A/N: sithlorde1988 here with the next chapter of Pokemon: Shuffled Journeys! I ran a randomizer with this story, Data Squad Redux (rewrite) and AMIATTTWRR and obviously this story won the randomizer! Ergo it's getting updated now! Unlike chapters 7 and 8 which had all of zero reviews between them (unfortunately so), there was a review for chapter 9! Granted, it's a guest review (from Pokemon fan), so per routine I have to copy and paste it so give me a quick second to do that. The review in question reads roughly as follows:
One thing I'm curious about how exactly will lrida appear is she already in the same time line as ash and the others in or is she still in hisui region where she will somehow end up in the future time line like how the main character in Pokemon legends arcues got sent back to the past at the start of the game
A/N: Firstly, thanks for your review! I'm glad you gave your feedback! Howver, your first question I can't really answer in TOO TOO much depth without giving away a lot of spoilers. What I CAN say however is that that won't be addressed until whichever book ends up featuring Ash and friends travelling through Sinnoh since I intend to link the events of PLA with the Sinnoh region book since Hisui in that game is widely regarded as the Sinnoh of olden times so it makes a sort of sense to have that region be the impetus for bringing Hisui into the Shuffled Journeys series. To the other questions you asked I can say simply that Irida will be introduced into the story when the group ends up going to Hisui for an arc in the Sinnoh book of the series (tentatively it's targeted to be book 3 directly before the Kanto region book but I might run a poll on which region should be book 3 with Sinnoh in the list).
Either way I can say Galar is the first region hence being book 1 of the series, and that region 2 is already pre-decided but I won't say just yet which one it is other than to say we've already touched on at least ONE character (techincally TWO given Delia and Lumie referenced another character from the region in question in chapter I believe it was 6 or the chapter they get together) from said region. For those curious here's a hint: One of Ash's friends that were mentioned in Chapter 1 was from this region which was confirmed by both Professor Oak and indirectly Delia to not be far from Galar.
And on that note, per usual, I do not own Pokemon (neither the games or the anime), or any characters/locations used therein. All of the abovementioned characters/locations belong to Game Freak, Creatures, and Nintendo along with any other companies involved with making the Pokemon series (both the games and the anime). That being stated, on with chapter 10!
Chapter 10: The First Badge! Bloom of the first Gym Challenge!
(In Postwick Town, with Delia and Lumie)
"Wow, it's such a pretty day outside, don't you think Lumie?" Delia asked Lumie, who giggled as she smiled at Delia.
"Yeah, it really is lovely out. Let me guess, you want to do something naughty outside? Or possibly were you just genuinely gonna suggest we just go out and enjoy the sunshine?" Lumie said indulgently to Delia who blushed slightly but giggled.
"I was actually just gonna suggest we go do a bit of tanning and then maybe go for a swim together, but if you think I was gonna suggest we be a bit naughty, we could make said activities clothing optional?" Delia suggested teasingly, enjoying the pretty shade of pink that heated up Lumie's face at her suggestion.
"Well, I mean, if it's just in our backyard, I suppose I could be convinced to be a little bit naughty with you. Though if we do that and get caught, YOU get to explain things to anyone who catches us." Lumie told Delia, trying to get the red out of her face as she replied to Delia who giggled.
"Who's gonna catch us? Ash and the others are off on their journeys. And besides, I doubt Hop's mom has any reason to come looking for us so far. So I think we're in the clear there. And I don't see anyone else coming our direction for any reason otherwise, sooo let's relax a bit and live a little Lumie." Delia said seductively to Lumie as she straddled Lumie's waist while eagerly trailing kisses along her slender neck, eliciting shocked but pleased moans from Lumie as she leaned her head back to give Delia better access.
"N-no fair, Delia. You're making it hard to tell you to behave when you do that. You know it drives me crazy when you pepper kisses down my neck like that." Lumie said breathlessly in a husky tone as she pulled Delia down into a passionate kiss, smiling up at her.
"Besides, let's save it for the backyard, or better yet the shower. No sense getting the couch dirty needlessly, after all." Lumie said huskily as she put a hand squarely on Delia's butt, giving it a surprisingly firm squeeze, causing Delia to squeak in surprise at Lumie taking charge, but Delia nodded.
"Agreed." Delia said, smirking excitedly as she scooped up an unsuspecting Lumie bridal-style, carrying her towards the backyard, her hands wandering over Lumie's body as the two went. Unbeknownst to Delia, Leon would choose that EXACT moment to come walking up towards the backyard right as Delia carried Lumie out bridal style, making out eagerly with her as she did so. However, thanks to the angle she was carrying Lumie at, Lumie was easily able to spot Leon walking up to them and poked Delia's shoulder to get her attention.
"We're not alone, Delia." Lumie said, pointing towards a gaping Leon. Delia looked over and blanched visibly on seeing Leon standing there.
"L-Leon! What brings you here today? I thought you'd be doing some sort of job as the Champion or something?" Delia asked Leon, confused as to why he was there.
"Techincally you're not wrong. I'm here because Ash told me a story that he said you could verify? Something to do with a Pikachu that you and he were taking care of for his brother Red? Sonia and I decided it couldn't hurt to get your take on things, but if you and Gloria's mom are busy right now, I can come back later." Leon said trying not to be embarrassed about having seen Delia and Lumie kissing passionately. Lumie giggled at Leon.
"No, that's quite all right. We weren't doing anything that can't wait, Leon. If you need something from Delia, she can answer your questions right now. But first, let me ask you: Does me and Delia being a couple bother you?" Lumie said to Leon who frowned before shaking his head in the negative.
