Author's Note: Hey I'm back so anyways been getting into my grove and I had to make this into two parts so please bear in mind that the next chapter will be posted later when I get a chance but please enjoy this piece. So anyways read and review!
Disclaimer: Blue Kitsune does not own Fairy Tail or Pokemon
Chapter 5 - Mallet Girl, Bug Samurai, and Beedrills oh MY!
"So, how much further until we're out of these woods?" Raihan asked, his tone laced with exasperation following their unplanned delay in the forest due to Team Rocket's antics. The sun was setting, indicating they might need to camp another night before reaching Pewter City.
None of his companions seemed troubled by this; Ashi and Toshi were in high spirits having caught their first bug Pokemon earlier. In fact, Toshi's Caterpie had evolved into a Metapod after its first victorious battle. Ashi knew Toshi was eager to evolve it further into a Butterfree, while she believed they should use this time to sharpen their Pokémon's skills for the upcoming gym battle. Leon agreed, finding the idea of another night in the woods rather appealing.
Raihan did not share their enthusiasm. "Dammit all!" he snarled as he swatted at his neck where a bug had narrowly escaped his grasp. "Why are these bugs so fixated on me?" He had given up on his Axew body deodorant after discovering it attracted insects, yet they continued to harass him relentlessly. The others watched amusedly as he continued his futile attempts to ward off the persistent noseeums.
"Maybe they just really like you, Raihan!" Toshi joked, barely suppressing his laughter at the normally composed gym leader's frenzied antics. Leon chuckled alongside him. "Looks like you've got some new fans!"
Raihan shot them a glare, his patience wearing thin. "If being popular with bugs is what it takes, I think I'll pass!" His arms were starting to tire from all the flailing when finally, as if on cue, the bugs dispersed as dusk settled in.
Raihan, his skin marred by fresh insect bites visible even beneath his jacket, caught Leon's teasing remark: "Looks like they really took a liking to you! Perhaps they sense your potential as a Bug-type Pokémon Master."
"Very funny," Raihan retorted, already plotting his revenge on Leon for the jibe. He took pride in mastering Dragon-types, not pesky bugs—a preference that seemed to resonate with certain other trainers who felt inexplicably slighted. Amid the chuckles and laughter from Ashi, Toshi, Sora, and Aratiri at Raihan's expense, only Metapod remained stoic, utterly unfazed by the human folly unfolding around it.
Once Ashi composed herself, she noticed Raihan rubbing his arms vigorously to alleviate the itching from the bug bites. Knowing his actions would only worsen the irritation, she decided to help her comrade despite the amusing sight of his frantic attempts to ward off the insects. Retrieving her versatile handmade cream from her bag, Ashi approached the panting Galar trainer as he sat on the log. "Here, this will help relieve those bites," she said, holding out the small tin.
"Just put a small dab on them, and it should also keep the other insects away for now." Surprised yet willing to try anything, Raihan removed his jacket, revealing his bite-covered forearms and neck. As he applied the balm, the faint scent of lavender and mint wafted through the air. The itchiness subsided, replaced by a cooling sensation that soothed his irritated skin.
Noticing the bites on his neck, Ashi asked if she could apply the cream there. Raihan obliged, and a shiver ran down his spine as her warm fingers brushed against his skin, gently applying the cool balm. With her so close, he caught a subtle scent of wildflowers and citrus emanating from her. Raihan found himself relaxing as he breathed in the calming aroma, closing his eyes for the briefest of moments.
"And Done!" As Ashi finished applying the balm and put away the tin, Raihan realized his body felt much better after the treatment. He noticed Leon and Toshi watching and suspected they might use this moment for future teasing. While he had some leverage on Leon, he knew he'd need to find a way to ensure Toshi's silence, possibly through bribery.
Ashi, unaware of his thoughts, sat back down and asked if he felt better and the gym leader nodded. "Yeah, it works more efficient than the leading brands I usually use. Where did you get this?" Raihan inquired, curious about obtaining some for himself. Leon was also intrigued. To their surprise, Ashi revealed that it was her own special recipe. "It's a homemade blend I created. I like to experiment and carry a variety in my pack, along with some over-the-counter remedies, in case we encounter any life-threatening situations. When it comes to our natural surroundings, it never hurts to stock up on what can be useful."
Leon admitted he had heard about the superiority of homeopathic remedies compared to generic brands but had never tried them himself. He acknowledged the wisdom in Ashi's approach, especially when one is far from the nearest Pokemart and low on medical supplies. "That's a smart idea and would be handy on the road," he commented, with Raihan agreeing. They wondered why this hadn't been taught this in school, feeling that teachers should provide more practical life lessons.
Ashi smiled at Leon's recognition and offered, "I can show you some beneficial plants and demonstrate how to make your own balm to carry with you. In exchange, you can tell me about the plants that thrive in the Galar region, in case Toshi and I ever visit." Her phrasing unintentionally hinted at a deeper connection between the two Galar trainers.
Eager to learn, the two agreed, and Ashi took out her notebook to jot down their recollections of the flora from their home terrains. She then explained the various plants in their immediate surroundings, detailing their benefits and uses and how to recognize which is good and what isn't. Ashi also showed them some lemongrass she had on hand, demonstrating how it could be used to ward off insects from their camp.
Raihan paid close attention, hoping to avoid further insect harassment, and watched intently as Ashi prepared and set up the lemongrass juice around the area, allowing the scent to linger for a few hours. "Man, if this stuff works, I'm definitely going to stock up on it!" he exclaimed.
As the evening progressed, the group gathered around the campfire, savoring a warm meal and enjoying each other's company. Despite the challenges they had faced by far, Ashi felt a strong sense of camaraderie among them, knowing they could rely on one another as a team, along with their Pokémon by their side.
Ashi observed the Pokémon contentedly mingling with one another while Metapod rested peacefully beside her, its polished shell reflecting the dancing flames. She gently caressed the cocoon Pokémon, feeling the warmth emanating from its exterior. "How long do you think it'll be before it evolves into a Butterfree?" Toshi asked eagerly, anticipating the transformation. He couldn't wait to see his Pokémon in its final stage, hoping it would happen soon. Ashi understood his excitement but knew she had to help him understand that this process couldn't be rushed.
"Have patience, Toshi," Ashi replied sagely. "Evolution takes time. Just like we start off small, we must also help our Pokémon mature and nurture them so they can be fully prepared when the time comes." She had seen many trainers push their Pokémon to evolve without consideration of their mental well-being, sometimes leading to difficult-to-handle Pokémon when the trainer hadn't reached the same substantial level as their partner. Ashi vowed to ensure her brother understood the importance of the shared bond and avoided harming himself or his Pokémon.
Leon, sensing Ashi's thoughts, chimed in, "She's right. It will take a while, but don't worry. Metapod will evolve when he feels ready. You just need to be patient. For now, we should focus on preparing your team for Pewter City. With your first Gym battle so close, we must ensure that you and your Pokémon are in top fighting condition and have a solid strategy in place." Ashi was glad to see the Galar Monarch emphasizing this point. Toshi turned to his sister and asked, "So, what do you think I should use against them in my match?"
"Well, given Pewter City's reputation as a main quarry town," Ashi mused aloud, "it's likely they'll use either Ground or Rock-type Pokémon. If I remember correctly, those types are usually weak against Grass, Water, and Ice types." Toshi groaned, realizing the disadvantage they faced. "And we don't have any of those on our team..." He briefly wondered if choosing Squirtle would have been a better option. However, a gentle tug on his pant leg drew his attention downward. His Charmander looked up at him, concern etched on its face. "Char?"
"Don't worry, buddy," Toshi reassured, smiling at his loyal companion. "I'm just thinking about what we need to do. I wouldn't trade you for a hundred Squirtles or Bulbasaurs." The fire-type Pokémon beamed, and Toshi pushed aside any lingering doubts. Leon and Raihan exchanged knowing glances, understanding the challenge those two will face, especially in Ashi's case. "Yeah, you'll need to be creative if you plan on using your Fire or Electric-type in your line up. They'll require a unique edge to overcome the Gym Leader's defenses."
"Yeah," Raihan interjected, "This may be the first Gym, but don't make the rookie mistake of underestimating the challenge that awaits you. It won't be a walk in the park I'll tell ya this much."
