Hello one and all to a special chapter of Pokemon SVTA where we celebrate the 1-year anniversary of the story, it's been an interesting year and I thought I would give up but I'm managing to stick it through and so I thank you to those who continue to read this story. This chapter will focus on Ash trying to train Cyclizar and Koraidon together but is having some difficulties, they encounter a girl named Lacey (who's Nemona's penpal) and the slow talking Drayton who takes an interest in Ash and decides to battle him, but Team Rocket take interest in Drayton because of his mysterious Pokemon Archaludon (who is Shiny) and decide to take it.
Without further ado, let's begin.
Cyclizar's moveset from last chapter: Dragon Claw, Rapid Spin, Wild Charge, Breaking Swipe
I also realized that I haven't posted Teddiursa's current moveset sense chapter 27: Slash, Play Rough, Payback, Trailblaze
Cover Story 42: The Malamar Conspiracy 1: Return of the Malamar 1
Remember those mysterious Malamar from X and Y that acted like a cult? Well, the one searching for them is an Officer Jenny that goes undercover with her Manetric. She's unlike most of her Kalos sisters that she prefers being more of a detective and to differentiate herself from her sisters, she began referring to herself as Jennifer and with the help of Ash and friends, they manage to defeat the Malamar twice but even though they've supposedly gone into the future, she's still trying to find out more about these Malamar and why they would destroy the world. She tried to connect them to anything including Team Flare but to no avail.
Just when things get hopeless, she gets a rumor about mysterious kidnappings near Cyllage City and heads over there, she learns from various citizens and Gym Leader Grant how people and possibly Pokemon in brown cloaks have been luring people out of the city and supposedly to an abandoned factory and they haven't been seen since. He's planning on checking the facility, Jennifer goes with, and they begin checking around for this facility, but the forest is so dense, that they are unable to see it but then a teenager catches up to him along with his Chesnaught.
Grant recognizes him as a trainer who challenged his gym a little while ago named Calem, Calem asks to join because his cousin went missing around this area and thinks it's this cult but Jennifer asks him to go back as it's too dangerous, but Calem says he has a Pokemon that can help search for the factory and sends out Charizard. Jennifer reluctantly agrees and Charizard searches the air and after a little while, they see Charizard circling around something but just as the 3 were running to the place, Charizard's wing is struck down by an oncoming attack causing Charizard to fall to the ground.
The gang arrive to the scene to see two cloaked members and their Magmortar who exclaims that they don't want anyone knowing about their place but before Magmortar could attack, Jennifer's Manetric launches a Hyper Voice which stuns the group and allows Calem to return Charizard to his Pokeball and Grant sends out Onix to surround them with Rock Tomb. Jennifer calls for back up and the 3 enter the factory to see people tied up but Calem's cousin isn't one of them, one of the kidnapped people says they've been taken somewhere else but gets knocked out by a Malamar's Hypnosis before they can say anything else. All of a sudden, the 3 are surrounded by various cult members and Malamar who're ready for a fight.
Jennifer realizes that if they want to figure out the truth, they have to be ready to fight so Jennifer, Calem and Grant grab their Pokeballs and prepare to fight to find the truth.
TBC
Cover Story 43: Ingo and Emmet Lost to Time 3: Cooperation 1
With Ingo stuck in the past, Emmet's gone with Cynthia who has some evidence that show that Ingo has appeared through Sinnoh but not in a traditional way, but rather via being in the past. The two arrive in Jubilife City in the Sinnoh Region and meets up with the mayor, Professor Rowan and someone who claims to have evidence towards Ingo's appearance in the past. Her name is Perrin and her Hisuian Growlithe, she's planning on a trip to the Paldea Region soon but figured she could come by and at least provide some help via her ancestry and the items from her past, any hint to finding Ingo.
The mayor reveals that city hall used to be the location of the Galaxy Team, a group of people tasked with protecting Jubilife, maintaining connections and documenting Pokemon in a time where people and Pokemon didn't get along. The leader Rowan reveals is his great grandfather Kamado who led the exhibition team and protected Jubilife, Rowan provides a picture of the group, but something looked peculiar to the group. Perrin resembles one of the people who Perrin says is her ancestor Adaman who led the Diamond Clan and Perrin resembles him but with shorter hair but something else caught Emmet's eyes, one of the people resembled Ash and his Pikachu to which Cynthia looks on in surprise but the mayor mentions the kid's name is Satori who helped changed people's view over Pokemon. Two other people that caught Cynthia's attention were a girl named Akari that resembled Dawn and a boy with glasses that resembled Paul named Shinjo and there was one other person but they were blacked out for some reason.
Rowan mentions the groups went on different adventures and collected various artifacts and learned about Pokemon but it's also in this photo that Emmet sees Ingo with the group, a part of the Galaxy team making Emmet come to the conclusion that when Ingo somehow arrive there, he joined the Galaxy Team, but it still confuses him as to how he's in the past. Rowan comes up with a solution, he mentions how Legendaries Dialga, Palkia and Giratina can affect time and space in a way and that Arceus has some Abilities relating to time but why they chose Ingo is something Rowan can't begin to explain.
The mayor asks wouldn't Ingo be considered... deceased in the modern day and although this bothers Emmet, Cynthia reassures him that although confusing, she does say that those in the past are able to change what happens in the present in some way though how is something she doesn't know but assumes that Ingo will be fine somewhat.
Emmet appreciates the help despite the little evidence they have but Perrin does have one last thing, a family heirloom known as the Adamant Crystal which she gives to Emmet and Cynthia. She doesn't know what it can do but she does say that it held some importance alongside two other orbs: The Lustrous Globe and the Griseous Orb, Cynthia remembers something in her hometown about the latter two orbs and decides they should head to Celestic Town to learn from her grandmother on the locations and Rowan tags along wanting to investigate these mysterious occurrences. They bid goodbye to the mayor and Perrin and head on their way.
Meanwhile in the past, we see Irida and Ingo make it to Jubilife village where she encounters her rival Adaman who she comedically pickers with. Irida explains how Adamn is the leader of the Diamond Clan, a rival to the Pearl Clan and how they've been fighting for generations but Adaman stops bickering and introduces himself to Ingo politely before they're stopped by a man who resembles Rowan, Kamado alongside his assistant Cyllene who has a passing resemblance to Cyrus of Team Galactic. He asks what's going on before Irida says she wants to induct Ingo into the Survey Corps in order to survey the environment, it's Pokemon but also to find a for Ingo to get his memory back.
Kamado, though suspicious allows him a chance to prove himself through a sumo fight and although Ingo loses, Kamado does get a good laugh and allows Ingo to join but he has to prove himself well on these missions or he won't stay, he tells Cyllene to give Ingo the keys to a house that Survey Corps live in and she nods telling him to prove himself useful. Kamado leads the group to 3 other members of the Survey Corps. Cyllene introduces Ingo to his fellow member thhe first is a girl with long hair and a resemblance to Dawn being Akari, the daughter of a famous clothmaker parents and appeared to be impatient and alongside her were a Cyndaquil and a Piplup.
The 2nd is Shinjo, a boy with a passing resemblance to Paul with some elements of Reggie, he's the son to a samurai father that worked with Kamado long ago and a singer mother and appeared calm unlike Paul, though still stoic, he gives a calm smile and gave praise to his Oshawott and Chimchar. Next was a man named Volo who had some resemblance to Cynthia and he works for the Gingko Guild who searches for items and sell them off, his partner was Togepi and Gible. However, there is one more trainer but he's known as a bit of a rascal and sure enough, that rascal appears as a boy that resembled Ash arrives with his Pikachu and Rowlet who woke up late, Cyllene scolds him for waking up late and asks him to introduce himself to Ingo.
The boy nods and introduces himself as Satori Ketchum, the youngest in the group. It seems it makes Ingo remember something as he sees a resemblance to Ash and Pikachu to which he mutters "Ash?" but Satori says that his name is Satori. Ingo apologizes and states that he reminds him of someone but isn't sure who. Either way, Cyllene gives out their missions, Volo will document Pokemon near the Cobalt Coastlands, Shinjo will look at strange occurrences in the Obsidian Fieldlands about strange portals opening up, Ingo asks about these portals and Shinjo mentions how for unknown reasons, portals have been opening up causing various Pokemon to appear as well as items.