"No, it doesn't bother me at all. And if it did I'd be a hypocrite to let it given you two wouldn't be the first girls I've caught making out or worse. Suffice it to say Sonia has a VERY adventurous side to her, and we'll leave it at that." Leon said with an embarrassed/mortified look on his face as he recalled the time he'd walked in on Sonia and at least two other girls going at it like crazy, shuddering at how much female flesh he'd seen that day. If he DID have any attraction to females, it was very much diminished after that. He shook himself mentally to clear those thoughts away, turning to Delia who pouted but agreed to behave.
"So, you were asking about Red's Pikachu and how it connects to Ash and I? Well that's a bit of a long story. As you know, my oldest son Red, the Champion of the Kanto region, where Ash and I originally were from, was kidnapped some 3-4 years ago by a criminal group by the name of Team Rocket along with his Elite Four (or most of it). However, before he was captured, he had the foresight to send his Pikachu to stay with Ash and I but because it was when we were getting ready to move here to safety, I asked Professor Oak to look after it for us, but apparently it followed us here to Galar if you say that Ash ran into it recently. But I assure you that Ash was telling the truth about that, Leon. But I appreciate you checking in with me to get my side of things as well. It's very considerate of you." Delia said to Leon who nodded. Lumie giggled as she looked at Leon.
"Say, Leon, didn't you once tell me that Sonia managed to scar you for life? Something to do with catching her in the middle of an all-girl orgy or something like that? Do you even like girls that way, Leon?" Lumie asked mischievously, ignoring Delia gasping at her question. Leon for his part grew embarrassed by the question.
"With all due respect, Mrs. McCartney, I don't know why you're asking that, but to answer you, I honestly don't know which way I swing right now. To be sure I do still like women to some extent, but I won't deny I'm not adverse to trying anything at least once, either." Leon said sheepishly, as Delia smirked and Lumie giggled.
"So our Champion swings both ways then? Interesting. We don't judge you for it though, Leon. If you would rather have a boyfriend than a girlfriend, that's your decision." Lumie said to Leon supportively ignoring the brilliant shade of red on Leon's cheeks at her comment.
"Th-that's nice of you, but do I really want to be discussing my love life, much less my sexuality, with the mothers of my brother's best friends? I will say I'm happy for the two of you finding happiness with each other but do try not to traumatize the neighborhood if you're gonna fool around outside, please? I don't think my poor mother could take the shock, nevermind how Sonia might react if she sees you two going at it! Congratulations though to you two!" Leon said to Lumie and Delia who nodded to Leon.
"Thank you, Leon. And don't worry, even if this one here is a bit of a wild child, I won't let her talk me into anything TOO raunchy or wild. I agree we don't need to have reputations for being fast, loose and easy." Lumie said to Leon ignoring the indignant huff from Delia next to her.
"Minx. You wait until Leon's gone and see if I don't punish you for that comment!" Delia hissed suggestively in Lumie's ear making her flush prettily. Leon rolled his eyes at the two before chuckling at them.
"Well, I think we about covered everything I had to ask, so if you want me to, I can get out of your hair so you can go back to having your wicked ways with each other! Just try to keep it to a minimum when and if Ash and the others ever swing back this way for a visit." Leon said teasingly to Lumie and Delia, both of whom nodded at Leon before he smiled.
"Well, bye for now, Mrs. Ketchum and ." Leon said to Delia and Lumie before walking off the way he'd come, leaving Delia and Lumie alone.
"Hehe, now where were we, my pretty?" Delia said seductively, looking sultrily at Lumie as she playfully ground her butt against Lumie's hips, making her moan a bit at the contact.
"You like that, don't you? You like it when I drive you crazy with lust? Maybe you'd like it if we did that skin to skin?" Delia said huskily, as she pushed Lumie up against the nearest wall to make out with her passionately, Lumie returning the kiss eagerly as the two became lost in their horomones and lust...
(Meanwhile, in Turffield, with Ash and friends)
"Wow, so this is Turffield. Looks really floral and tropical, like everyone here adores plant life. Likely there's a lot of Grass-types in this town which is interesting since other than Iris, none of us own a Grass-type Pokemon that I can recall." Gloria said as the group walked into Turffield, looking around in awe at how pretty the town's surroundings looked. As one, the group made their way towards the Pokemon Center to get their teams healed up, figuring they could also get directions to the Gym there. Once they got to the Pokemon Center and got their teams healed up, they were surprised to spot a familiar head of red hair in the corner of the Pokemon Center alone and the group walked over to the owner of said red hair.
"Sonia? What're you doing here? Aren't you usually helping out at your grandma's lab?" Iris asked Sonia politely? Sonia turned to face the group.
"Oh, you guys! I forgot you'd be coming here for your first Gym! Truth is, my gran sent me out to explore the Galar region as a research mission! Apparently she thinks I have the potential to succeed her as the regional professor for this region. I dunno if I want all that responsibility though. Is it so bad that I'd rather just be relaxing and chilling with some friends?" Sonia said with an eye roll. Gloria giggled at Sonia's response.
"Nah, that's not that wrong at all, Sonia. Besides, I'm pretty sure we both know what you mean by 'relaxing and chilling' anyways." Gloria replied to Sonia with a subtle wink ignoring the confused expressions on Ash and Iris' faces and Hop's eyes rolling at the girl talk happening in front of him.
"You know, ever since you and Leon had that falling out Sonia, I think both of you have never been the same. I mean, let's be real, how many girls have you been caught making out with, and how much less has Leon been bringing women home since he walked in on you and those other girls?" Hop asked bluntly, ignoring Iris and Gloria elbowing him for his tactless question. Ash blinked at this.