Ashi took their advice into consideration knowing what they said was true. This was not going to be an easy feat for either her or Toshi but it didn't mean they couldn't give up so easily. Sora, who was resting in Ashi's lap at the time and sensing her trepidation, lift his head to stare at his trainer who had a deep look on her face. Seeing this, he moved to press his face into her cheek, nuzzling and loudly purring, drawing her attention towards him. Ashi seeing what Sora was doing and thankful he was being so considerate, reach to scratch between his ears just how he liked it. (Thank you my friend.)
"I get it going to be a rough ride for both of us but it won't matter to be honest," Ashi declared, her resolve unwavering. "Because we'll figure something out and one way or another we'll emerge stronger than ever as long as we got each other's back." Turning to Toshi who listen to his big sister's encouraging words and thinking he had to agree since he was sure they could overcome the odds and become victorious if they put their minds to it.
The next morning when everyone awoke as soon as the sun was up and after enjoying another helping of Ashi's cooking before finally figuring out what they should do in the time they had. Seeing as they still had another day or so before they could reach the city, the group deciding to take this oppurtunity to work on Ashi and Toshi team's dynamic and focusing on enhancing their abilities to the next level. Even Raihan was on board this time since the lemongrass was keeping the bugs at bay and now feeling to actually do some proactive for the given time. "Can't let Leon be taking all the cred if you guys manage to succeed in your endeavors so let's get a-cracking on getting these Pokemon to be Super Champs!"
Ashi's training regime was tailored to each of her Pokemon's unique abilities and needs. Yoruichi and Sekhmet focused on a tree climbing exercise designed to boost their stamina. They raced up the trunk, leaving scorch marks and lightning strikes to track their progress. Toshi's joined in, striving to catch up to their sisters who were nearing the top with impressive speed and accuracy.
Meanwhile, Sora and Aratiri engaged in a mock battle to hone their skills, both giving it their all. Nearby, Metapod diligently practiced hardening his shell by striking a rock repeatedly. The granite began to crack under the force of his blows.
"Looking good everyone!" Raihan called out encouragingly while walking around to see how they were and also giving them a few couching tips if he saw one in need of help. Charmander worked alongside Leon's Charizard, who had taken the young fire-type under his wing. The mentor focused on helping Charmander intensify his flames with each blast of ember. The Galar Monarch watched with pride as his Pokemon guided the promising youngster to get stronger.
Leon himself was also giving Toshi's Pidgeotto a hand to increase its agility. They had the bird flew through man-made hoops hung on various branches, grabbing ribbons attached to them and returning with all of them in its beak while the Monarch timed her speed. "Okay, time!" Leon pressed the button on his Rotom, using it as a stopwatch, as soon as the flying type landed next to his trainer. Toshi saw that it had retrieved every last ribbon. "Great job! You got all ten ribbons!"
"Impressive. It managed to find all of them and shaved eight seconds off from the last run." They had done this four times, and the Pokemon was eager to show improvement for its trainer and teammates. "You hear that, Pidgeotto?" The bird flapped its wings excitedly in response, Toshi patted its head affectionately, a proud smile on his face.
Meanwhile Ashi dedicated her sole attention to Scyther, helping him refine his swordsmanship. With her hair tied back and jacket discarded for better movement, Ashi holding a bamboo sword and mirrored Scyther's precise strikes. They moved in perfect harmony, their blades slicing through the air in a breathtaking display of deadly grace. With each parry and strike, their bond deepened.
"That's it Masamune, use your agility to your advantage and boost it further with Sword Dance! Let's try that move again," Ashi encouraged. Scyther chirped in response, launching into another flurry of slashes. They trained well into the evening, their determination evident in the constant sound of blades cutting the air. As their stamina waned, they decided to call it a day.
"You're doing great, my friend. I can tell you're going to be an unstoppable force in battle," Ashi praised, patting Masamune's green exoskeleton. "Scy!" Scyther chirped gratefully, his large eyes reflecting the fading sunlight.
The Dragonslayer smiled before rejoining the others who were waiting for them. Despite their exhaustion, everyone was pleased with the progress they had made in just one day. Ashi noticed Raihan deep in conversation with Leon and Toshi, likely discussing strategies for the upcoming gym battle. She knew they were all determined to succeed and that nothing would stand between them and their goal of getting stronger.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the forest, the group gathered around the campfire once more. The day had been filled with hard work and dedication to training, but also with laughter and camaraderie. Raihan was busy regaling them with tales of his own battles before he became a gym leader.
"I remember one time when my Flygon managed to pull off a stunning victory against a tough Water-type opponent," Raihan said, a glint of pride in his eyes. "It was a battle of wits and strategy, and in the end, Flygon came through for me." Ashi listened intently, intrigued by Raihan's stories of battles and victories. She found herself learning valuable lessons from his experiences, seeing parallels between these two rivals who had faced the same challenges and eventually reached the Master Eight Championship. "Why did you become a gym leader anyway?" Toshi asked, and Ashi realized she was wondering the same thing.
"Well, I guess it was because of the recommendation from the former master after he saw my potential. It came down to me and another guy, but he believed I had the skills to lead, especially with the Pokemon I had." Raihan reached to scratch under Goodra's chin as it approached him, stroking its smooth skin and ignoring the sticky residue afterward. "I've always had a passion for Dragon-types, seeing how they perform on the battlefield, and the way they exude such power and unbeatable force. There's something majestic about them."
"Yeah, Dragons are considered the most powerful and noble beings in existence," Ashi admitted, having heard Raihan's words. "Our mom told many stories about them, portraying them as both fierce and benevolent, worshipped as gods or feared as monsters. Yet, when you truly understand them, you realize they are more than just that."
Leon nodded in agreement, his expression thoughtful. "That's the beauty of Pokemon - they are so much more than mere battling partners. They are our friends, companions, and equals in many ways."
As the conversation drifted to more lighthearted topics, the crackling fire and gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze provided a soothing backdrop to their laughter and stories. With each passing moment, the bond between the group grew stronger, solidifying their resolve to succeed not just as trainers, but as a team.
Above them, the night sky was clear, sprinkled with stars like tiny diamonds scattered across a velvet canvas. Ashi couldn't help but feel a sense of peace settling over her as she gazed up at the celestial display. Despite the challenges that lay ahead, she felt ready to face them with her Pokemon by her side and her friends supporting her.
"Is anyone in the mood for a ghost story? I've got a real good one," Raihan said, noticing Toshi's eagerness and everyone's attention now focused on him.
"...And as it dragged the poor soul away, deeper into the woods, you could still hear the shrill cries of its last victims, their eyes gouged and eaten. If you find yourself alone, especially on a night like this, it's on the prowl for fresh meat and will strike when you least expect it!" Toshi huddled closer to his sister, while Ashi tried to keep him calm. She wondered if the story was too much for him and considered stopping Raihan from continuing. Just when she thought it couldn't get anymore disturbing, a loud, unfamiliar scream cut across the sky, startling everyone.
"AHHH! IT'S THE VENOMOTHMAN! IT'S HERE TO EAT OUR ORGANS AND PIN US TO THE WALLS IN A GRUESOME DISPLAY!" Toshi screamed, gripping onto Ashi and knocking her off the log in his initial panic. Leon and Raihan, who had also heard the shrill shriek, didn't appear scared. "Calm down, Toshi. There's no such thing as a Venomothman; it was all made up," Leon said, realizing that Raihan might have gone overboard with his ghost story. However, the gym leader thought it should've been okay since they had heard similar tales at Toshi's age.
"Yeah, seriously, that was probably just a wild Pokemon or something," Raihan added. He admitted to himself that the part about eating organs and putting them on display was something he had picked up from a scary movie he saw once and decided to use it to add some flair to his story. But looking at the kid's reaction, maybe he had gone a bit over the top.
"Toshi, it's okay," Ashi assured him, rubbing his back soothingly as she got back up. "There's nothing to worry about. It was just the wind playing tricks on us." She shot a glance at Raihan, who looked slightly guilty for scaring Toshi with his ghost story. Raihan cleared his throat, trying to lighten the mood. "See, Toshi? No Venomothman here, just us and our Pokemon." He gestured around the campsite where their loyal companions were, their large forms casting shadows in the firelight.