Lastly are Akari, Satori and Ingo who will go to the Crimson Mirelands to help Ingo get adjusted to the corps with Akari teaching Ingo about surveying while Satori teaches Ingo about the Pokemon and their behaviors and thus, the gang begins their missions as the journey continues.
TBC
It was another day in the Paldea Region in the Vast Beyond where we see the gang resting preparing to leave as Ash and Nemona were doing some last-minute training with Nemona using Teddiursa and Crocalor while Ash used Cyclizar and Koraidon? Well, this is unusual. If you don't recall, Koraidon doesn't have the ability to fight except for some occasions which even Penny seems confused by as she's brushing her Umbreon, Sprigatito and Greavard while Arven and Morada were cleaning the dishes from breakfast.
"Ash is using Koraidon? Isn't their energy reduced to 0%?" Penny says as Arven nods.
"Pretty much but Ash figured that if Koraidon needed to get stronger again while in this state, so Ash decided to train them in the meantime." Arven says as Penny was still curious.
"What moves did Koraidon know before losing their powers?" Penny says as Arven struggled to think and grabbed his notebook.
"Well, while in Area Zero, dad observed that Koraidon's moves were as followed, Fire Fang, Dragon Claw, Iron Head and a move dad dubs Collision Course." Arven said.
"Collision Course, like an impact of sorts, does that mean Koraidon has the potential to destroy lands?" Penny says as Arven shakes his head.
"Not exactly, Koraidon goes to the air and rolls like a tire before crashing down onto the target dealing major damage and is said to be boosted by the sun, but it only fights in this state through a form, he calls Apex Form and is said to summon the sun itself boosting it's power and without it, Koraidon can't battle much but I guess it's not fully gone since they used Fire Fang, so I guess it's not fully gone." Arven says as the battle goes on.
"Alright Koraidon, let's see if maybe one of your moves comes back, use Dragon Claw towards Teddiursa and Cyclizar use Dragon Claw towards Crocalor!" Ash says as Cyclizar and Koraidon nod and prepared their moves but as they began to move, they began to bump into each other causing Cyclizar to be angry and stop.
"Cycli! Cyclizar, zar, zar, zar!" Cyclizar says pointing towards Koraidon's position and to himself as Koraidon scoffs.
"Korai, don, don!" Koraidon says trying to show their superiority which confused Ash and Nemona as they try to comprehend the scenario.
"I wonder they're fighting about, it's just them using moves?" Nemona says as Penny looks over their body actions and determines their actions. "It's possible they're arguing about who goes first as to not bump into each other and that Koraidon is acting superior to Cyclizar which is getting on his nerves." Penny says as Ash looked confused.
"They're bickering? I thought they settled their jealousy differences a while ago?" Ash says as Nemona looks to him, "Ash, just because they settled their differences doesn't mean they're automatically besties or maybe they just consider each other both friends and rivals trying to outdo each other. I mean, Sarah considers me her friend and rival as we both have the same goal." Nemona says as Ash realizes this, and he walks towards the two.
"Now, now, let's stop this bickering. We need to work together in order to make it through a battle." Ash says to the two as they turned away from each other causing Ash to sigh but Pikachu goes to Ash's bag to grab some crackers made for Pokemon and Ash picks it up. "Tell you what, if you two works together perfectly for the next 10 minutes, I'll give you guys these Pokemon crackers as a reward for good teamwork." Ash says shaking the box which gets both Pokemon interested and reluctantly nod causing Ash to smile.
"Alright, let's get back to work!" Ash says as both Pokemon get into positions once more and prepare themselves so did Nemona's Pokemon. "Alright once more, let's see if your Dragon Claw works towards Teddiursa and you use Dragon Claw too Cyclizar towards Crocalor!" Ash says as Cyclizar's right claw glows and rushes towards Crocalor while Koraidon attempts to do the same with their claw seemingly glowing.
"Alright Teddiursa, use Trailblaze and Crocalor, Bite!" Nemona says as Teddiursa rushes towards Koraidon but as Koraidon attempted to slash at Teddiursa, their glow disappears causing Koraidon to stop, Cyclizar sees this and smirks causing Koraidon to be annoyed but focused on the Teddiursa as Ash notices.
"Block it Koraidon!" Ash says as Koraidon nods and blocks Teddiursa's oncoming hit as Teddiursa jumps back while Crocalor bites onto Cyclizar's Dragon Claw causing both to jump back. Ash began to think to himself over Koraidon's predicament.
If Dragon Claw doesn't work, maybe Fire Fang still will. Ash thought to himself remembering Koraidon against Team Rocket who was successfully able to use Fire Fang. Maybe Koraidon's moves aren't permanently gone but more of need relearning and preparation more than that they're unable to use them so let's try that move again. Ash thought to himself again.
"Alright Koraidon, let's use Fire Fang and Cyclizar Breaking Swipe!" Ash says as Koraidon nods and breathes in and out before their fangs glowed as the gang look on in surprise and encouragement as Koraidon rushes to Teddiursa while Cyclizar's tail glows and prepares to strike at Crocalor but Koraidon smirks towards Cyclizar causing Cyclizar to be annoyed.
"That's the sprit you two! Teddiursa use Play Rough, Crocalor use Thunder Fang against that tail!" Nemona says as Teddiursa nods and her body glows with a pink aura and rushes at Koraidon eventually clashing with one another as Koraidon bites at Teddiursa sending her back. Cyclizar meanwhile spins to attack with his tail but Crocalor bites down on his tail with Thunder Fang causing Cyclizar to panic and try to move his tail around to get rid of Crocalor.
"Use Rapid Spin!" Ash said as Cyclizar spun in a fast clockwise direction as Crocalor stayed on until Cyclizar got him off sending him flying towards Nemona but gets back up safely. Cyclizar looks to his tail in worry as Ash goes to check on him along with Nemona, "Is your tail ok Cyclizar?" Ash asks as Cyclizar nods but hears Koraidon snicker, this causes Cyclizar to angerily walk over to Koraidon growling at him as Koraidon looked at Cyclizar angerily as Ash sighed.
"Oh boy, here we go." Ash said disappointly as Cyclizar's body sparks with electricity surprising everyone, "Wait Cyclizar, don't-" Ash didn't finish as Koraidon's body began to glow with a red aura catching Arven's attention.
"Wait that red aura, it couldn't possibly be!?" Arven says as he grabs the Scarlet book and turns to the page on Koraidon, "That aura must mean they're ready to use Collision Course!" Arven says getting everyone's attentions as Ash panics.
"Wait don't fight!" Ash says but before things could escalate, they hear a high pitch ringing noise.
"Draaaa!" a voice was heard stopping both Koraidon's and Cyclizar's moves as they began to investigate alongside their trainers.
"What was that?" Nemona says as Ash shrugs.
"I'm not sure but it sounded like it came from the south! Cyclizar, Pikachu, Koraidon, could you help us search for the noise?" Ash says as his Pokemon nod and began searching around the Vast Beyond for whatever that noise was. Cyclizar and Koraidon were far ahead searching when they see the sight of a Pokemon. Near a riverside, they see a Goodra calling out to someone but it seems Goodra has Cyclizar's attention as hearts appeared in his eyes and goes to the Goodra out of love surprising the Goodra.
"Zar, zar zar, Cyclizar." Cyclizar said in a flirtatious way as the Goodra giggled but Koraidon (who also had hearts in their eyes) pushed Cyclizar out of the way comedically out of love causing Cyclizar and Koraidon to clash once more as the gang arrive.
"Were you guys able to find- oh, maybe we should step back." Ash says as the gang look on in confusion as Penny came to one simple conclusion. "It seems even outside of battle, they're still fighting but for love and that love is this Goodra. Maybe she's the one who's calling out?" Penny says as the gang look on at the Goodra who was calm and Nemona goes to the Goodra.