"Are Leon and Sonia not straight? Because if that's the case, that's entirely fine! After all, I'm nearly positive neither Gloria or Iris are entirely straight either given how cuddly they get with each other. And I'm fairly certain I saw Leon and Raihan shooting each other subtle glances when we were trying to find Gloria the other day." Ash remarked offhandedly, ignoring the simultaneous facefaults of both Hop AND Iris at Ash's denseness. Gloria, however, giggled.
"It might just be me, but I think if those two are into each other that way, they'd be a cute couple! Sort of like how Sonia and Melony go kinda good together, or Sonia and Nessa." Gloria said with a laugh, ignoring the red faces on Sonia and Iris at the mention of Sonia being into both genders potentially. Hop frowned at this though.
"Lee and Raihan? I mean, I can see it, but that's news to me. At least with the two of you and Ash, it makes a sort of sense." Hop replied, ignoring the blinking expressions on the faces of Iris, Gloria and Ash as well as the confused look on Sonia's face.
"What part of we're just friends don't you get Hop?" Iris asked Hop, her eye twitching slightly as she spoke. Gloria and Ash nodded to Iris' question. Sonia decided to change the subject.
"Anyways, I believe you guys are here to get your first Gym Badge, am I right?" Sonia asked the group as Hop nodded.
"That's correct. We're hoping to obtain our first Gym Badge. Though we're not exactly sure where in this town the Stadium is located." Ash said to Sonia.
"That's easy! Once you leave here, hang a right, keep going straight and you'll eventually see the stadium in the distance, Keep going straight once you see it and you'll reach it. Keep in mind you'll have to change into your uniforms once you get to the Gym as all challengers are required to be in uniform when attempting Gym Missions." Sonia explained to the group. Iris frowned at this.
"Gym Missions?" Iris asked Sonia, confusion plain to see on her face.
"Each Gym has a mission Challengers have to complete before they earn the right to take on the Gym Leader. Usually said Missions are fairly straightforward, often involving either a puzzle, battle or challenge that you have to complete/solve. As you might have guessed already from this town's layout, the Gym trainers and the Gym Leader use Grass-type Pokemon. So if any of you have a Fire, Flying, Bug, Poison or Ice-type Pokemon, you'll be just fine against the Gym." Sonia explained to the group. While Ash, Gloria and Hop nodded happily to Sonia's advice, Iris frowned slightly.
"I don't have any of those types. All I have is an Exeggcute which is a Grass-type and Trapinch who is a Ground-type. Granted I also have this egg I got from the nest I caught Trapinch in but I doubt it'll hatch in time to be useful against the Gym even if it has a type strong against Grass-types in it." Iris said with a frown. Sonia blinked as she had a thought.
"You and I could always go back out on Route 4 and hunt for a Flying or Bug type there to use since I'm pretty sure at least one of those types can be found there." Sonia suggested to Iris who shrugged.
"It's an idea, but what would the others do in the meantime? Go to the Gym without me?" Iris asked. Hop and Ash shrugged to Iris' question. Gloria exchanged an uncertain glance with Ash then with Hop before Ash smiled at Iris, getting an idea.
"Here's an idea, Iris. While Hop and Gloria go attempt the Gym Battle, you and I can go with Sonia, if she's willing to help with it, to get you a Pokemon with type advantage over Milo's Pokemon. Then after that, we can find out from Gloria and/or Hop what the Gym Mission is so we can be prepared for it." Ash suggested to Iris before turning to Sonia with a questioning look on his face.
"Or is that allowed within the rules of the Gym Challenge to let other Challengers know what a Gym's mission is ahead of time?" Ash asked Sonia, mostly to ensure it was within the rules so they weren't breaking a rule with Ash's plan. Sonia shrugged, her face taking on a contemplative look as she tapped her chin in thought before looking at Ash.
"As far as I know, there's no rule against it. I would say you're safe to do so, but maybe don't make a habit of doing that too often, just in case." Sonia replied after a moment. Ash nodded in acknowledgement of Sonia's response. Iris smiled at Ash.
"I don't know about Hop and Gloria since I can't speak for them, but I like your idea, Ash." Iris said, looking towards Hop and Gloria to get their opinions.
"I mean, I don't mind getting an early start on the Gym but are you sure you and Ash will be fine by yourselves? Granted you two are strong, but still I recall the last time you two paired up when we split up and how close it came to being bad for Iris in particular." Hop said, as surprisingly Ash spoke up before Iris could.
"Hop, that was just a big fluke! Who could've guessed Team Yell would jack that egg and nearly get me and Iris attacked by two pissed off Flygons? And besides, it worked out fine in the end for us both. I helped Pikachu learn a new move and Iris got basically two new Pokemon. So I would say your argument there is very much moot, Hop. Besides, if nothing else this gives you some alone time with Gloria, so maybe this time it won't end with you putting your metaphoric foot in your equally metaphoric mouth." Ash said simply to Hop who shrugged. Gloria giggled at Ash's remark, finding it hilarious. She then got a mischievous smirk on her face as she looked at Iris.
"Do try not to get TOO cuddly with Ash, will you Iris? Wouldn't want me to get TOO jealous after all." Gloria teased Iris with a coy wink, making Iris flush red.
"Be quiet, Gloria. And it's MY business frankly on if I decide I want to be a bit cuddle-buggy with Ash or not." Iris pointed out as she stuck her tongue out at Gloria playfully. Ash gently put an arm around Iris' waist to keep her from trying to jump Gloria while they were around company. If it'd just been the four of them he'd have probably let them go at it, but with Sonia around, not a good idea. Iris smiled, leaning into Ash as she felt his arm go around her waist. Sonia giggled.