Toshi took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "I-I know, I just got carried away with the story. Sorry for knocking you over, Ashi." He was embarrassed for letting it get to him and knew that everyone now saw him as a scaredy Meowth, which was humiliating, especially in front of his two idols. "It's alright, Toshi. We all get scared sometimes," Ashi smiled warmly at her brother, ruffling his hair affectionately. "But remember, we're all here together, and we'll keep each other safe no matter what."
"Really? Then…can we all sleep together instead of being alone in our tent?" While he was okay with sharing with his sister, he felt there was better safety in numbers and thought he wouldn't mind the extra company circling them around the campfire.
Ashi chuckled at Toshi's request, knowing that her brother all too well since she was used to him wanting to crawl into bed whenever he had a nightmare and that having the others by them would give him more assurance to know they were safe. "Of course, Toshi. We can set up our sleeping bags right next to them for extra protection," she said, glancing at Raihan and Leon for their approval. They didn't see any problems with that and Leon saw to patted Toshi's shoulder reassuringly, "It's fine by us, and don't worry, we'll keep watch and make sure no Venomothman comes after you."
As they settled their sleeping bags beside the slowly dying fire, the crackling of the burning wood gradually lulled them into a peaceful slumber. Ashi watched over her brother protectively, grateful for the bond they shared and the friends who stood by their side.
"I really appreciate you doing this. I'm sorry you guys got roped into this." Ashi whispered while she lay close to Leon, with Toshi sleeping by her side and Raihan by Leon's, leaving her and the Galar Monarch in the middle. The united snoring of Toshi and Raihan filled the air. Ashi noticed Leon lying on his back, staring at the open sky, and wanted to say something, realizing they were the only two awake.
With a soft smile, Leon turned to Ashi and replied in a hushed tone, "It's no trouble at all, Ashi. As I said before, we're a team, and that means looking out for each other." The crackling embers and distant chirping of nocturnal Pokémon were the only sounds between them, accompanied by a gentle breeze rustling the leaves overhead. In the faint moonlight, Ashi's face shone, her facial markings glowing with a soft, radiant shine. "I never imagined this when we first started our journey, but now I'm glad it turned out so different from what I expected," she said, looking at the Galar Monarch, grateful they had embarked on this trip together.
"I feel the same way," Leon continued, his gaze meeting Ashi's. "We're bound to face tough challenges ahead, but I see great potential in both of you. You and Toshi have shown incredible growth already, and I believe you have the ability to achieve great things."
Ashi felt a warmth spread through her chest at Leon's words and smiled at him. "Thank you, Leon. I really appreciate that," she whispered back, her eyes reflecting the starlight above. As Ashi grew weary, Leon watched her eyes flutter closed, her soft snores mixing with Toshi and Raihan's deeper ones. Smiling at her serene face, Leon brushed back a scarlet lock from her face, tucking it behind her ear. His calloused fingers gingerly felt her satin skin, and his mind wandered back to the moment at Route One, recalling the softness of her lips when he first pressed his mouth against hers in a life-saving situation. The memory brought a faint blush to his cheeks, a mixture of embarrassment and longing swirling within him to feel her lips once more.
Leon struggled to shake off the lingering thoughts of the kiss he had briefly shared with Ashi. He knew he needed to prioritize helping her and her brother with their training, rather than dwelling on matters of the heart. With a final sigh, Leon settled into his sleeping bag, ready to rest before the challenges of the next day. As he closed his eyes, memories of their brief journey through Kanto played through his mind, each moment with Ashi and Toshi etching itself deeper into his heart. Despite his best efforts, he found himself unable to ignore the longing that stirred within him, particularly when his thoughts turned to the girl sleeping right next to him.
For now, he pushed those feelings aside, focusing on the present and the journey that lay ahead. The night enveloped the campsite in a peaceful stillness, broken only by the crackling of the dying fire. As sleep claimed him, Leon's dreams were filled with visions of adventure, friendship, and a pair of striking blue eyes that seemed to hold the secrets of the universe.
Dawn arrived, casting a soft glow over the sleeping trainers and their Pokemon. Ashi awoke to find Leon already preparing breakfast over the fire, while Toshi slept soundly beside her. She couldn't help but smile, feeling grateful for the companionship and support she had found in these remarkable trainers. "Morning, Leon. Need some help?" Ashi asked, sitting next to him as he worked on the porridge.
He shook his head. "Nah, it's all good. I'm just about finished here." Raihan and Toshi soon joined them at the breakfast fire, and the group ate in contented silence. As they finished their meal and began packing up the campsite, Leon turned to Ashi with a serious expression. "Ashi, Toshi," he began, his voice steady. "I think we should try to spice things up in today's training exercise. How are you with playing football?"
Toshi blinked, "Football? You mean the one where you tackle and throw the ball?" Raihan chuckled, seeing their confusion. "Oh, I forgot that football is different here. No, I mean the sport where we kick the ball, hence the name 'football'."
"Oh that! We call it soccer around here," Leon nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I thought it could be a fun way to work on agility, teamwork, and strategy all at once." Toshi's eyes lit up with excitement at the prospect of trying something new. Ashi thought it sounded like a promising workout for their team. "That sounds great! Big sis and I used to play soccer back home. We'd love to give it a try!"
Leon clapped his hands together, his signature grin widening. "Then it's settled! Let's divide into teams and have a friendly match. It'll be Raihan and Toshi against me and Ashi."
"Hey, wait, why am I with—" Raihan began, but felt Leon's hand on his shoulder. He saw the Galar Monarch's grin that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Because after you put such a scary notion in poor Toshi's head last night, wouldn't it be right to try and make up for it?" Raihan blinked, seeing Leon's point, and moved to where the eager boy was waiting. "This is so cool, you and me on the same team!"
"Yeah, sure, that's great." As the more veteran trainers, Leon and Raihan were the team leaders, with Toshi and Ashi second, followed by their chosen Pokémon for the match. The makeshift soccer field was quickly set up using backpacks as goal posts.
They agreed on six players per team to keep things manageable. Leon chose Cinderace and Inteleon, while Ashi brought in Yoruchi and Aratiri. Charizard would act as their goalie. Sora and Sekhmet would replace them if they got winded, standing next to Masamune, who watched with his uncovered eye, observing how the activity would unfold.
Raihan had Duraludon as goalie, with Sandaconda and Goodra on the field alongside Toshi's Charmander and Litleo. Shinx and Flygon would be their substitutes. Unfortunately, Metapod and Pidgeotto couldn't participate much due to their forms and abilities, so they sat with the spectators, which the cocoon Pokémon had no qualms with. Rillaboom stood beside Dragapult, its Dreepy companions hovering near the whiteboard, while Mr. Rime prepared to keep score for the two teams: Team Leashi Vs—
"Wait, seriously Raioshi? What the—?" Toshi interrupted with a chuckle, "Leon said it was okay. I told him the name our team should use, and he said you'd be cool with it."
Raihan's eyebrow twitched beneath his headband, but he maintained a smile, concealing his true thoughts on the given name. "Oh, I see." He turned to glare at the Galar Monarch, who was engrossed in conversation with his Pokémon. Catching Leon's attention, Raihan aimed two fingers at him before pointing them back in his own direction, signaling that Leon should watch himself.
Leon laughed, aware that Raihan would be displeased by the moniker. He glanced at Ashi as she stretched her legs alongside her teammates, with Pikachu assisting Shinx in their preparations for the friendly soccer match. Everyone moved into position: Ashi stood behind Leon, Cinderace across from her, while Raihan, Toshi, and his Goodra waited adjacent to them.
"Is everyone ready?" Leon called out. A chorus of "Yes!" rang out, followed by various roars and chirps from the participating Pokémon. Ashi's Litleo brought the ball to the center of the field, placing it between the two Galar trainers before returning to her spot. As the game officially began, the ball was kicked off, sparking a flurry of movement as players dashed back and forth across the makeshift field.
If we take our time
And we stick together
Everything we do
Will go our way
And if we try
Now and forever
No matter what comes next
We'll be okay
The atmosphere at the friendly playoff was electric, with every player showcasing their A-game. Cinderace and Inteleon moved in perfect harmony, their kicks and dribbles a seamless dance as they passed the ball between them with precision. Yoruchi and Aratiri were a force to be reckoned with, their speed and agility leaving Raihan's team struggling to keep up.