"What's wrong Goodra? We can help out if you wan-" Nemona was interrupted by another voice in the distance and a girl with pink hair, a white school uniform and a pink coat came down to the riverside.
"Goodra! Were you able to find Drayton, he might've ran off to do some train-" the girl stopped upon seeing the group but more specifically, she looked to Nemona in surprise and even curiosity as Nemona did the same confusing everyone. "Nem-Nemona? Pawmi- Pawmo?" the girl said shocked as Nemona and Pawmo were too.
"Lacey?" Nemona said shocked as the two ran towards each other and hugged each other out of glee.
"Nemona, it's been so long since we last saw each other! How has it been!?" Lacey said excitedly.
"It's been great! I'm on a journey right now so I didn't have enough time to write you letter or zoom call you." Nemona said happily as the gang were curious.
"You two know each other?" Penny says as Nemona and Lacey realized this and turned to the group. "Right, Lacey's my penpal from the Unova region and a good friend of mine. My dad's a good friend of her dad and we met at my 10th birthday, and we've talked through email ever since." Nemona says as Lacey nods.
"Pleasure to meet you, my name is Lacey Hoseki and it's a pleasure to meet you all and this here is my adorable Goodra." Lacey says as the gang nod as Goodra nods politely as Nemona steps in. "She loves cute things you know." Nemona says.
"How so?" Penny asks as Sprigatito appears from her jacket as Lacey's eyes sparkle with joy and rushes to Penny surprising her as she observed Penny's Pokemon. "Oh my goodness, your Sprigatito is so cute! So is your Greavard and Umbreon! They're so soft and you're cute too!" Lacey said happily as Penny blushed.
"Oh, I'm not cute but thank you for complimenting my Pokemon." Penny said but Lacey shook her head, "Nonsense, your plenty cute! Your nails, your hair, everything about you is cute!" Lacey said happily as Penny shyly smiles and quietly thanks her as Lacey focused on Arven but for whatever reason, Lacey stopped for some reason as she heavily blushed and went behind Goodra confusing Arven.
"Hmm, what's wrong? Is there a scary Pokemon behind me?" Arven says searching around as Nemona knowingly smirked towards Lacey as she blushed harder until she slapped herself with both hands.
"Sorry, I just got nervous there for a second. Normally, I don't get nervous around other people who're already cute but- but this time feels different." Lacey said as Arven got the idea of why she was blushing and whispered to Ash, Nemona and Penny.
"Guys, I think she might have a crush on one of you." Arven said as Penny looks at him with a deadpan expression.
"Gee, I wonder who?" Penny said sarcastically as Lacey had a moment of realization.
"I'm sorry, I was being rude. I didn't ask for your names and began rambling, my apologies." Lacey said as the others smiled.
"It's alright. My name is Penny Flores, and this is my Sprigatito, Umbreon and Greavard." Penny says politely as her Pokemon say their names happily.
"My name is Arven Regalo, and this here is Morada the Hisuian Sneasel." Arven says as his Sneasel bows politely as Ash went next.
"And my name is Ash Ketchum, and this here is my partner Pikachu, Koraidon and Cyclizar." Ash says as Pikachu says his name happily while Cyclizar and Koraidon were still bickering as Lacey chuckled but as Ash and Lacey were standing there, they both remembered something important.
"Wait a second, you're Lacey of Blueberry Academy right!?" Ash says as Lacey nods, "I knew it, your schoolmate Crispin mentioned you to me and Arven the other day." Ash says as Lacey realizes this and nods.
"Yep, Crispin's a fellow Elite Four member, I figured he would be interested in someone like you after all, you're determined, famous and your the one brave enough to talk not only talk to my dad with bravery but also fight him." Lacey says as the gang (sans Nemona who seemingly knows something) look on curiously.
"Fight your father?" Ash says but before anyone could say anything, it seems like Arven's noticed something.
"Um, guys. Should we call 112?" Arven says pointing to 2 pairs of legs belonging to someone and black legs within the dirt as the gang look on shocked including Lacey as she seemingly recognized these pair of legs.
"Drayton! Haxorus!" Lacey yelled out as Ash and Nemona were quick into action.
"Pawmo Dig!" Nemona says as Pawmo quickly dug through the dirt until it was soft enough and Koraidon pulled both of them out but it seems like the boy wasn't out cold as he seemed to be relaxed and laid back and so did Haxorus.
"Oh, I'll have to find a new hotel room." Drayton said confusing everyone.
"HOTEL ROOM!?" the gang say in confusion as Lacey huffed her cheeks.
"We're staying at a hotel in Mirage Town!" Lacey said as Drayton appeared again, to be slow moving.
"Oh, I thought we were sleeping outside to observe the environment." Drayton said as Lacey shook her head and crossed her arms in an x motion.
"That's not right! Yes, we are observing the environment but we're not sleeping outside." Lacey said but Drayton seems unphased.
"Does this place have room service?" Drayton said as everyone's surprised by his... laid back and unphased attitude.
"THIS IS A RIVERSIDE!" everyone yelled out comedically, but it seems like Drayton seems to be focusing on the Koraidon as well as Ash.
"So, you're the Ash Ketchum everyone's been talking about including my gramps." Drayton says getting Ash intrigued.
"Your gramps?" Ash says as Arven looks around and proposes a suggestion.
"Let's continue this conversation at our base of temporary operations because it seems there's a lot of mystery." Arven says as Penny looked at him with a deadpan expression.
"A camp?" Penny says in a snark tone as Arven shakes the back of his head and everyone moved along to the gang's camp.
We see everyone back at the camp discussing their journeys and the gang introducing themselves to Drayton as he was delighted to meet them all while their Pokemon were playing. "It's a pleasure to meet you all, my name is Drayton Escamas and I'm the Champion of Blueberry Academy." Drayton blantantly admits surprising everyone.
"I thought you would hide something like that?" Arven says as Drayton chuckles.
"Nah, I'm pretty open about myself. Right now, though, we're in the Paldea Region observing the environment as part of a field trip so it left me bored." Drayton says as Lacey looks at him with a deadpan expression.
"Is that why you were buried in the sand?" Lacey says as Drayton shook his head, "Nah, I needed a nap." Drayton bluntly said as the gang's jaws comedically fall on the ground over Drayton's 'personality'.
What is this kid!? Everyone thought to themselves as they shook it off.
"So, what's being a top Champion over in Blueberry?" Ash says as Drayton nods, "Well, it isn't a major role compared to your Champions but it's still notable. You get rewards, awards, sleep, respect and invites to other tournaments around the world even meeting Champions but so far outside of Iris and Alder, you're the first Champion I've met outside my home region." Drayton says as everyone looked intrigued before Drayton looks to Lacey.
"By the way, what are my polls when it comes to popularity?" Drayton asks as Lacey brings out an iPad and looks through it. "According to the polls, you're at 30%" Lacey says as the others looked surprised, but Drayton looked unphased.
"Ok." Drayton says as everyone looked on comedically shocked.
He's very airheaded!" everyone thought to themselves. Something about Drayton's name ticked something off in Ash's mind.
"Drayton, Drayton, that names sounds familiar. Are you related to Drayden of Oppulucid City?" Ash says as Drayton grabs his wallet and shows a series of pictures one of whom is a picture of him, Iris and Drayden happily taking a picture while another was a family picture including him, Drayden and Saguaro.
"Yep, he's my grandpa, your home ec teacher is my uncle. Gramps may look scary but he's a caring when he's not up my Mudbray about my grades and being in a lower grade." Drayton says confusing the gang.
"Different grade?" Penny says as Lacey sighs.
"Mr. open to anything guy here has been held back 2 times to the point through my good grades, I'm two grades above him as a Junior." Lacey says as Nemona was shocked.
"You're a Junior!? But your only 14 like me." Nemona says surprised as Lacey giggled. "15 actually." Lacey says surprising Nemona again.