"Maybe we should get to getting that Pokemon, before we have Iris and Ash possibly start making out." Sonia joked, as Hop burst out laughing in time with Gloria's giggles while both Ash and Iris facefaulted at Sonia's comment.
"Quit instigating, Sonia." Iris said in a whiny tone.
"That and Iris and I can be affectionate with each other however much we choose to." Ash put in huffily. Iris giggled at Ash's huff, playfully wrapping her arms around him.
"C'mon Ashy, let's go get me a new Pokemon." Iris said childishly, deciding to ham it up a bit by batting her eyelashes prettily at Ash, enjoying the brilliant shade of red that dusted his cheeks as she batted her eyelashes at him, amidst a facefault from Hop, a gasp and pout from Gloria, and an amused grin from Sonia. However, she didn't see Ash wince at her partial usage of Gary's nickname for him.
"No fair Iris! Batting your eyelashes like that is overkill! What's next, lifting up our shirts and flashing Ash?" Gloria joked, ignoring the now red-faced Hop and Ash as she pouted at a giggling Iris.
"That IS a good idea, but I think we might break them if we did that. Plus I dunno about flashing Hop given he's my cousin and all." Iris replied. Hop nodded gratefully to Iris.
"I'd rather not think about you and Gloria teasing Ash like that, and I can easily go my entire life without seeing my cousin like that, Iris. But I guess I can't tell you what to do if you really want to flaunt your bodies at Ash." Hop said to Iris, ignoring the giggling from Gloria.
"I didn't hear you say you didn't want to see ME like that though, Hop. How interesting." Gloria said teasingly to Hop, who flushed at Gloria's remark.
"H-hey, not fair! Don't put me on the spot like that! Of course I don't mind seeing you like that! You're not related to me, plus we're close enough it wouldn't be that awkward if I did see you like that, and besides, I've called you cute before so you know I don't mind seeing you in most any appearance you care to have." Hop said honestly to Gloria who blushed a bit at Hop's words before smiling.
"Thank you for your honesty Hop. I always enjoy that about you, even if you can be a bit insensitive and tactless at times." Gloria said, walking over to Hop and wrapping her arms around him. Iris giggled at Gloria.
"Try not to embarrass Hop TOO much if you two do get touchy-feely together. And on that note, Ash and I are gonna go find me a new Pokemon! Coming, Sonia?" Iris said, aiming the last part of her words to Sonia after aiming the rest at Gloria and Hop, while putting her hand on that of a surprised Ash. Ash smiled, grabbing Iris' hand and grinning at her. Iris smiled as she let Ash lead her towards route 4 while Sonia nodded to Ash's question, the trio disappearing towards Route 4 leaving Hop and Gloria to blink as they stared vacantly at the spot where Iris, Ash and Sonia had just been.
"Did Iris and Ash just run off holding hands?" Hop asked in shock. Gloria nodded.
"I do believe they did." Gloria said to Hop. Hop blinked.
"I...see. I guess you and I should go on ahead and head to the Stadium then." Hop said and Gloria nodded in agreement as they headed towards the Stadium...
(On Route 4, with Ash, Iris and Sonia)
"So, what do you think you'll catch for yourself on this route, Iris?" Ash asked Iris, smiling at her as she looked around excitedly.
"Not really sure, just waiting to see what jumps out at me, I suppose." Iris said shrugging as they heard Sonia gasp audibly then start giggling as she looked at her phone.
"What's so funny, Sonia?" Iris asked Sonia in confusion.
"Yeah, and why did you gasp?" Ash added. Sonia smiled as she looked at Ash and Iris.
"Oh just a text that Leon sent me. Apparently he went to go speak to Ash's mom to verify Ash's story about Pikachu, only to literally walk up on her when she was in the process of making out with Gloria's mom. I didn't think those two swung that way." Sonia said. Ash nodded.
"Oh no, they do swing that way, or at least my mom does. I remember at least once I caught her watching Gloria's mom with an almost lustful look on her face when she thought no one was looking. Luckily for me, Gloria distracted me from it by wanting to play some game or other so I didn't think much of it back then. Otherwise I might've been a bit surprised. But who wouldn't be if they'd caught their mom ogling another girl's butt?" Ash said with a shudder, trying not to think about what he'd seen. Iris giggled at Ash.
"Silly Ash, you say that like you wouldn't have been staring a bit too had it been me or Gloria hanging about looking cutesy, and don't deny it because you were the one who said you were open to eventually ending up in a harem." Iris teased Ash, playfully poking Ash in the side.
"I did say that, but if Gloria's mom and my mom are dating, would that be too awkward and/or too close to incest?" Ash said in confusion. Sonia chuckled.
"Not unless your mom marries Gloria's mom. Otherwise there's no relation whatsoever between you two to speak of. So it wouldn't be incest if you and Gloria were to ever end up dating, though unless it was in the harem route you spoke of, you might end up causing a bit of a rift between her and Iris if that happened since I'm quite sure Gloria's not the only girl smitten with you Ash." Sonia answered Ash, ignoring Iris huffing at her.
"That makes a sort of sense. I know for a fact that at least two of the girls I knew back in Kanto were at the very least attached to me if not outright crushing on me. But I didn't call them on it because I wanted them to be able to feel free to come to me with that information rather than confronting them on it myself and possibly embarrassing them. As for Iris, she doesn't need to be jealous. I have plenty of affection to go around." Ash said, winking playfully at Iris as he said the last bit of his response, ignoring the flushed look on Iris' face as she smiled at Ash. However, the moment would be disrupted by a rustling in the nearby grass, which when Iris and Sonia turned around, they gasped as they saw an all-pink (or at least mostly pink) Pokemon coming out of the grass slowly, causing the former of the two girls to squeal slightly at how cute the Pokemon looked.