Raihan's Sandaconda stood tall as a formidable defender, its imposing figure blocking shots and creating openings for its teammates. Toshi's Charmander darted across the field like a flickering flame, determined to reach the ball no matter what. Goodra slithered through opponents with ease, its gelatinous body gliding effortlessly as it intercepted passes and orchestrated plays for its team. The energy on the field was palpable as these skilled players battled it out for victory.
Let's kick it up
And show them all the things
That we can do!
Let's kick it up!
Another notch tommorow!
Let's kick it up
Cause they ain't seen the last
Of me and you!
Let's kick it up!
Together!
Ashi intercepted the ball from her brother and passed it to Cinderace, who skillfully kicked it with increased agility towards the goal. However, Duraladon used Protect to prevent the ball from getting past him.
"You'll have to do better than that, Ashi!" Raihan laughed as he moved to retrieve the ball, attempting to get it past her. Suddenly, a yellow blur stole the ball from him. Aratiri now had possession, bouncing the ball on his tail before passing it to his teammate, Inteleon. The invisible Pokemon reappeared and took the shot, scoring a goal as the ball whizzed past the outstretched arms of the steel Dragon.
"What were you saying just now, Rai Rai? I couldn't hear you over the sound of our team winning!" Leon and Ashi celebrated with a high-five, their teamwork paying off as they took the lead in the friendly match. Raihan narrowed his eyes playfully at the celebrating duo, a competitive fire igniting within him. He knew he had to step up his game to turn the tide. With a mischievous grin, he called out to his teammates, rallying them for a comeback.
"Toshi, let's show them what we're made of! Goodra, Sandaconda, bring your A-game!" Raihan's voice boomed across the field, energizing his Pokemon and teammate. Toshi nodded eagerly, determination flashing in his eyes as he took control of the ball, his small but fierce Charmander ready by his side to make a difference in the game.
I realize
What's on the surface
Ain't picture perfect
But that don't mean a thing
One thing I know
Is there's a purpose
And likе the circus
We're hanging from thе rings
With a quick nod, Toshi dribbled the ball past Ashi and passed it to Sandaconda. The serpentine Pokémon coiled around the ball, shielding it from Cinderace's attempts to intercept. Spotting an open Goodra, Sandaconda launched the ball with Mud-slap, sending it soaring into Goodra's waiting tendrils. Determination gleaming in its eyes, Goodra leaped and launched the ball towards the top corner of the goal. Charizard tried to block the shot but realized too late that it was a sticky decoy.
The real ball remained with Sandaconda, who passed it to Raihan, already positioned for the shot. Despite Leon and Inteleon's efforts, Raihan's swift kick sent the ball flying past them and into the net, evening the score for Team Raioshi. Flygon and Litleo cheered loudly as Mr. Rime updated the scoreboard, showing both teams tied at one point.
As they reset for the next play, Leon reassured Ashi, "Don't worry, we won't let them score again." Ashi nodded, strategizing as they moved into position. Leon passed the ball to Ashi, who deftly dribbled it down the field. Toshi chased after her, taunting, "Give it up, sis! Team Raioshi is in it to win it!"
Ashi grinned, her eyes sparkling with determination. "Sorry, kiddo, but that's not happening. You're about to see what Team Leashi is truly made of!" She maneuvered past Team Raioshi's defenders with agility, Aratiri running alongside her in perfect sync. With a quick flick, Ashi passed the ball to Cinderace, who unleashed a powerful Flame Charge kick. The fiery shot rocketed past Goodra and Duraludon, scoring a spectacular point for Team Leashi.
"Heh looks like we again are in the lead," Leon said as Raihan move to glower at his rival, "Don't get too comfortable, Leon. The game is far from over," Raihan replied with a sly grin, his competitive spirit reignited by the challenge. He called out to his team, rallying them for one final push to turn the tide in their favor. Toshi stood confidently, his Charmander by his side, ready to prove their true strength. As Raihan passed the ball to Toshi, both he and Ashi grappled for control while their Pokémon, Charmander and Aratiri, sought to maintain an open position and prevent interceptions.
"You won't win this time, little brother!" Ashi taunted, recognizing Toshi's determination but knowing he would need to push harder to beat them. With a burst of speed and agility, Ashi outmaneuvered Toshi, gaining control of the ball. She smirked playfully, her competitive spirit driving her forward. As she dribbled towards the goal, Raihan's team scrambled to intercept her, but Ashi was focused and in the zone.
Let's kick it up
And show them all the things
That we can do!
Let's kick it up!
Another notch tomorrow!
Let's kick it up
Cause they ain't seen the last
Of me and you!
Let's kick it up!
Together!
Together!
Aratiri darted ahead, creating a distraction with swift movements as Ashi feinted left before swiftly changing direction to the right. With a flick of her foot, Ashi sent the ball flying towards Aratiri, who was perfectly positioned for a shot on goal. His tail glowed brightly, taking on a steel-like luster, and with a fierce spin, he sent the ball flying at an accelerated speed!
"Holy Magikarp!" Toshi exclaimed as the ball zipped past the goal and disappeared into the woods. The unexpected turn of events left both teams stunned, unsure of how to proceed. Raihan laughed heartily, breaking the tension. "Well, that's one way to end a match! Looks like we'll have to call it a draw." Leon nodded in agreement, "Yeah, but someone has to go look for the ball."
"Since Aratiri sent it flying, it's only fair that your team goes to look for it," Raihan suggested. "Au contraire, my friend. We scored two goals before the ball flew off, which means we're the winning team. So, it's your responsibility to retrieve the ball," Leon replied with a smirk. Raihan groaned, acknowledging the truth.
Leon smirked as he watched Raihan's frustrated departure. "Fine, but this is far from over—you'll see!" Raihen called out, his voice echoing slightly as he disappeared into the woods with Toshi in search of the missing ball. Leon shook his head, well aware of Raihan's competitive spirit; a rematch was inevitable.
Nearby, Ashi tended to her Pokémon, her eyes softening as she observed their excitement. "You both did wonderfully," she praised, though her gaze drifted towards Sekhmet and Sora with an apologetic tilt. Sora lounged under the sun, a picture of nonchalance with sunglasses perched on his nose and a tanning reflector skillfully held by his paws. He sipped water leisurely from a straw, seemingly disinterested in physical exertion unless it involved training. Ashi sighed internally, her mind racing with thoughts of discretion—especially around Leon and Raihan. The last thing she needed was for Toshi to accidentally reveal more than necessary. Her eyes flitted towards Leon, thankful that he hadn't noticed Sora's antics yet.
"It's too bad the game was cut short," Ashi remarked casually, trying to shift her focus back to Pikachu. "But what was that move Aratiri use just now?" Leon took a moment to clarify what it might be as there was only one probably attack that could be pulled off, "I think that was maybe Iron Tail."
"Iron Tail?" Both Ashi and Aratiri perked up at that. Seeing their surprised expressions, Leon nodded, "Yeah actually if that's the case then this can be your ace in the hole because Iron Tail is a steel move that has a higher advantage towards Rock types." Hearing this got their immediate interest even more and thinking of the possibility of turning the tide in battles against tough opponents sparked a newfound excitement in them.
Ashi leaned in eagerly, "Are you sure about that?" Leon gave her a knowing smile and reassured her of Aratiri's potential to master the move with practice. Before he could explain further, Ashi enveloped him in a grateful hug, overflowing with enthusiasm. Meanwhile, Aratiri was ecstatic at the thought of learning the move and couldn't contain his excitement (Yes! Finally, I can show off my awesomeness!). He was already planning how he would rub it in Sora's face when they battled in the gym and knowing would be the leading Pokemon in their line up for sure. Unbeknownst to them, Leon's cheeks turned red from the close contact; he quickly composed himself as Ashi released him. It took a moment for her to realize what she did and suddenly her face was now turning just as equally red as her hair.
"Sorry didn't mean to get carry away there." Ashi push her fringes behind her ear since she had just did that out of the blue without consideration Leon's feeling. But the Galar trainer said, "I-it's okay, it's fine actually I didn't mind at all, I mean I'm happy you're happy so it's all good!" Leon was doing his best not to stammer and though both were thinking how awkward it was before Ashi sees her Pikachu was staring into the woods where Raihan and Toshi had vanished moments ago, his tail standing erected indicating something was up.