"It really has been that long." Nemona says disappointed.
"So that means, he's a freshman?" Penny asks as Drayton nods surprising everyone, "How old is he!?" Penny asks.
"18." Drayton bluntly admits shocking everyone.
"18!?" everyone says as Drayton looked unphased, but Ash was curious about another thing.
'Are you familiar with Iris on a personal level Drayton?" Ash asks getting Drayton's attention.
"Oh yeah, she did tell me she traveled with a 'kid' once, I'm guessing that's you?" Drayton says as Ash slumped comedically.
Of course she would say that. Ash thinks to himself as Drayton continued.
"But yes, we both trained under gramps for a while and despite her being 2 and half years younger than me, she always felt like a big sister to me guiding me in the right direction at times compared to my actual bratty sister. She told me about her adventures with you and Striton's city's Gym Leader Cilan and the dangers you guys went through. I maybe the densest person even unlikable to most people around but I'm genuinely inspired by you when I heard your exploits and when you became a Champion and a World Champion at a young age, I was inspired to keep up in battling." Drayton says genuinely as Lacey looked surprised and softly smiles.
"Thanks Drayton." Ash says as Drayton smiles.
"Not a problem. You know, Lacey's got some secrets to unpack too, she's the daughter of a-" Drayton was stopped by Lacey's punch to the arm as everyone was curious.
"Pleasantries over... well, ok. I was going to tell you but I wanted to hide it so long but I'm the daughter of Driftveil City Gym Leader Clay." Lacey admitted blushing as Ash slowly put the pieces together over Lacey's cute appearance compared to the gruff looking Clay and was shocked.
"Your Clay's daughter!?" Ash says as Lacey chuckles.
"Yeah, I'm not surprised by your reaction. Most people who see me don't think of me as Clay's daughter as we don't look nothing alike, but dad always told me that I look more like my mother than him with the pink hair and softer expression, my brother's kind of look like a younger him." Lacey says chuckling.
"You knew Clay Ash?" Nemona asks as Ash nods.
"Yep, he was pretty-" Ash stopped worried about what Lacey would say.
"No go on, he gets that a lot." Lacey says as Ash nods.
"Yep, I met him while I was on my Unova adventure where he didn't want to battle me at first but I brought him some Revival Herbs from Miles Island and that's when he battled me, he was surprised by my Boldore defeating his Excadrill thinking he didn't have a chance due to type disadvantage but, I earned a badge." Ash says as Lacey looks to him brightly.
"He usually acts like that. He doesn't mean to say those things, but he had to work hard to get to where he's at back then, but he is happy for trainers underneath his stubborn appearance. Also, he's a different man when he's home almost like a cheerleader which is both inspiring and pretty shocking to those who don't know him." Lacey says as Ash imagines a scenario where Clay cheered on his daughter happily breaking away the stubborn facade into embarrassing dad mode and understandly, he was weirded out, but Lacey chuckled.
"I would really love to battle this Boldore of yours to see if he can really take on my Excadrill." Lacey said.
"Well, he's not here right now but if we encounter each other again, I can bring him over." Ash says as Drayton was observing Ash's Cyclizar and Koraidon who were both fighting each other to impress Lacey's Goodra as an idea appeared in his mind.
"Say Ash, what is that Dragon type over there?" Drayton asks as Ash looks over in the distance.
"Oh, that's Cyclizar, he's pretty strong if I say-" Ash was interrupted however by Drayton.
"No, not Cyclizar, the bigger, red version of Cyclizar." Drayton says as the gang gulped.
"Well, you see-" Ash didn't finish as Arven chimed in.
"We're the assistance to my father Professor Turo and we're learning more about Koraidon, the Pokemon you see there with Ash taking care of Koraidon in the meantime." Arven says as Drayton was interested.
"Unique. Do you think they can battle because if so, I'd like to request a double battle with Koraidon and Cyclizar." Drayton says more seriously catching everyone off guard also catching Cyclizar and Koraidon's attentions.
"Well, um, Koraidon doesn't exactly have their powers, there was an incident and-" Ash didn't finish as Koraidon and Cyclizar immediately go to Ash agreeing to battle surprising everyone. "You want to battle!? But you don't even have most of your moves back!" Ash says surprised as Drayton is intrigued.
"Well, whatever happened to Koraidon back then, I'm sure that through battle, it can gain some of its strength back." Drayton suggested but Ash still wasn't sure.
"Well, the thing is, Cyclizar and Koraidon aren't exactly getting along as teammates so it might be difficult." Ash says as Drayton nods understandingly.
"I get you; Dragon types were noted to be one of the hardest Pokemon to train even to the point where they wouldn't cooperate with teammates thus a long time ago, there were many Dragon tamers and heck, in one era of Unova, you had to have a license but nowadays, anyone can catch a Dragon and bond with them. But my gramps told me something long ago about double battles and the two words you should learn when in double battles. 'Cooperation' and 'boundaries'." Drayton says as Ash, Cyclizar and Koraidon pay attention.
"Cooperation and boundaries?" Ash asks as Drayton nods.
"Both people and Pokemon need to cooperate in order to succeed in a battle, needing to work together to outsmart the opponent but they also have to remember their boundaries. Both Pokemon have personal boundaries to the point they don't want another individual overstepping their barriers but as long as the two individuals understand each other's boundary's, they can work together but there are times where those boundaries must be broken for the sake of a teammate in a serious scenario." Drayton says as Cyclizar and Koraidon look to each other in slight understanding before they look away from each other as Ash slowly understood what Drayton meant.
"I think I get what you're saying, as long as my Pokemon respect their boundaries in battle, they're able to work together?" Ash says as Drayton nods.
"Exactly. What do you say to the battle?" Drayton asks as Ash looks his two Pokemon who both looked prepared for battle as Ash nodded, "We accept your offer!" Ash says as Drayton smiles and shakes Ash's hand as the gang sighed.
"I expect this battle to be very intense right from the get-go." Arven says as the others nods but Nemona turns her head towards Lacey who was curious about Drayton, "Say Lacey? Is Drayton in battle more... um, simple like now?" Nemona asks as Lacey nods, but her eyes show a look of knowing and even a sense of dread.
"Not at all, he's more of what you call 'a demon' in battle, someone who enjoys the thrill of battles and when their true spirit starts to arise." Lacey says as the others look on worried towards the battle at hand. Meanwhile in the distance, Team Rocket were watching in the distance with devious plans in their eyes.
"I think today might be a good day to catch Koraidon for ourselves." Jessie says as James and Meowth were curious.
"And what makes you think that this won't blow up in our faces?" Meowth says as Jessie smirks.
"Simple, the last time we faced Koraidon, it was when they had their temporary powers but now that Koraidon is depowered, we can take that Pokemon for ourselves and give it to the boss for the ultimate powerhouse!" Jessie says as Meowth thinks of an idea.
"That's it!" Meowth says getting Jessie and James attentions.
"What's up old chum?" James asks.
"Well, the one-eyed brat mentioned something about summoning the sun and you know how boss would feel on certain days. What if he wanted to go to his pool but it was raining today and so if we have Koraidon around, they can summon the sun and boss gets to enjoy himself and we get free villas for all our hard work!" Meowth says as Jessie and James's eyes sparkle with glee.
"Then it's settled! Let's wait for our chance and swipe them for ourselves with Pikachu as a bonus!" Jessie says as Wobbuffet comes out of his Pokeball.
"Wobbuffet!" Wobbuffet says as TR look to their Pokemon in excitement.
"Doesn't it sound great to sunbath next to the pool Wobbuffet, Lechonk!?" Jessie asks as their Pokemon cheered their names happily.
"The thought of looking at our bottlecaps near the pool while enjoying a view of the ocean sounds excellent doesn't it you two?" James says to Klawf and Grafaiai who cheer their name excitedly, but Grafaiai pokes him accidently, poisoning him but the others look on with a deadpan expression.
"Apparently food poisoning is one of those poolside dreams." Meowth says sarcastically.