"Is that a Shiny Cutiefly?" Ash asked with a frown. Sonia blinked at Ash in surprise.
"How did you manage to work out that that was a shiny Cutiefly so fast?" Sonia asked Ash, clearly impressed by his keen observation skills.
"Because I'm pretty sure a Cutiefly is normally moreso yellow or green than pink." Ash said. Curious, Iris took her Rotom Phone out to analyze Cutiefly.
"Cutiefly, the Bee Fly Pokemon. An opponent's aura can tell Cutiefly what that opponent's next move will be. Then Cutiefly can glide around the attack and strike back. Nectar and pollen are its favorite fare. You can find Cutiefly hovering around Gossifleur, trying to get some of Gossifleur's pollen. A Bug-and-Fairy type. This Cutiefly is both shiny AND a female." Iris' Rotom Phone read out as it analyzed Cutiefly. Iris squealed quietly as she readied a Poke Ball to battle the shiny Cutiefly.
"Trapinch, let's go! We're catching us another Pokemon!" Iris said as she sent out her Trapinch. Trapinch clicked her jaws together in excitement as she looked at Cutiefly. Cutiefly turned around and tilted her head to the side slightly as she noticed Trapinch.
"Cut? Fly? Cutiefly?" Cutiefly said to Trapinch in clear confusion at why it was there. Iris heard this and looked at Cutiefly.
"You're so cute! Let's battle, Cutiefly!" Iris said as Cutiefly looked at Iris before smiling and then nodding.
"Trapinch, use Laser Focus then follow up with Sand Tomb and Bite!" Iris said as Trapinch boosted its' critical-hit ratio then smacked Cutiefly with a combo of Sand Tomb and Bite, dealing a good amount of damage to it. Iris grabbed a Poke Ball.
"GO, POKE BALL!" Iris said, tossing her Poke Ball at Cutiefly which sucked her in in a flash of red light before it hit the ground, rocking once, then twice, then a couple more times before finally going still with a *ding* to signify the capture was successful.
"All right! I got myself a Cutiefly!" Iris said happily, grabbing the Poke Ball containing her newest Pokemon. Ash smirked.
"No, you got a SHINY Cutiefly, Iris. Which is even better." Ash said grinning as he patted Iris on the shoulder. Iris smiled at Ash.
"Good point. Thanks, Ash. I suppose now we should get back to Turffield to get our first Badge." Iris said as Ash and Sonia nodded, the trio heading back to Turffield...
(Back in Turffield, Hop and Gloria)
"So we have to herd a bunch of Wooloo into pens as best we can even with the Gym Trainers running interference? Shouldn't be TOO too rough if we don't let the trainers mess us up." Hop said to Gloria, who nodded. After a bit and some co-operative effort, both Gloria and Hop had successfully herded their Wooloos into their pens, also beating a few trainers each along the way. After the mission, Gloria was seen walking out onto the pitch of Turffield Stadium (after winning a coin toss with Hop to decide who gets to face Milo first), and while she stood their looking around, her opponent came walking out onto the pitch. The Turffield Gym Leader was a big hulking giant of a farm hand of a man, having very broad shoulders, a wide happy grin, short reddish-brown hair and an easygoing air that made him come off as very affable and approachable.
"So I take it you're Challenger Gloria, then?" The Gym Leader asked Gloria as he walked up to her, making her turn to face him with a smile.
"Yes, that's correct. My name is Gloria. I take it you're the Gym Leader of Turffield, then?" Gloria asked the Gym Leader, who nodded.
"Indeed I am, little lady! My name's Milo! Together with my Grass-types, we serve as the first test of any new Gym Challenger to make sure they're worthy of a badge! So if you're after your first Gym badge, you'll have to beat us first! Think you're up to that?" The now-named Milo asked Gloria who nodded.
"I'm sure I am in fact up to the challenge, Milo. So I take it we're going to battle?" Gloria said and Milo nodded.
"Yep! How's a 2 on 2 strike you, little lady?" Milo asked Gloria. Gloria grinned at Milo.
"Strikes me as just fine, Milo!" Gloria said with a smile.
(Meanwhile in the waiting room, with Hop)
"C'mon Gloria, don't lose this! If anyone can win this, it's you!" Hop said as he looked at the TV while he sat in the waiting room waiting to get his turn to battle Milo. Around that point the doors behind him opened up, admitting Ash and Iris who'd managed to get through their mission surprisingly fast. Hop smiled at Ash and Iris.
"I take it you two found Iris a Pokemon?" Hop asked Ash and Iris, the latter of the two nodding to Hop.
"Yep. But it's a surprise until I battle Milo. Speaking of, why aren't you battling him?" Iris replied.
"Because Gloria won the coin toss and she gets to battle him first. At least we all got through the mission." Hop said. Ash nodded.
"I see, that makes sense. Plus the three of us have kinda had some large amounts of the spotlight recently, whereas Gloria really hasn't unless you count that debacle with Bede that she was caught up in, so it fits that she gets first crack at Milo. Honestly, if we're agreed, we can go on a rotation system for who goes first on each gym out of us. Since Gloria's going first here, let's say Hop gets first in the next gym then Iris then me? Are we agreed on that?" Ash said to Hop and Iris who shrugged but then nodded.
"Sounds good enough to me. Granted that implies I have to start us off against Kabu, which could be interesting to say the least given the only Pokemon I have with a type advantage against Fire types is Trapinch." Iris said with a shrug. Hop nodded to Iris' point.