"Aratiri?" She saw his demeanor shifted instantly and then felt concern when Sora also coming to join the electric-type now seeing that they both on edge had her also feeling what they were just then. "Hey what's wrong?" Leon asked, sensing the change. Before Ashi could reply, both Pikachu and Litten darted off towards the mysterious disturbance in the woods. With no time to waste, Leon and Ashi followed them into the thickets, determined to find out what got them so worked up.
Deep within the forest shadows danced between the trees—Raihan paused mid-step as he glimpsed something—or someone—moving swiftly through the underbrush. His heart pounded with a mix of thrill and caution; this was no ordinary encounter. "Ugh, where is it? It's gotta be here somewhere," Raihan muttered as Goodra pushed aside branches vigorously while Toshi's Charmander lit up darker paths with small flames.
Raihan decided to split up for efficiency—"You take that path," he instructed Toshi who nodded before disappearing into another part of the forest with his own Pokémon trailing behind him. Alone now and moving deeper into unfamiliar territory, Raihan felt an eerie sensation creeping over him—the same chilling feeling one gets when watched by unseen eyes. A shadow flickered once more across his peripheral vision; adrenaline surged through him as he prepared for whatever—or whoever—lay ahead.
"All right, I'm starting to get tired of all these Meowth and Ratatta. You better show yourself right this instant—" Raihan turned, nearly jumping out of the way as a girl appeared with a mallet, hitting the ground where he had been standing. (What the heck?!)
Raihan tried to recover, studying the crazy trainer before him. She was a teenager, about two or three years older than Toshi, with short orange hair tied in a side ponytail. Her green eyes and fair skin were accentuated by a yellow tank top, red suspenders, denim shorts, and red high-top sneakers with yellow lining. What was her problem? "Girl, what the hell is wrong with you?" The teen looked at him, startled, and took a moment to assess him more closely. "Wait, you're not the samurai from before?"
Raihan blinked, his eyebrows raising in confusion. (Samurai? What on earth was she talking about?) "Do I look like I'm wearing armor or carrying a sword?" He gestured to himself, making it clear he wasn't that person. The gym leader couldn't help but notice the surprise on her face, and curiosity nagged at him about her current situation.
"Well, I suppose with this dense forest, it can be hard to make out details. And why did you have to—" Suddenly, she let out a blood-curdling scream as something crawled up her leg, causing her to jump onto the closest thing within reach—which happened to be Raihan.
"Hey, get off me, you crazy chick!" The Galar trainer exclaimed as she scrambled to cling onto his shoulders for dear life. "There are bugs everywhere!" She cried out in terror.
"Oh really? I hadn't noticed," Raihan grumbled sarcastically, moving to get her off him without anymore hassle. She was even clinger than when his Sandaconda was once Silicobra but still found it annoying to be grapple on like this out of nowhere. The girl finally released Raihan and he took a step back, trying to regain his composure, adjusting his headband back up as he glared at her.
"Of course there are bugs here; we're in a freaking forest! Did you think we were going to run into cute little Deerling and Buneary? Wake up, girl!" He couldn't help but wonder how he always ended up getting involved with the most eccentric individuals.
"Well, EXCUSE ME! I didn't even plan on taking this route! My sister borrowed my bike so I had no choice!" She retorted indignantly. Honestly, she couldn't believe that Lily had accidentally broken the axle of her bike when she had her own. Now, she was left with no choice but to walk through these woods herself. It had been an endless nightmare; every time she moved down the trail, hoping to reach Viridian, she came across all sorts of bugs and had to use her hammer to knock them away. Raihan snorted thinking, (Join the club, sister!)
"You don't even know what I've been through! And just when I think things can't get any worse, this weirdo comes out of nowhere, looking to challenge trainers from a place called Pallet Town, and almost cuts my head off—hey, are you even listening to me?!"
Raihan cringed as the girl's shrill voice pierced his ears. He twisted a finger in his ear, attempting to alleviate the discomfort. "Yeah, I heard you. Heck, I bet the whole Arceus damn forest heard your screeching from a mile away. Honestly, I don't give a Magikarp about your problem, and another thing..." Suddenly, her words registered in his mind. He turned to her, eyes wide. "Wait, did you say Pallet Town? Was that really what that person said?"
The girl blinked, nodding. "Um, yeah. I don't know what his beef is with them, but he was heading this way, I think. Hey, wait! Where are you going?" Raihan was already sprinting back the way he had come, his thoughts racing. He had to get to Toshi before that psycho did. Ashi would never forgive him if anything happened to the kid, and Leon wouldn't be far behind. Toshi was the perfect target, practically screaming, "Easy victim here, come and stab me!"
"Hey, wait for me!" The girl chased after him, unwilling to be left alone in the woods.
Raihan's heart pounded as he pushed through the thick undergrowth, imagining the worst. In horror movies, the unsuspecting victim never saw the killer coming until it was too late. (Please, Arceus, don't let that be the case here.)
As Raihan cautiously approached the spot where he hoped to find Toshi, his senses on high alert, a sharp blur of silver flew out of nowhere and embedded itself in a nearby tree. The glint of light off the blade caught his eye and his heart lurched as he realized it was only inches from his own face. His breath hitched as he saw his reflection in the polished metal. Slowly turning to face the source of the near-fatal weapon, Raihan's eyes widened in shock and relief as he saw Toshi standing unharmed, Charmander by his side and holding the missing soccer ball. Their attention seemed to be focused on something off to the side.
Following their gaze, Raihan's jaw dropped at the sight before him. The samurai that the girl had mentioned was lying on the ground with Ashi hovering over him, an intricate blade pressed menacingly against his throat. But what truly disturbed Raihan was the demonic visage behind Ashi: a white Hannya mask with glowing red eyes and long, floating black hair that seemed to radiate an otherworldly aura.
Raihan's keen senses picked up on an approaching presence, and he realized that the girl had caught up to him. She let out a sharp shriek upon seeing the demonic visage floating behind Ashi, "What in the world is that?"
Before he could respond, Ashi, her grip tightening on the blade pressed against the kid's throat, growled menacingly, "Give me one good reason why you had the audacity to attack my little brother!"
Ashi had been keeping up with her two Pokémon as they zip on through the forest, following the trail that was Toshi's scent and seeing it was leading them down this way. They eventually caught up to where they saw Toshi still in the midst of searching for their missing ball, scouring the bushes yet their eyes focused on the unknown figure dressed in samurai armor approaching the distracted kid with his hand on the hilt of his weapon.
(Oh no you don't! Not on my watch!) Without hesitation, Ashi lunged forward as she accelerated her speed to ram into him and knocking them halfway from her brother. The assailant was taken aback by Ashi's sudden attack, barely having time to react as she closed in on him. He turned to face her, ready to defend himself as she took up a fierce stance with her fists at the ready. "Are you a trainer from Pallet Town?" he asked gruffly.
"What business is it of yours?" Ashi retorted, her eyes locked onto her opponent as her Pokémon flanked her, prepared for battle. Toshi looking up to see what was going on and saw the stranger scowled beneath his headgear, "I'll ask again, are you from Pallet Town?" Toshi blinked in confusion at the sudden questioning while he made to reply, "Um yeah... we're from Pallet. Is there something you need—"
But before he could finish his sentence, the samurai turned his attention towards him, swiftly drawing his blade. Unbeknownst to him, he had just threatened the brother of a powerful Dragonslayer. In one swift motion, Ashi deflected his strike by meeting them head on, deflecting his blade out of hand before she sent him flying with a powerful thrust kick a few feet away. As the attacker struggled to regain his footing, Ashi was already on top of him, her dagger glowing with intense mana as she kept him pinned. This was the scene that greeted Raihan and Leon as they finally caught up to the rest of their group.
"Um, sis, I think you should dial it back," Toshi cautioned, noting the murderous intent emanating from Ashi, her Hannya mask unnerving everyone present. "Remember, we're not here to cause trouble. The last thing we need is Officer Jenny on your back if you end up killing him." How was he even going to explain this to their mom or the professor about this?!