We see Ash and Drayton across from each other prepared for battle as Cyclizar and Koraidon are trying to not annoy each other, Drayton grabbed two Pokeballs and smiled calmly.
"I hope you're ready because I won't go easy on you even if you're our Champion." Drayton says confidently as Ash smirks.
"Good because I wouldn't want you to!" Ash says as Drayton nods.
"Right. Haxorus, Archaludon, come on out!" Drayton says as he throws his two Pokeballs in the air releasing Haxorus and a new Pokemon out ready for battle. This Archaludon resembled Duraludon but as some sort of bridge (and a stapler) and was dark gray with turquoise lines which caught the gang's attention.
"What the- it looks like a Duraludon but bigger and more like a stapler." Penny says as Ash scans the Pokemon which looked more similar to Duraludon's coloring.
Archaludon, the Alloy Pokemon, Steel/Dragon type and the evolved form of Duraludon. This newly discovered Pokemon when interacting with a particular metal. This Pokemon gathers electricity from nearby and launches a powerful beam.
This information surprises Ash as he remembers Raihan's Duraludon and its GMAX form, "An evolution of Duraludon!? Doesn't Duraludon have some sort of GMAX form? I would figure it would prevent one's evolution if that's the case it also looks different to the Pokedex." Ash says as Drayton nods.
"I would agree with you, it apparently was discovered a couple of years ago though has supposedly been around for a long time, but no one was able to figure out why until about 2 years ago by yours truly." Drayton says as Lacey looks at him with a deadpan expression.
"Are you saying that for popularity or you just being honest?" Lacey says as Drayton slumped down disappointingly but that didn't matter to Ash who smirked.
"It's alright with me, makes me more excited to battle Archaludon!" Ash says as Drayton smiles confidently as well and nods, TR's eyes were sparkling interested in Archaludon and its shininess.
"Right, First Impression on Cyclizar, Haxorus and Dragon Claw towards Koraidon, Arcahludon!" Drayton says as Haxorus's claw glows and quickly rushes towards Cyclizar and Archaludon does the same with their claw (arm?) towards Koraidon as both Pokemon panicked and paid attention as Ash called out his move.
"Clash with Dragon Claw and Koraidon, use Fire Fang!" Ash yelled out as Cyclizar and Koraidon nod and Cyclizar's right claw glows and clashes Haxorus while Koraidon waits for the right time and their jaw fills with flames as they bite down on Archaludon's arms as they stay still with Ash's Pokemon making sure that Drayton's don't get the upper hand against them, Ash then had an idea in mind.
"Koraidon, Cyclizar, use all your strength to push the two Pokemon back and then Cyclizar, use Breaking Swipe against the two!" Ash says as the Pokemon nodded and though struggled a bit, they manage to push the Pokemon back and Cyclizar's tail glowed and striked at the two Pokemon sending back by a margin. "Alright that's the spirit you two!" Ash says to his Pokemon as his Pokemon looked to each other in confidence but quickly scoffed it off which did not go unnoticed to everyone.
"Seems like the two are slowly getting along, maybe it won't take 10 years." Nemona says but the others had their suspicions.
"Yeah, but who knows, battles are unpredictable and so are bonds so things could go from 0 to 100 in one second or 100 to 0 in the next." Penny says as the others nod. Drayton looks on approvingly as he's more interested in the battle.
"Impressive, the two of you. I can tell, Ash trained you well." Drayton says as he now displays a dark glare, "Now it's time for me to be serious too, Archaludon, prepare your Electro Shot. Haxorus, stay on standby." Drayton says as Archaludon nods and proceeds to get down on all 4's charging up electricity leaving the others curious as to what Archaludon would do.
"Electro Shot?" Arven asked as Lacey nodded.
"Just watch." Lacey says as Archaludon gathers electricity around him and an orb of electricity glows in Archaludon's mouth as Ash sees his chance.
"Alright Koraidon, let's see if one of your moves will work by trying out Dragon Claw towards Archaludon and you do the same Cyclizar towards Haxorus!" Ash says as his Pokemon nod and rush towards the Pokemon with Koraidon's claws seemingly glowing most likely working but Drayton stays calm but has a look of knowing which unsettles Ash.
"I know what you're trying to do, but it won't work. Rock Slide!" Drayton says as Haxorus nods and creates several rocks that he launches towards the two Pokemon as Ash panics.
"Rapid Spin Cyclizar!" Ash yelled out as Cyclizar nods and spins like a tornado to deflect the hits clearing a path for Koraidon but it seems like Drayton's prepared for that as Archaludon glows with orange aura and appears to be done charging.
"Unleash Electro Shot." Drayton said simply as Archaludon launches a beam of electricity towards Koraidon who didn't even see it coming but before it could hit them, Cyclizar pushes Koraidon out of the way taking the hit instead surprising everyone as Cyclizar is sent back afar as Koraidon looked on in shock and worry.
"Cyclizar!" Ash yelled out in worry as the others looked on in shock.
"So, Electro Shot is a move that requires charging, so he had Haxorus defend his partner to let Arcahludon charge up and fire the attack." Penny says as Lacey nodded.
"Correct. It's an Electric move that also boosts the user's attacking power, so Archaludon not only has a strong move to use but one that can boost their power." Lacey says as Drayton sees his chance.
"Haxorus use Dragon Claw towards Cyclizar." Drayton says as Haxorus nods and his claw glows rushing towards Cyclizar who was getting up but was staggered from the attack and Ash couldn't think of anything last minute. Koraidon looked on worried for their teammate and their body starts to glow catching everyone's attention as Koraidon rushed in to protect Cyclizar by blocking the strike.
"What the-" Drayton and Ash say as Koraidon strikes at Haxorus with a series of quick jabs before sending him flying with a powerful kick as a blue aura surrounds the Paradox Pokemon as they breath heavily. Everyone looks on shocked as Arven grabbed his Scarlet book to look through Koraidon's pages with Penny seemingly recognizing the move.
"That was Close Combat, did it learn it through their instinct to protect Cyclizar?" Penny asks as Arven shakes his head.
"Not exactly, when dad was conducting experiments on Koraidon for the first time, Koraidon looked what he did now albeit not as weak and had Close Combat but one day, Koraidon protected a group of Pikachu and Raichu from Miraidon and all of a sudden, Koraidon's appearance changed into its Apex form and used Collision Course. I presume that it may have relearned Close Combat or reverted from Collision Course to Close Combat as a countermeasure for its lack of Collision Course." Arven says as Penny nods in agreement.
"That's the most logical thing I ever heard from you." Penny says as Arven grits his teeth and grabs a slice of strawberry cake.
"I can eat your strawberry cake you know?" Arven said with a smirk as Penny tried to reach out to her beloved cake. Drayton looks on impressed over Koraidon's skills but it seems like something's wrong with Koraidon but no one seems to notice except Koraidon themself.
"You really impressed me; you guys have good cooperation. You tell me that you two don't get along, but I don't believe you, you're getting along pretty well." Drayton says as both Cyclizar and Koraidon shake their heads as Ash and Drayton laugh.
"I don't know, you two seem like best friends, you just don't want to admit it." Ash says as they sigh and got back to the battle, "Alright Cyclizar, use Dragon Claw towards Haxorus and Koraidon use Fire Fang against Archaludon!" Ash says as the Pokemon nod and rush towards Haxorus and Archaludon but while doing so, Koraidon's mouth which was covered with flames dissipated which surprised everyone but allowed Drayton an opportunity to strike.
"Haxorus, Archaludon, Dragon Claw!" Drayton says as his Pokemon nod and go in to strike as Cyclizar and Haxorus collided.
"Block it Koraidon!" Ash yelled out as Koraidon blocks the Dragon Claw but is staggered slightly as the others take notice.
"Koraidon's Fire Fang didn't work? I know Koraidon doesn't exactly have their powers back, but could Koraidon have some sort of limit when it does go into its fighting stance?" Nemona asked as Arven shrugs.
"Possibly, they were able to use their moves for a long while though so maybe through training, Koraidon can use their moves for a longer period of time?" Arven says as Lacey blushed.