"I do believe we all have at least one pokemon that's strong against Fire-types other than possibly Gloria. However, I think only Iris and Ash, and I guess techincally Gloria, have Pokemon strong against Water-types." Hop replied. Ash and Iris nodded.
(Back in the Stadium with Gloria and Milo)
"Well, good luck to you, Gloria. May the best trainer win." Milo said to Gloria who nodded to Milo.
"Thanks. Good luck to you as well." Gloria said to Milo as the referee, a slender yet athletically built female with strawberry-blonde hair and striking hazel eyes walked out onto the field.
"This Gym Battle between Milo, the Gym Leader and Gloria, the challenger will now begin! Each side is allowed the usage of two Pokemon and only the challenger may use substitutions! This battle will be declared over when all Pokemon on one side are judged unable to continue battling. Any questions before the battle starts?" The referee asked, and both Gloria and Milo shook their heads in the negative to the referee's question. The referee nodded, pursing her lips as she looked at both battlers.
"Ready! BATTLE BEGIN!" The referee said, waving both her flags (one red for Gloria and the other green for Milo) before walking off to the side so Milo and Gloria could throw in their Pokemon.
"Gossifleur, help me out!" Milo said as he tossed a Pokeball out, sending out his Pokemon, a smallish creature with barely visible limbs, a green plant-like growth growing off its legs, flowing red petal-like hair behind it and a yellow flower on its' head. Gloria frowned as she pulled out her Rotom Phone to analyze the Pokemon.
"Gossifleur, the Flowering Pokemon. It whirls around in the wind while singing a joyous song. This delightful display has charmed many into raising this Pokemon. It anchors itself into the ground with its single leg, *1* then basks in the sun. After absorbing enough sunlight, its petals spread as it blooms brilliantly. This Gossifleur is male. Pure Grass-type." Gloria's Rotom Phone read out as it analyzed Gossifleur. Gloria frowned briefly before grabbing her Poke Ball.
"I see. Eevee, let's go win us a battle!" Gloria said as she sent out her Eevee. Eevee looked over at the Gossifleur across the field from her, and got a determined look in her eyes.
"EIE VUI!" Eevee said as it glared eagerly at Gossifleur. Gloria nodded at Eevee's enthusiasm.
"Eevee, lead off with your Tail Whip then follow up with Baby-Doll Eyes, then add in a Quick Attack after that for good measure." Gloria told Eevee who nodded, as she whipped her tail cutely in front of Gossifleur, dropping his Defense in a blue aura, before looking Gossifleur in the eyes and making cutesy eyes at him to also drop his Attack with another blue aura, then she charged in super fast at Gossifleur, hitting him for good damage. Milo smirked.
"Good move, but now it's our turn! Use Sing on Eevee then pelt her with your Sweet Scent and then follow up with Razor Leaf!" Milo called out to Gossifleur who nodded his head as he hopped on his one leg and proceeded to sing a song to Eevee who blinked her eyes in surprise before her eyes fluttered close as she went to sleep, after which Gossifleur then shook his body and loosed a bunch of pink powder towards Eevee, who despite being asleep smiled at how sweet it smelled, not really noticing the blue aura flow off her to signify her dropped evasion stat.
After that, Gossifleur used a flurry of leaves ala Razor Leaf to hit Eevee, two of the leaves having critical hits, smashing Eevee into the wall with an audible 'SMACK' as Eevee slid down the wall, being woken up by the impact, right as two more leaves hit Eevee square in the face, smacking her back into the wall where she landed on the ground with an audible 'SNAP' before Eevee could be seen visibly whimpering in pain as she tried to stand before dropping to the ground swirly eyed, to Gloria's shock.
"EEVEE, NO!" Gloria said as she recalled Eevee.
"Eevee is unable to battle, Gossifleur wins!" The referee said as she waved the green flag to signify Gloria being down a Pokemon.
(Back in the waiting room, with Ash, Hop and Iris)
"OH NO! That sounded like it hurt! Poor Eevee! I think she might've broke something on that second hit." Iris said with a sad expression on her face. Ash patted her on the shoulder comfortingly.
"I'm sure Eevee will be okay after a trip to the Pokemon Center. So don't be sad, Iris. Sadness doesn't suit you." Ash told Iris, not seeing her get embarrassed slightly by his words. Hop smirked.
"Besides, Gloria has one Pokemon left to send in so she's not beaten yet. Hopefully she makes that Pokemon count." Hop said with a smirk.
(Back in the Stadium)
"Well, looks like it's down to this. I have one Pokemon choice left. I suppose this is a no-brainer. Rookidee, come on out and help me avenge Eevee and win our first Badge!" Gloria said as she sent out Rookidee. The referee waved both flags as she looked at the battlers.
"Gossifleur VS Rookidee, Battle BEGIN!" The referee said to Milo and Gloria who nodded.
"Rookidee, hit that Gossifleur with Peck!" Gloria called out as Rookidee smacked into Gossifleur at full force, her beak smashing into Gossifleur's gut, slamming him into the wall with a loud 'SMACK", causing him to slide down the wall and lay on the ground swirly eyed. The referee made to wave the red flag.
"Gossifleur is unable to battle! Roo-" The referee started calling out the result when Rookidee interrupted the proceedings by glaring up at the sky, giving a determined cry of her name and suddenly glowing blue, shocking not only the referee but both Milo AND Gloria along with the people watching the battle in the waiting room.
(In the Waiting Room)
"No way." Hop said in shock and awe.
"Is Rookidee...?" Iris asked in shock while Ash nodded.