"Yeah, but it can't be a crime if there's no body," Ashi countered. "You know how ravenous the wildlife can be. Luckily, there are wild boars that can devour a human's bones within minutes, leaving nothing behind!"
Everyone froze upon hearing Ashi's words, but Leon stepped forward, attempting to calm her down. He gently laid his hand on the angry teen's shoulder. "Ashi, take a deep breath," he said softly. "I know you don't really want to do this. Please think about what you're doing, think of Toshi."
His words seemed to have the desired effect, as Ashi glanced towards her brother and the others. Despite everyone's lingering agitation, she closed her eyes, seeking to ease her own mind. The Hannya mask faded away until it completely vanished from sight, as if it had never been there at all.
"Sorry, you're right," Ashi admitted. "I shouldn't have gotten carried away." With Leon's help, she pulled herself off the kid, wincing as she realized she had practically threatened a child no older than her own brother. Guilt washed over her for causing such fear. "I apologize for my rash actions. When I saw what you were about to do, I lost control, driven by the need to ensure my brother's safety. Please accept my deepest condolences."
Ashi bowed, and though the kid was still reeling from the experience, he decided not to push the matter further, realizing he was fortunate to be alive. "I suppose I should have considered that challenging my opponent while drawing a weapon could be seen as an act of aggression," he conceded.
"Not to mention illegal!" Raihan yelled, still eyeing the embedded blade stuck in the tree. "Who brings a freakin' sword to a Pokémon fight?"
"My apologies," the boy said. "I was merely trying to prove my worth as a warrior and help my team grow stronger. Today, my mission is to seek out and challenge the trainers from Pallet Town."
"So, you decided to go about it like some wannabe serial killer in a slasher film?" Raihan remarked sarcastically, eyeing the kid cautiously. Ashi shot Raihan a glare before turning back to the trainer. "Well, you could have just asked for a battle like a civilized person instead of trying to slice my brother in half," she retorted, her tone dripping with annoyance.
The samurai pushed himself up, dusting off his armor. "I apologize for my aggressive approach. My name is Kaito, and I am on a quest to test my skills against strong trainers. So far, I have had my first two matches and was waiting for the last challenger to appear."
Ashi raised an eyebrow, still not fully trusting him after the near altercation. Toshi stood behind her, peeking out cautiously. "Well, Kaito, next time, maybe just say hello first before you go all samurai on us," she said wryly.
Kaito nodded solemnly. "I will keep that in mind. Now that we have cleared the air, by any chance, does that Charmander belong to you?"
The kid pointed to the Charmander clinging to Toshi's leg, still on edge after realizing how close his trainer had come to danger. "Yeah, he's mine, and my sister got her starter too." Toshi patted the fire-type, calming him down as the tension dissipated once they managed to address the situation. Kaito blinked, turning to the orange-haired girl. "Your sister?"
She immediately froze and glared at him. "Hey pal, don't look at me! I don't know this kid, and I prefer water Pokemon, not fire-types!"
Ashi cleared her throat, directing their attention on her, "Ahem, I'm Toshi's sister and also a starter from Pallet Town," she clarified, shocking both Kaito and the new girl. "But aren't you a bit old—"
"Say that, and I'll make sure you're talking to your ancestors in the afterlife!" Ashi's eyes flickered with a hint of danger, her aura shifting as if daring anyone to challenge her. Kaito raised his hands in surrender, recognizing the fierce spirit within the young trainer.
"Apologies, I meant no disrespect. It's an honor to meet a fellow trainer from Pallet Town. My apologies for assuming your brother was the only one." Ashi visibly relaxed at his apology, her demeanor softening. "No worries. We're all just trying to become capable trainers, right?" She offered a smile, which Kaito returned with a nod. "Now, you were asking to challenge us to a Pokemon battle."
"That's right. I wish to battle both of you and see how well prepared you are."
"Well, when you put it that way, I don't see the harm in that." Leon suggested having the battle near their own camp, as it wasn't far from them. Kaito, with a gracious smile and a slight bow, said, "Thank you and might I say I am honored to be in the presence of the greatest warrior of all time Master Leon." Leon sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. "Um, I wouldn't call myself the greatest, but thanks anyway."
"Oh yeah, sure, like you haven't heard that before..." Raihan mumbled before noticing Kaito approaching. "Oh, are you here to apologize too? Well then, thanks—" But the young boy was busy grabbing at the hilt of his sword, trying to remove it from the tree. It was proving to be quite the challenge as it refuse to budge. Kaito even plant his feet against the trunk and trying to exert some more but still nothing.
Raihan, while still miff on how he almost could've been skewered by that same blade but finding he wasn't going to hold some petty grudge before moving to push Kaito out of the way. "Step aside junior, let a real pro show you how it's done!" He wrapped both his hands around it and began to apply his own muscles in getting it out, yet seeing it was taking him a bit longer and even he see that the thing was stuck. Turning to look at where Toshi and Leon were and saying, "Hey can you guys give us a little help here!" They along with Kaito who saw to help wrap their hands around each other's waists and struggling with all their efforts while both Ashi and the other girl stood watching from the sideline seeing that this was going nowhere for them.
"Oh man, that is really jammed in there tight!" Toshi said, unaware of Raihan thinking, (That's what she said!) Still, the four were still trying to get it out but not even feel it slide even an inch even with all their combine strength put together. "Come on, you stubborn thing! Get out of there!" they grunted, struggling to pull the blade free. Ashi, observing their efforts, offered to lend a hand and asked them to step aside.
Raihan's face was cover in a thin film of sweat and even as Ashi made to give her a try but went to say, "Hey, I don't think it's going to be easy. That thing is pretty much—" To everyone's shock, she simply grabbed the hilt and pulled the blade out effortlessly. She passed it to the dumbstruck boy, saying, "Next time, be more careful with your toys." Ashi walked away, not noticing the speechless stares from everyone except Sora, Aratiri, and Toshi, who didn't find it to be a big deal.
The orange-haired girl wondered aloud, "Okay, does anyone else feel like they missed something? Like, how in the world did she do that?" Toshi, who was closest and heard the question, replied, "Oh, well, our mom says my sister is pretty capable when she puts her mind to it. Honestly, you never want to get on her bad side. We're lucky that was only number three of the bunch."
"Um, what are you talking about?" the girl asked, puzzled. Then, putting together what he was saying and recalling the disturbing floating mask that made them all shudder, she exclaimed, "How did she do that? And wait, what do you mean by 'number three'? Are there more of them?"
Toshi explained, "Oh, I think she learned it from this nice innkeeper when we went on our summer vacation in Hoenn last year. The lady was really nice and made some great dango. She also gave my sister a few lessons, so she's got the basics. As for the whole mask thing, yeah, it surprised me the first time too, but once you get used to them, it's no big deal."
Raihan couldn't help but ask, "Wait, how many does she have?" Toshi put his fist to his chin, thinking hard while doing the numbers in his head. "Hmm, let's see... I think there's a total of thirteen. Yep, thirteen, I'm very positive about that. Just to be clear, the higher the number, the scarier the visage. I should also warn you that if you don't ever want her to bring out number thirteen, never, ever get on my sister's bad side. Because if you do, that will be your last..." Toshi's face was overshadowed, and his eyes were full of eerie light as he spoke, causing everyone to turn ashen at the thought of what number thirteen might entail.
Ashi, noticing the group lagging behind, called out, "Hey, what's the hold up? Didn't you say you wanted to challenge my brother and me?" Kaito considered rethinking his challenge, but with his honor at stake and the risk of bringing shame to his ancestors, he couldn't back down now. "Yes, of course, but if it's not too much trouble, I'd like to fight your brother first!" He hoped Toshi wouldn't be as intimidating as his elder sibling, and that he could hold his own against him.
Ashi shrugged, not minding the request. "Fair enough." Everyone gathered, with Leon refereeing the match as before. Raihan and Misty, who had finally introduced herself, sat alongside the others, though Misty kept her distance, still reeling from the previous interaction and remembering Toshi's warning. Ashi wasn't bothered by the girl's unease, and as for Raihan, he tried to pretend he hadn't been frightened, comparing the experience to his Venomothman story and Ashi's floating demonic mask. He shuddered, thinking it would make it harder to sleep that night.