I have no idea what you're talking about, but that nerd lingo is cute! Lacey thought to herself as Ash looked to his Koraidon in worry.
"Koraidon, are you alright!? We can stop if you-" Ash didn't finish as Koraidon shook their head, determined to keep going. "If that's your wish, take things easy now. Use Close Com-" Ash didn't finish as Koraidon and Archaludon sensed something in the distance and pushed their teammates out of the way as a pair of Regigigas arms grabbed both Koraidon and Archaludon and took them away stunning the group as they turn to see a 'Regigigas' though smaller than an actual one on top of them on a cliff.
"A Regigigas!?" Ash says as the slow Drayton finally gets a realization.
"Oh, our Pokemon were kidnapped." Drayton said as the others look at him in shock.
"Clearly!" everyone says comedically as TR rose out of their Regigigas surprising everyone as Ash gritted his teeth.
"Oh great, it's Team Rocket." Nemona says as Lacey and Drayton looked confused.
"Team Rocket?" both Blueberry Academy students say.
"They're a group of bad guys stealing everyone's Pokemon. Give them back Team Rocket." Ash says as Jessie snickers.
"Nice try twerp but we need them to protect the world from devastation." Jessie says.
"To unite all people within our nation." James says.
"To learn about the past and get our own villa." Jessie says going off script.
"From the st- wait a minute, that's not part of our motto! You're still thinking about those villas!" James says.
"I can't help it, it's Meowth's fault for mentioning villa-"
"Give back Archaludon and Koraidon, they aren't yours!" Drayton yelled out as Meowth snickers again.
"Sorry toothpaste, but these two Pokemon here are special, our boss needs power with Koraidon and free electricity with Archaludon for our place so we'll be taking our leave, ta ta." Jessie says as they attempt to fly off on Regigigas as Ash grits his teeth.
"No, you don't, Pikachu, Iron Tail, Cyclizar, Wild Charge!" Ash says as Pikachu and Cyclizar nod and attempt to jump onto some cliffs to reach TR as they smirk and throw out their Pokeballs releasing Klawf and Lechonk.
"Sweetie Mud Shot towards Cyclizar." Jessie says as Lechonk launches mud at Cyclizar's face causing him to stop his move and fall.
"Mud Slap please." James says as Klawf launches mud at James's face, "At Pikachu." James clarifies as Klawf launches mud towards Pikachu sending him flying.
"Pikachu! Cyclizar!" Ash yelled out in worry as Drayton sent out Flygon.
"Catch them Flygon!" Drayton says as Flygon nods and flies over to catch Cyclizar and Pikachu safely as Ash goes to them out of worry.
"Are you two, ok?" Ash asks as both Pokemon nod and Ash wipes their face and Ash turns to Drayton, "Thanks for your help, Drayton." Ash says as Drayton looked worried for his beloved Pokemon and Ash pats him on the back.
"You really care for Archaludon, don't you?" Ash asks as Drayton nods.
"More than anything." Drayton says as Ash nods.
"We'll find them, I guarantee it." Ash says as Drayton smiles and nods.
"Right. Flygon, search around the area till you see 'Regigigas'." Drayton says to his Flygon as she nods and flies in the air to search for Regigigas before Lacey looks to the group with a suggestion.
"Shall we split up to cover more ground?" Lacey says as the others agree and so Ash and Drayton covered north, Penny covered west, Nemona covered east, and a heavily blushing Lacey and a focused Arven covered south. Drayton thought to himself over the situation and his Archaludon.
Archaludon! I never been this panicked before, I guess I am slow at everything but I'm not going to act slow for a beloved friend, I'm going to find you Archaludon! Drayton thought to himself as he remembered how he met Archaludon 8 years prior.
8 years ago, in Opelucid City, Unova. We see a sad 10-year-old Drayton and his Axew looking out the window to the bustling, raining Opelucid City as a knock on the door was heard.
"Drayton, Axew, are you in there?" a gruff but concerned voice was heard as Drayton became alert.
"Yes grandpa." Drayton says as the door opens to show Drayden and his Haxorus walking into the room. "Are you doing ok champ?" Drayden asks in a concerned tone as Drayton nods.
"I'm fine gramps... say grandpa?" Drayton asks as Drayden looks to him.
"Yes Dray?" Drayden asks.
"Is it my fault my parents are fighting? They sent me away like I was in trouble or some-" Drayton didn't finish as Drayden looked to his grandson sternly. "Don't ever assume it's your fault!" Drayden says as Drayton was surprised.
"But-" Drayton didn't finish again as Drayden shook his head.
"No! They- they- when parents feel they don't like each other- they go through some- problems. Your parents didn't want you feeling upset seeing them fight so your mother sent you to live with me for a bit. It doesn't mean they hate you or you're responsible, they just need to clear the air for a while but they both love you very much and didn't want to but thought it was better than making you upset. So don't you ever assume you're resposible for their fighting alright?" Drayden says to his grandson as he nods and Drayden, though his beard covered his face had a warm look on his face.
"Tell you what, why not we go on a grandfather-grandson sort of trip to Hammerlocke in the Galar region, I was invited to teach a lecture on Dragon type Pokemon at Framboise Academy and I figured we go explore and get a view of the wild area. How does that sound?" Drayden asks as Drayton's eyes sparkle in excitement.
"Of course!" Drayton says as Drayden chuckles and rubs Drayton's hair.
"Then we'll leave in two days." Drayden says as he walks away and leaves Drayton to plan his adventure in Hammerlocke.
The two arrive in Hammerlocke two days later where Drayton marvels at the old architectur and Dragon related imagery as many people and trainers had their Dragon types out and explored the town as Drayden looked to his curious grandson.
"Like it here?" Drayden asks as Drayton nods.
"I love it! There are so many Dragon types here!" Drayton says as Drayden nods.
"Yep, it's the city of Dragons, in fact, they say that Dragon types used to rule the city in the Middle Ages until around the 18th century. I take it you're going to explore some of the shops for souvenirs and candy, right?" Drayden asks as Drayton nods. "Alright, but don't go too far from the hotel and if you're in danger, yell out for help or use my Druddigon I gave you, be careful alright?" Drayden says to Drayton as the boy nods.
"Good, I'll be heading to the lecture now, I'll be at the hotel at around 1:00, don't be late." Drayden says as Drayton nods. Drayton and Axew explore the city, admiring the views and Dragon types and even buying some variety of Pokeballs for the future. Things were going peacefully until there was an alarm blaring.
"Attention, attention, there is a Duraludon raging in the city, please go to a safe area nearby and do no engage with Duraludon until officials arrive, I repeat!" the alarm said as Drayton saw many people running around trying to get to safety as Drayton looked around where to go.
"It's alright, we just need to go in somewhere, right? We likely have enough time." Drayton says but unfortunately for the toothpaste haired boy, Shiny Duraludon rushed in through an alleyway seemingly in pain nearby Drayton as Duraludon set his eyes on Drayton. "Me and my big mouth." Drayton said disappointingly as Duraludon rushed at Drayton as he quickly rushed to find Druddigon's Pokeball.
"Help me Druddigon!" Drayden says as Druddigon comes out of his Pokeball and grabbled Duraludon. Drayton looked to Duraludon who had a pained expression on his face and looked to his leg which had some sort of splinter causing a heavy bruise on it and causing Duraludon's anger as Drayton had a moment of realization and an idea.
"Wait, how can something metal be injure- oh well, it doesn't matter. Axew, when I say the word, pull, we're going to pull the splinter out of Duraludon's leg and I'm going to calm him down. Druddigon I need you to let go so I can help Duraludon alright?" Drayton says but Druddigon angrily shook his head. "Please trust me." Drayton says as Durddigon looked conflicted but sighed and nodded.
"Alright, one, two, three, pull!" Drayton says as he and Axew pulled the splinter off of Duraludon causing Duraludon to shout in pain as Druddigon lets go but stays on standby just in case as Drayton reached out to the Alloy Pokemon and he touched Duraludon's chest slowly causing Duraludon to calm down and impressing the nearby civilians who looked on in awe over Drayton's actions.