"I think she is, Iris. Rookidee is evolving!" Ash said in surprise.
(Back in the Stadium)
Rookidee started getting taller, her wings becoming more defined, along with her neck extending slighty and her mask like face shrinking a bit so that it looked more like an eye mask and less like a full face mask while her legs got longer slightly and she got taller. After the light died down and her new form was visible, she announced the end of her evolution with a hearty yell of her new name.
"COR COR SQUIRE CORVISQUIRE!" The newly-evolved Corvisquire called out as Gloria whipped out her Rotom Phone to analyze her newly gained evolution.
"Corvisquire, The Raven Pokemon. Pure Flying-type and the evolved form of Rookidee. Smart enough to use tools in battle, these Pokemon have been seen picking up rocks and flinging them or using ropes to wrap up enemies. The lessons of many harsh battles have taught it how to accurately judge an opponent's strength." Gloria's Rotom Phone read out as it finished analyzing the newly evolved Corvisquire. The referee finished waving her red flag.
"As I was saying, Gossifleur is unable to battle! Corvisquire is the winner! Milo, release your last Pokemon!" The referee called out as Milo nodded.
"I see. Looks like it's down to this. Eldegoss, let's plant the seeds of our victory!" Milo called out as he sent out his final Pokemon which looked very much like a mutated dandelion with tentacles for legs. Gloria once again pulled out her Rotom Phone for an analysis.
"Eldegoss, the Cotton Bloom Pokemon. Pure Grass-type and the evolved form of Gossifleur. The cotton on the head of this Pokemon can be spun into a glossy, gorgeous yarn- a Galar regional specialty. The seeds attached to its cotton fluff are full of nutrients. It spreads them on the winds so that plants and other Pokemon can benefit from them. This Eldegoss is male." Gloria's Rotom Phone said as it finished analyzing Eldegoss. The referee waved both of her flags.
"Corvisquire VS Eldegoss! Final match begin!" The referee called out as Milo and Gloria both nodded.
"You've done well to push us this far, little lady. But now is when the real battle begins!" Milo said as he suddenly recalled Eldegoss to its' Poke Ball, confusing both Gloria and the referee at first.
(In the waiting room)
"Why did Milo recall his Pokemon?" Ash said in confusion but then Hop and Iris both suddenly got wide-eyed as they had a simultaneous realization.
"Is he doing what I THINK he's doing, Hop?" Iris asked Hop who nodded.
"Yep. I do believe he's about to unleash Dynamax on Gloria!" Hop said, both replying to Iris and clearing up Ash's confusion.
(Back in the stadium)
"Are you Dynamaxing your Pokemon?" Gloria asked Milo, who nodded.
"That's correct. You can do the same too if you like, provided you have a Max Band and a Wishing Star in it." Milo said to Gloria who blinked then held up her right wrist on which her Max Band (she, Ash and Hop had had their bands made offscreen by Sonia along with Iris after Iris caught her new Pokemon) was visible.
"You mean this?" Gloria asked, and Milo nodded.
"Ayup, that's the one. Just recall your Pokemon to her Poke Ball and follow my lead." Milo said, which Gloria did, figuring it couldn't hurt to try out Dynamax. Milo then held the Poke Ball over his head where it increased in size by quite a bit. After that he tossed it up into the air where a much larger version of Eldegoss appeared on the battlefield with a much deeper version of his typical cry. Gloria did as Milo did, and a larger version of Corvisquire appeared on the battlefield with a deeper version of her usual cry.
(In the waiting room)
"Dang, it's a clash of Dynamaxed Pokemon in there!" Hop said in shock. Ash and Iris nodded.
"GO GLORIA! YOU CAN WIN THIS!" Iris and Ash yelled, cheering on Gloria, ignoring Hop's eye roll at their antics.
(Inside the Stadium pitch)
"Eldegoss, show them how a Dynamax Pokemon fights! Show them your Max Overgrowth!" Milo said as Eldegoss shot out a barrage of seeds at Corvisquire pushing her backwards a bit. Gloria frowned, studying the moveset of Corvisquire with her Rotom Phone.
"Corvisquire, try your Max Airstream attack!" Gloria said as Corvisquire whipped her wings around, kicking up a giant gust of wind which collided with Eldegoss sending it into the wall, but it got up. Milo frowned.
"Keep working that Max Overgrowth!" Milo called out to Eldegoss who kept spamming the seeds at Corvisquire.
"You keep up the Max Airstream!" Gloria called out as Corvisquire and Eldegoss traded Max Attacks the rest of their time Dynamaxed. However, the fact that one used a not very effective move and the other a super effective move made it very quickly apparent there was a distinct power difference between the two, a fact made even more apparent when one of the two sent the other flying back into the wall with a loud *THUD* that shook the stadium, before making them slide back and hit the ground, reverting back to normal as they laid on the ground swirly-eyed. The other then reverted back to normal shortly after to signify the end of the battle.
"Eldegoss is unable to battle! Corvisquire is the winner, meaning the victory in this match belongs to the challenger, Gloria!" The referee said as she waved her red flag to signal the end of the battle in Gloria's favor. Gloria smiled as she heard this. She then hugged Corvisquire after she flew back towards her.
"WE DID IT CORVISQUIRE! We won our first Gym Battle!" Gloria said happily as Corvisquire smiled, letting herself preen Gloria's hair a bit as they celebrated their win.
(In the waiting room)
"YESSS! She did it! Gloria won!" Hop said grinning as he pumped his fist happily. Behind him, Iris was throwing herself at Ash and hugging him for all she was worth, ignoring or not seeing how red his face got from being basically bear-hugged by Iris.
