! Impressive win you had there against little Hunty here. Maybe you need a real opponent!" He flexed a muscle and grinned malevolently at Blade.

Blade returned his grin, making sure as to show Goodra his fangs. "Oh, I'm sure you don't want that. Not unless you want your head to go up Hydriegon's ass. Which I suppose is the right place for a Pokémon that looks like a wet Salamance's dick."

Goodra's eyes narrowed to slits. "You know you shouldn't talk shit when you very clearly don't have the moves or attack power to back it up. You look like a pretty scrawny Sneasel to me, and you weren't exactly faring well against Scizor and Golisopod."

The two stared daggers at each other and the air became charged with tension. So much so that Growlithe barked nervously, "Please you two, we're all friends here."

"Yeah gooey, be nice to our new friend," said Hunter tauntingly, before sniggering, "Salamance dick!"

Thank-fully, with Cameron, Lucario and Hirosaki watching, Goodra didn't dare start an actual fight with Blade. Blade on the other paw, unsure as to whether he would be able to best Goodra in a one-on-one battle, decided it was best not to attack if not physically provoked. It wasn't long after that Cameron announced they were hearing back onto the road…