"Look at the kid." a nearby civilian says.
"He's taming a Dragon type just like that." another says.
As people were talking amongst themselves, Drayden runs through the town searching for Drayton concerned for him.
"Drayton! Drayton! Dray-" Drayden stops as he sees Drayton calming the Allow Pokemon to his surprise as Duraludon calmed down.
"They say those who are familiar with Dragon types are able to connect with those Pokemon on a more emotional level, could Drayton already have mastered it at a young age? It's hard to say." Drayden says to himself as police and paramedics arrived to help get Duraludon back to health as Drayton goes to his grandson out of worry. "Are you alright Drayton!?" Drayden says as Drayton nods and Drayden breathes a sigh of relief. As they were preparing to leave, Drayton looks over to the ambulance that took Duraludon away concerned for him.
"Is Duraludon going to be, ok?" Drayton asks as Drayden shrugs.
"I'm not sure but by your skills, you at least helped calm them down for the paramedics to heal them so I'm sure they'll be alright." Drayden says as both of them leave.
It was around several hours when the two were going to visit the Wild Area that the same Duraludon rushed to the two but this time more tame and calm as he happily licked Drayton.
"Duraludon?" Drayton says as Officer Jenny and her Boltund caught up to the three huffing.
"You're faster than me Duraludon. It seems that after you calmed him earlier, he's been searching all over for you happy about something, likely grateful." Jenny suggested as Drayton looked surprised but appreciative.
"You want to come with me Duraludon?" Drayton says as Duraludon nods happily and Drayden chuckles.
"To think we were here on vacation, and you made yourself a friend quickly, that's my boy! Go right ahead!" Drayden says as Drayton nods and grabs a Pokeball to catch the Pokemon as he dissipated into red energy and shook in his Pokeball sparkling signaling capture. Drayton smiles warmly and sends out Duraludon.
"Let's get along together Duraludon."
"Don, Don!" Duraludon says as he, Drayton and Axew fist bumped signaling their friendship. They went on plenty of more adventures until it was time for Drayton to head to Blueberry Academy due to recommendation and his grandpa being a good friend of the principal and though he was a slacker, he can be a good student at times but what really made students impressed with Drayton at the time was one moment years later.
2 years ago.
We see Drayton entering a school store in Blueberry Academy which has a variety of snacks, notebooks, study materials, etc but it seems like Duraludon was interested in one thing, a piece of metal which confused Drayton, but he decided to ask about it anyway.
"Yo Baxter my man!" Drayton asked the store keep who sighed annoyingly.
"I'm not giving you the answers to next week's math test." Baxter says as Drayton shook his head.
"No not today, maybe tomorrow. I was wondering why you have a slab of iron on display?" Drayton asks as Baxter looks over to the display case and shrugs.
"I'm not sure, me and the boys found it while in Castelia and it looked like a rare metal so we're having Amarys take a look at it later, why what's up?" Baxter says as he immidietly sees Duraludon lusting over the slab and looked unsure."I don't know if I want to give it to Duraludon, he seems crazy about it." Baxter says as but seeing how Duraludon was so insistent, Drayton was determined for Duraludon to see that metal.
"C'mon, if you give Duraludon at least one touch, I'll do your biology homework for you." Drayton insisted but Baxter remained unconvinced.
"You got a C on it." Baxter bluntly said.
"Please." Drayton said as Baxter sighed.
"Alright, but one touch." Baxter said as he grabbed the slab and held it out to Drayton as he grabbed it, he softly smiled and looked to his Duraludon.
"Here you are Duraludon, feel free to touch." Drayton says as Duraludon nods and touches it which is when a blue light envelops around Duraludon surprising everyone in the shop and the door opens to reveal Lacey, Crispin as well as girl with dark skin, gray almost steel like dreadlocks(?) and a blue tracksuit with an emotionless look on her face and a taller dark skin man in white clothing who look on astonished as the blue light dissipated to reveal Archaludon.
"That Pokemon just evolved from Duraludon-" the tracksuit girl says but didn't finish as swarms of people gathered curious about this discovery and furthur fame to come.
Drayton is done reminiscing and gives a confident nod towards his goal of saving Archaludon and continues his search.
We see TR relaxing at a nearby cliffside with the two Pokemon stuck in two nets and the Regigigas machine in resting, Koraidon tried chewing, slashing and pulling them to no avail, they tried using Fire Fang but to no avail as the group snicker. Koraidon felt weak due to the lack of abilities but during some moments of brevity, they were able to use their moves for a limited time but now, it felt hopeless.
"Don't try breaking out of those ropes, they're made from some extra hard material that's fireproof, biteproof, scratchproof and is so resilient, you won't be able to rip it apart that easily." Meowth says as they laugh causing Koraidon to be so angry that their body starts to heat up which Koraidon starts to realize. Koraidon thinks for a bit and looks to the rope, they see that though the net is made out of special materials, the part of the rope holding the net wasn't made out of the same material but couldn't reach it due to the small holes but though of what happens if they can heat up their body some more. They turn their head to Archaludon who was trying to similarly get out.
"Don, Don, Don." Koraidon whispered as Archaludon nodded and stayed still as Koraidon tries shifting around to build up more energy and as they do, their body starts to heat up more until flames started to appear from Koraidon's back. Meowth sniffled and turns his head.
"Hey, are you guys making smores or somet- ahh, why are you on fire!" Meowth says getting TR's attention as they try to extinguish the flames to no avail until eventually Koraidon's body is entirely on fire lights up the net causing the group to step back.
"Why is Koraidon so hot!?" Jessie says as James grabs the group's Pokedex and they scan them.
"That's Temper Flare, a move so hot it can melt your wigs off." TR's Rotomdex says in a German accent causing Jessie to get angry.
"We are not wearing wigs! Doesn't matter, Koraidon can't get out of that thing anyway, right Meowth?" Jessie asks as Meowth chuckles nervously causing Jessie to get suspicious of the Scratch Cat Pokemon. "Meowth, what are you laughing at?" Jessie says.
"Well you see, while finishing up the net, I only had enough material to create one neck of a net which is what Archaludon is in so-" Meowth didn't finish as Jessie and James panic.
"So Koraidon's is-" James and Jessie didn't even finish the sentence as the rope burns away freeing Koraidon as Koraidon jumps in the air and breaks the machine that held Archaludon with Temper Flare making TR panic.
"They're free!" the trio says as Wobbuffet comes out of his ball.
"Wobbuffet." Wobbuffet says scared but something else scared them even more.
"GONNNNN!" a voice was heard as TR turns around to see Flygon circling round the group as Ash, Pikachu and Cyclizar and Drayton came running towards the group.
"It's the twerps!" TR says as they rush over to the 'Regigigas' mech and get in it as the trainers reunite with their Pokemon.
"Koraidon, are you ok!?" Ash says as he, Cyclizar and Pikachu hug Koraidon who happily accepts and nods as Drayton and Flygon does the same.
"Looking shiny as ever bud!" Drayton says as Archaludon happily cries his name out.
"It's nice that you guys are having a reunion, but you guys are ruining our plans!" Jessie says within the Regigigas as the trainers now set their sights on their Pokemon's kidnappers.
"Team Rocket, I won't forgive you for what you've done to our Pokemon." Ash says angrily as Jessie snickers.
"Good because we won't apologize but we will give you this as a sign of respect!" Jessie says as the Regigigas launches a large net towards the group so fast that they couldn't dodge but before it could land, Cyclizar looks to Koraidon and both nod as Cyclizar's claw glows and Koraidon's body turns to flames surprising the group as Cyclizar slashes the net with Dragon Claw and Koraidon does the same with Temper Flare as they cut the rope surprising TR.
"That was Temper Flare." Drayton says as Ash looks on impressed, but TR panicked.
"Does this machine have any more tricks!?" James says as Meowth smirks.