"That's great she won and all, but do you really have to hug me so tightly, Iris?" Ash asked in embarrassment as his face was practically smashed against Iris' chest because of how tightly she was hugging him. Iris looked down, quickly releasing Ash and going bright red as she noticed his face being pressed into her chest unintentionally. Hop laughed.
"I knew you were sweet on him, Iris. But I didn't think you were THAT sweet." Hop said teasingly as Iris smacked him on the arm.
"That's not funny, Hop!" Iris said huffily as Ash hit the ground behind her after she let him go, clearly passed out from a combination of shock at his face being pressed so close to Iris and having the wind hugged out of him by Iris.
(Back on the Stadium pitch, with Gloria and Milo)\
"Well done little lady, you beat me fair and square. And per League rules, I'm to confer a Badge onto any trainer who has managed to emerge victorious over me. So here's your official Pokemon League Grass Badge." Milo said as he extended a hand out for Gloria to shake, which she did, feeling something placed into her palm as they shook hands, smiling as she saw what looked to be a small golden circle piece. Gloria then smiled as she spun in a circle.
"I DID IT! I WON A GRASS BADGE!" Gloria said spinning in a circle and doing a peace sign, the Grass Badge tucked between the fingers making a peace sign. Corvisquire flew in to land on Gloria's shoulder after the pose.
"CORVI CORVISQUIRE!" Corvisquire said happily as she held up a wing as if trying to imitate the peace sign that Gloria had done. *2*
(In the Waiting Room)
"Wow, she got her first badge! That's insane!" Hop said happily. Iris nodded in agreement.
"That battle was unbelievable!" Iris added happily. Ash chose that moment to sit back up.
"Is the battle over?" Ash said groggily as he came to. Iris giggled at Ash's question.
"Silly Ash! Gloria won the battle AND got her first badge!" Iris said to Ash, who blushed as he looked away from her.
"You almost crushed the wind out of me. And also, WHY DID you try to smash my face against your chest Iris? Are you trying to get Hop to kill me?" Ash asked in confusion, making Iris giggle.
"It was honestly an accident. Though I didn't hear you complaining about it until just now, Ash. Admit it, you liked that." Iris said teasingly.
"Iris, do I have to seperate you and Ash so I don't have to worry about you two getting up to anything too naughty?" Hop asked jokingly as Ash facefaulted at Iris' response and Hop's question, while Iris blushed at Hop's question.
"N-no, but you say that like we wouldn't return the favor by seperating you and Gloria." Iris said to Hop sticking her tongue out at Hop playfully, around the point that Gloria could be seen exiting the pitch back to the lobby of the Stadium. Eventually, Hop went second, managing to defeat Milo with the efforts of his Rufflet and Wooloo. Iris then went next, only just managing to win by surprising not only Milo, but Hop and Gloria with the reveal of her Cutiefly who managed to outlast Milo's Grass-types to win despite not being able to Dynamax. Finally, Ash did battle with Milo, only just winning thanks to Carkoal being able to finish off Eldegoss after Galarian Meowth fell in a close battle with Eldegoss after felling Gossifleur. Eventually all four of them made it through and got their first Badge.
"Congratulations, Challengers. In recognition of your victory, each of you gets a replica of the uniforms used in this Gym AND a TM." The receptionist said to the group, handing each of them a uniform and the TM for Magical Leaf.
"TM10 contains the move Magical Leaf which is a Grass-type move that almost never misses. *3* Hopefully it'll be of use to at least those of you with Grass-type Pokemon." The receptionist said as she bowed to the group who bowed back before walking out of the stadium, fitting their Badges into the Badge Cases they carried (it fit in near the bottom right of the circle) and made their way to the Pokemon Center. As they did so, they reveled in their new Badges. The question on their minds was simple: Can we keep winning like this, or will we run into trouble in the future?
Either way, now that the group has won their Grass Badges, will they manage to have a similarly easy time against their second Gym? Or will they struggle to keep winning? And will Hop or Iris gain an evolution of their own eventually? The answers to these questions (AND MORE) to come, AS THE JOURNEY CONTINUES!
End of chapter
A/N: And that's the end of that chapter! That took me ages to get through. I didn't think Gym Battles would be THAT tough to write up! But on a more serious note, who saw Rookidee's evolution coming? I didn't really, and I wrote the chapter! But it seemed appropriate! So yeah, now that this is done, the next updates could be for almost any of the other stories since this took me MUCH longer than I thought it would! That said, enjoy this chapter and we'll see over the next few days what the next update will be! That said, I'd like to take this time to announce there's a new poll up on my profile! This poll lets you decide which region Ash will go to in Book 3 (since I already have Book 2's region pre-selected, and if no one figures it out I'll reveal it probably around the end of this 'book' so feel free to vote! The poll will be up for two weeks from today (meaning around June 2nd to June 3rd is the targeted deadline for the poll) and you can vote on it! So feel free to do so! And until next update, sithlorde1988 out!
Notes
*1*- I had no idea until I read through Gossifleur's Pokedex entry while typing this chapter that Gossifleur had only one leg. That legit shocked me.
*2*- Yeah, I made Gloria somewhat use canon Ash's badge-collecting pose but with the twist that her Pokemon will sort of 'pose-bomb' her by getting involved. The peace sign here was just a bit of a nod to canon Misty who used a similar pose once when she got I believe it was her Poke Dolls in season 1.
*3*- Usually, moves like Magical Leaf or Swift don't ever miss, BUT they CAN be made to do so if the target had previously used Detect or Protect (as proven in the games) thus it cannot techincally be said they NEVER miss.