As the match began, Kaito and Toshi stood on opposite sides, selecting their Pokémon. "All right, Pinsir, come out!" Kaito's voice was filled with determination as his imposing Pinsir materialized on the battlefield, its pincers raised threateningly. Toshi remained focused and calm. "I choose you, Metapod!" Toshi's decision surprised everyone.
"What? Why would he choose that?!" Raihan exclaimed, ignoring Misty's shriek as she hid behind him, using the Gym Leader as a shield. "Bugs! Why does it have to be bugs?!" Ashi pretended not to hear the complaints, focusing on the battle and wondering about Toshi's plan. Why bring out Metapod instead of his fire-types?
Toshi grinned mischievously as his Metapod appeared, its hard shell gleaming in the sunlight. Kaito raised an eyebrow, surprised by the choice. As the battle commenced, Toshi's strategy became clear: Metapod stood firm, using Harden to increase its defenses with each passing moment.
Pinsir lunged forward with a powerful Vice Grip, but it barely made a dent in Metapod's reinforced shell. Raihan and Misty watched in awe at Toshi's clever tactics. Despite the initial doubt surrounding Metapod's capabilities, Toshi was turning the tide of the battle in a surprising way. Kaito gritted his teeth, realizing he had underestimated his opponent. With each hit that Metapod shrugged off, Toshi's confidence seemed to grow, his calm demeanor never faltering.
"Metapod, harden one more time!" Toshi shouted as Pinsir reached to grasp Metapod between its horns for another Vice Grip. Everyone watched as Metapod's super-strengthened shell and strong urge to not surrender caused one of Pinsir's horns to break under the immense pressure. "No, Pinsir!" Kaito cried out, seeing his Pokemon now vulnerable and unable to continue the battle. He called back his Pinsir with a mix of frustration and admiration for Toshi's unexpected strategy. Ashi watched on with a faint smirk, clearly pleased with her brother's performance.
"That was great thinking, having his shell so durable that not even its horn could inflict any damage," Raihan commented. "It was like putting a diamond inside a nutcracker and seeing that it wouldn't be able to chip its durability. Well played, Toshi."
"Not bad there, you. I see you made a smart choice with your pick," Kaito acknowledged. Toshi nodded, looking at his Metapod as he bent down to pet its head. "Yeah, I know my buddy here wants to go further, and I promise to see it evolve. I keep my word no matter what!"
"Very well then." Kaito realized the trainer was wise to pick Metapod as his first, but he planned to turn the tide in his favor soon enough. "Metapod, I think you better sit this one out." Toshi moved to grab his Pokeball, but the Pokemon surprised him by moving to sit next to Ashi. "Oh, okay then!"
"Charmander, I choose you!" Toshi felt confident bringing out his main Pokemon onto the field, seeing his fire-type all fired up. "Okay, bud, let's do this!"
"Well, it's a good thing it's not another bug," Misty said, though feeling creeped out by the one sitting so close and trying not to think too much about why it was staring at her for no reason. Ashi moved to pat the cocoon Pokemon, feeling Metapod relax under her touch. "You did a really good job out there today." Metapod eye-smiled at her, "Metapod."
Looking back at the battlefield and seeing both trainers ready, Kaito brought out his last Pokemon. "I choose you, Metapod." Everyone thought this would be a walk in the park, or in this case, a forest for Toshi. Just as Leon was ready to start the match, everyone stood still as they heard a loud noise. "Does anyone else hear that?" Ashi turned her head, trying to locate the source of the sound. It was a loud buzzing sound, growing closer and more intense by the second. Suddenly, black shadowy figures emerged from the woods opposite them.
"Is it just me, or does that look like a swarm of—" Raihan's words were cut short by Misty's scream as they realized the approaching danger: a massive swarm of Beedrills heading straight for them. Instinctively, the group moved as one to evade the oncoming threat. "Charizard, use Flamethrower! Cinderace, use Pyroball!" Leon summoned his Pokemon, and the two fire-types unleashed their attacks, attempting to force the Beedrills to retreat.
However, the Beedrills seemed to have other plans, specifically moving to where Ashi and Misty were. Ashi noticed Misty frozen in fear and knew she had to act fast. "Sora, use Fire Spin!" Ashi commanded. The Litten obeyed, creating a fiery barrier around them to block the approaching Pokemon. Despite the protection of the flames, Ashi knew the heat wouldn't harm her or Sora, but Misty was a different story.
"Hot, hot, hot! So freaking hot!" Misty exclaimed, feeling like she was in a sauna at full blast. As the Fire Spin died down, the group saw that the Beedrills were still present, and everyone had their Pokemon engaged in battle against the relentless swarm that just kept on coming.
"What's bugging them?!" Raihan growled as his Pokemon blasted the Beedrills with their attacks, only to see most evade the strike and retaliate with Pin Missile and Poison Sting.
"I'm not sure, but I think we better make like a tree and leave, now!" Leon shouted, noticing more Beedrills joining the fray. Without hesitation, everyone recalled their Pokemon and retreated towards the safety of the nearby forest.
As Ashi ran with Misty beside her, she noticed the Beedrills pursuing them relentlessly. "Toshi, take Misty and find someplace safe!" she called out to her brother, who was approaching with Kaito. In her momentary distraction, Ashi failed to notice a Beedrill closing in on her, its spear-like arms aimed at her back.
Toshi carried Metapod in his arms, having no chance to recall him into his Pokeball during the chaos. Seeing the impending danger, the Pokemon leaped out of his trainer's arms towards Ashi. Toshi was shocked as the green Pokemon jumped between them, and he watched in growing horror as the Beedrill took the cocoon Pokemon away without hesitation.
"Metapod!" Toshi's anguished cry echoed through the forest, but Ashi knew it wasn't the time to grieve. She pushed her companions onward, their feet pounding against the ground as they desperately searched for shelter. "We need to find somewhere safe to hide!" she shouted over the sound of their heavy breathing.
"I know of a cabin nearby!" Kaito's voice cut through the chaos, leading them in a different direction. The group followed, their hearts racing as they tried to keep up with his swift pace. As they neared a fork in the trail, Leon and Raihan suddenly yelled, "Watch out, Ashi!"
Before she could react, they shoved her to the ground and tumbled in the opposite direction. Dazed and disoriented, Ashi caught sight of a nearby cave and pointed frantically. "In there, hurry!" With adrenaline coursing through their veins, the trio sprinted towards the opening and disappeared inside just as the swarm of Beedrills came near and didn't see their quarry in the open. Everyone waited until they were sure the Beedrills were out of earshot before settling on the ground, breathing heavily.
"Seriously, what's wrong with this forest?" Raihan, hands on his knees, wiped his brow with his sleeve, sweat dripping down his face. Leon and Ashi, equally exhausted, looked at him. "I don't know, but I think they're more agitated than normal," Leon said.
"Oh you think so?!" Ashi, ignoring Raihan diatribe was busy checking Sora and Aratiri for any injuries but thankfully the two were alright. It was good they found this cave but how long should they stay in here for. Ashi was also consider if Toshi and the other made it safely to the cabin in one piece.
"The Beedrills were definitely more aggressive than what one should find less you do something to disturb them, but what?" Ashi was so busy trying to think what that might be when she felt someone leaning into her and turning to see was Leon. "Leon are you alright?" His eyes seem a bit unfocus and though apparently slightly daze before her voice brought him back, "Yeah, I'm fine. Just got a little lightheaded for a moment." All that running must've taken a lot outta him. "I think I should lie down for a bit."
"Yeah good idea." She figure they needed to take a breather before they figure out what to do next. Raihan was still standing while pacing about as he said, "I think we can wait till nightfall, maybe by then we can at least go and locate that cabin the kid mentioned. I think it's—" He suddenly felt woozy all of a sudden, and Ashi noticing him lose his balance caught him before he fell over. Ashi steadied Raihan, her concern growing as she noticed the same dazed expression on his face that she had seen in Leon moments before.
"Raihan, are you okay?" she asked, helping him sit down next to Leon. The two men look a bit more flustered and while she assume was because they exerted themselves but as she took to examine them closely, seeing on Raihan's neck was a nick that was barely noticable but see had purple goo that seep out. Same on Leon's arms as she double check and realize they both got stung by the Beedrill venom!