"Gladly, light em up Grafaiai!" Meowth says as Grafaiai nods and heads to one of the arm openings and waggles his finger using Metronome as TR anticipated what Grafaiai was going to use before he creates a fiery star indicating Fire Blast to TR's relief as Grafaiai launches it through the arm and the 'Regigigas' launches it causing the group to think as Ash looks to Pikachu.
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" Ash says as Pikachu nods and launches a beam of electricity as Drayton looks to Archaludon, "Archaludon, Flash Cannon!" Drayton says as Archaludon launches a ball of gray energy towards the large Fire Blast making the area appear with smoke as TR struggle to search for the trainers as Drayton had a plan.
"Say Ash, how are you up for a little distracting?" Drayton suggested as Ash nods.
"Same, but I also have an idea." Ash says as they discuss their plans and both nod to it as Pikachu gets on Flygon and she flies in the air to avoid contact with TR as Cyclizar, Koraidon and Archaludon rush in prepared to attack.
"It's time for some footloose!" James says as the 'Regigigas' dodges Cyclizar's and Archaludon's Dragon Claw respectively as they snicker, "Is that the best you can do!?" all 3 TR members say as Koraidon rushed at the robot using their strength to hit the right leg causing them to be on one knee.
"You'll pay for this. Grafaiai my bottle cap bud, use Metronome again!" James says as Grafaiai nods and waggles his fingers aiming towards the left arm and what came out of the left arm was a present that opened up and created a bright light that reinvigorated the 3 Dragon types causing TR to be heavily surprised.
"That was Present!" TR said in shock, they prepared to leave until Ash and Drayton put their plan into action.
"Now Pikachu, use Electro Web!" Ash says as the robot looks up to see Pikachu jumping off of Flygon and launching a large Electro Web that covered the robot preventing escape and the 3 Dragon types returned to their trainer.
"And now my turn! Archaludon, use Draco Meteor!" Drayton says as Archaludon launches a ball of large red energy as Koraidon held out their hands as Cyclizar ran to Koraidon''s hands and Koraidon launches Cyclizar in air as Ash smirks.
"Wild Charge the Draco Meteor!" Ash says as Cyclizar nods and launches himself towards the Draco Meteor sending the thing down faster and splitting apart quicker as TR panics as the attack landed and the machine exploded sending TR flying.
"Ok, that one just felt like overkill!" Jessie says as James and Meowth look at her with deadpan expressions.
"Really, out of the 1000's of unique blastoffs, this is the one you consider overkill?" Meowth says as Jessie nods.
"Yeah, I mean they could've just attacked normally and gotten that over with but had to come up with some convoluted plan of covering use with Electro Web, launching a Draco Meteor in the air and Cyclizar using Wild Charge to make it go faster just seems more of a time waster!" Jessie says.
"Go figure." James says as the 3 and their Pokemon blasted off.
"We're blasting off again!" the 3 say as they disappear in the air with a twinkle to the sky. But it seems Drayton appeared more curious about one thing.
"How do Team Rocket survive their blastoffs?" Drayton asks but before Ash could answer voices were heard in the distance as the two see the rest of the gang who arrive to the scene.
"Are you guys ok?" Penny asks as Ash and Drayton nod.
"Yep, Ash showed me how incredible he is through his moves." Drayton says as Ash chuckles.
"Nah, you were the one most incredible Drayton with your strategic plan of action!" Ash says as Drayton chuckles along with everyone else.
"Aww, it looks like Cyclizar and Koraidon have truly become friends." Lacey says pointing to the two having an understanding with one another before realizing the others were watching and broke away looking away from each other bickering as the others laugh.
We see the gang back at their regular spot preparing to go as Lacey and Drayton stood before them.
"Are you sure you don't want to finish your battle Drayton, Ash?" Nemona asks but he shakes his head. "Not right now, Koraidon and Cyclizar worked hard today and I don't want Koraidon to overexert their power but if it's one thing, it's at least Koraidon and Cyclizar can get along even with some difficulties." Ash says as Drayton nods.
"Understandable, I hope next time, Koraidon can be at their full power for a good fight." Drayton sked as Ash nods.
"I'll promise you that for next time, by the time we meet again, Koraidon will be at their full strength for a good fight!" Ash says as Ash and Drayton shake on it. We see Lacey talking with Nemona, Arven and Penny with Lacey blushing.
"Penny, Arven, we're friends, right?" Lacey asked as Penny smiled.
"Of course, I would love to learn more about your cute preferences!" Penny says as Lacey smiled brightly before heavily blushing towards Arven.
"We're also friends right Arven?" Lacey asks as Arven nods.
"Of course." Arven says as Lacey looked over to a smirking Nemona as Lacey blushed even more before asking her an important question.
"What's Arven type of person?" Lacey whispered as Nemona thinks and looks to Arven who was cleaning Gogoat's horns to be shiny and bright.
"To be honest, Arven's a bit random so who could say, you just need to watch him." Nemona says as Penny looks over to Koraidon and Cyclizar who were still trying to impress Goodra through roses, but Drayton's Flygon flies over to her happily as Goodra goes over to Flygon lovingly as they hug and hearts appear causing Cyclizar and Koraidon to have their mouths agape comedically as Lacey and Ash chuckle.
"It seems that all love in unrequited." Penny says as Ash pats them out of comfort.
"It's alright you two, there's plenty of Feebas in the sea." Ash says trying to comfort the still agape Pokemon as all of a sudden, a Milotic pops out of the riverside surprising the group as Milotic shows herself to everyone who look to Ash. "I said Feebas not Milotic." Ash says as Cyclizar and Koraidon's eyes turn into hearts and immidietly bickers for who gets to date Milotic.
"Here we go again." Nemona says as the gang chuckles before Drayton looks to the group.
"So, where are you guys heading next?" Drayton asks.
"We're heading to Mirage Town; I'm preparing to fight Rika of the Elite Four." Ash says confidently as Drayton and Lacey look on in surprise.
"You're heading to Mirage Town? That's where we're staying at." Lacey says surprising the group as Nemona smiles.
"Well then, why don't we go together, how far is it?" Nemona asks as Lacey nods.
"It's not too far from here, just 10 minutes down the road." Lacey says as the gang prepared to get going but as they were doing so, a Gyarados pops out of the river next to Milotic scaring the two Dragon types as they run away like scaredy cats.
"It seems love never catches a break." Lacey says as Ash and Pikachu go on ahead to catch up to his Dragon types as the journey continues.
END
And with that, we have another chapter done. I don't have too much to say other than the next chapter summary. Ash and the gang arrive to Mirage Town where after meeting Lacey and Drayton's eccentric homeroom teacher Briar, Ash prepares for a 2 on 2 with Rika of the Elite Four but as they were battling, Quaxwell gets afraid and loses control of himself due to fear. Not wanting to make him feel down on himself, Ash brings in a special Pokemon to help Quaxwell as Quaxwell fights to not only overcome his out-of-control Torrent but also face the demons he's been hiding.
Character Bio:
Raifort (age 36 but don't go saying this to anyone or you'll be doomed, birthday: April 13th. Her last name is unknown)
Home: Los Platos, Paldea (though her ancestry dates to Kalos and an unknown Region as she likes to look at her ancestry tree)
Description: Most of her life is unknown but she does view her class as her children in a way, but Ash and Penny remind her of her own two children in personality and interests and she's very upset personally because she is far away from her children and her mother-in-law at the moment though some of her students also remind her of her children. Although, Ash does remind Raifort of a loved one she cares about, she doesn't have a good personal homelife and considers her in-laws her true family.
She seems to have an interest in History especially of the Artifact Pokemon and has some history with the Artifact Guardians but what further relation is unknown. She also seems to love pranking Clavell to death but she holds high regards to Clavell as she says that Clavell saved her life in a figurative sense and views him as a good friend despite the teasing. Let's just say, she'll be very important to a later arc to come and in two episodes which will focus on Enamorus and some Raifort moments.
Known Pokemon: Hasn't been shown but her starting Pokemon is Zorua and Houndour.
Until next time, Hasta La Vistar!