This was a serious situation; while Pokemon venom didn't cause significant damage to other creatures, it was a different story with humans entirely. Ashi check herself to see if she gotten any but since she was aware her Dragonslayer's magic could repel the toxin effect but looking at her two friends and saw they must've gotten quite a substantial dose.
(Oh this was not good.) But now was not the time to sit by when she had to help them out! Ashi worked to remove as much of the toxin as she could, making small incisions on their wounds to bleed the poison and using a little magic to flush it out before it could spread fully. She saw them barely flinch since they were now unconscious but Ashi had did the best she could without her stuff on hand. It would have been much easier with her medic kit to administer the anti-venom, but they had rushed off in a hurry, and there was no telling if any Beedrills were still lingering in the area.
For now, she would have to make do with what she had on hand. Sora helped provide warmth as she and Aratiri took turns watching for any returning Beedrills. Ashi attended to the Galar Trainers while also taking quick glances outside to check on her brother and the others, hoping they were holding up alright.
"Ugh, this is terrible!" Misty groaned as she fell forward once they were inside. The boys secured the door, even though the stringers had left a hole before pulling away. They heard the sound of the Beedrills flying away and thought they could catch their breath, but then something began hitting against the wood, causing the trio to freeze.
"Oh no, are they trying to break in now?!" Misty exclaimed. Toshi and Kaito heard the thudding outside, initially unsure of what was happening, before the Samurai said, "They're using Morse Code." He recognized it from his grandfather's teachings, finding it strange that the Beedrills were using it at this moment.
"Morse Code?" Before anyone could figure out how a Pokemon could use that, Kaito took the time to decipher the message: "They're saying, 'If you wish to have the green bean alive, you must deliver the evil red-fur beast to us. Bring it by dawn, or...'" Kaito glanced to the side, avoiding eye contact. "Trust me, you don't want to know," he said, choosing not to reveal the Beedrill's threat of turning the Metapod into a snack for their offspring. Toshi seemed to grasp the gist of it anyway.
"Evil red-fur beast? We don't have any Pokemon like that, except for Charmander, but he doesn't have fur..." Toshi trailed off, noticing Kaito staring at Misty, who was pretending to be engrossed in the ceiling. "Am I missing something here?"
"Do you want to tell him, or should I?" Kaito asked, cornering Misty. Feeling trapped, the teen relented. "Fine, I'll explain." She quickly recounted the story, omitting some details, but Toshi managed to piece together the essential information.
"So, you've been knocking out bugs left and right just because they got close to you?!" Toshi exclaimed. A realization struck him like one of Aratiri's Thundershocks. "Wait, did you happen to hit a Caterpie a couple of days ago?" When Misty nodded, Toshi stood up, pointing an accusing finger at her. "Aha! I knew it! You're the one who hurt my Caterpie!"
"Hey, it was a wild one, so it didn't belong to anyone!" Misty defended.
"That doesn't matter! I still caught it after we found it, and now I find out you're the culprit who hurt the poor thing in the first place. What were you thinking?!"
"Listen, I've been stuck in this forest trying to get out, and they just kept crawling on my legs. What's a girl supposed to do?" Misty shivered, recalling the hellish nightmare of bugs popping out and rubbing their tiny, icky bodies against her, leaving her no choice but to whack at them and run, getting further lost in the process.
Toshi refused to back down. "Bugs have a right to be where they want to be, and my sister says they also serve a purpose in the ecosystem. What you're doing is borderline cruel, especially to a Pokemon!" His hands tightened into fists as he glowered at Misty. Kaito interjected, "He's right. Your actions likely drew the ire of the Beedrill. Hurting one of their own would provoke them to retaliate. Even I know that what you did would be seen as a direct offense to the Beedrill hive here. They take care of each other and won't tolerate anyone causing harm to their kind."
Misty's heart sank as she realized the gravity of her actions and the unintended danger she had brought upon the group. "I'm sorry," she stammered, her voice trembling with guilt and fear. "I was just scared, and I don't like..."
Toshi's anger softened slightly, but his thoughts remained with his sister, Leon, and Raihan, who were separated from them. "I understand, but I can't sit here while they're out there facing who knows what," he said, his voice strained with worry.
Toshi had always relied on his sister's protection and support, but now, he found himself unable to do the same for her in their precarious situation. As a Dragonslayer, he knew his father would have wanted him to stand by her side, even in the face of adversity. Kaito, sensing Toshi's thoughts, reached out to him, their eyes meeting with a silent understanding. "Toshi, your sister is stronger than you think," Kaito said firmly, his gaze reflecting determination. "She and your comrades are in good hands. They'll be fine, just like us." Toshi nodded, grateful for his friend's support.
"But first," Kaito continued, "we need to figure out how to handle the Beedrill situation." As they huddled together, devising a plan to rescue Toshi's Metapod, a sense of unity settled among them. Despite the lingering tension and fear, they were determined to face the challenges ahead. As they settled in for the night, Toshi lay on his back, staring blankly at the ceiling, his thoughts consumed by his sister, Metapod, and the others. Reaching for his keychain, Toshi gripped the tooth tightly in his palm and silently prayed.
(Dad, if you can hear me, or anyone else who's listening, please keep my sister and our friends safe. I promise, as a Dragonslayer, to never back away from a fight ever again, no matter how bad things look. I won't let fear hold me back. That's my promise.)
Asharia 'Ashi' Ketchum - Age 18, Trainer (Beginner)
Team Ashi -
*Litten (m) - Sora
Pikachu (m) - Aratiri
*Litleo (f) - Sekhmet
*Shinx (f) - Yoruichi
Scyther (m) - Masamune
Satoshi 'Toshi' Ketchum - Age 10, Trainer (Beginner)
Team Toshi -
Charmander (m)
Litleo (m)
Shinx (m)
Pidgeotto (f)
Metapod née Caterpie (m)
Leon Jordan - Age 20, Trainer (Advance) Galar Champion x5
Team Leon -
Charizard (m)
Dragapult (m)
Rillaboom (m)
Cinderace (m)
Inteleon (m)
Mr. Rime (m)
Raihan Tarsha - Age 23, Trainer (Advance) Hammerlocke Gym Leader
Team Raihan -
Duraludon (m)
Sandaconda (m)
Goodra (m)
Flygon (m)
Omake - A Meta Pondering Situation
As Metapod was carried off by one of the Beedrills, he braced himself for whatever torture awaited him upon his arrival at the swarm's nest. His body, encased in a hardened shell, offered no means of fighting back as they fluttered towards their destination. The Beedrills' wings buzzed incessantly, creating a deafening symphony that drowned out any other sounds.
He could only hope that his trainer and comrades had escaped safely and would come to his aid when they could. But for now, he vowed to endure any pain or torment inflicted upon him with determination and unwavering strength.
A few hours passed in the nest, where he was forced to lean against a nearby tree surrounded by the resting Kakunas. The Beedrills moved about, following their orders from the queen who was somewhere among her many children. A few of them lingered near Metapod, their sharp stingers glistening in anticipation of inflicting pain upon their captive prisoner if he dare try to escape.
As if he could suddenly sprout legs and walk out of there! But Metapod soon found himself struggling mentally under the relentless strain of enduring the worst forms of torture that these evil-minded drones could conjure up.
"So Drone 113 was seen cavorting with Drone 236 behind Drone 318's back, and I'm just like, what is her deal?" A particularly chatty Beedrill, known as Drone 146 within the hive, was gossiping to another known as Drone 212 about the latest scandalous events happening among their brethren.
"Wait, isn't Drone 236 the second drone twice removed?" Drone 212 asked as she raised her lancet inquisitively. Drone 146 shook her head dismissively.
"No, no, you're thinking of Drone 362. Now back to my story - if Drone 318 finds out about this little rendezvous and oh yeah before I forget to tell you you won't believe what Drone 428 just told me the other day..."
And on and on it went for hours as they stood watch and just when another pair took over to keep tabs on their hostage, these ones just as chatty and more gossipy than the last ones!
Metapod couldn't bear to listen to any more of the mindless drivel among the drones. He longed to be anywhere else but here, trapped and subjected to their meaningless blab.
(SOMEONE GET ME THE HECK OUT OF HERE?!) His thoughts screamed out in frustration and desperation, as he prayed for a way to escape this torturous existence.