(Here's the next episode guys. I'm hoping this is a good series so far, it's just I'm wondering how well I'm writing this. Hope you all enjoy it. And Happy Halloween!)
Death Fury: Oh, uh, sorry if this is an uncomfortable read. I don't mean for anyone to read something they feel is too long/uninteresting.
Ruhstar32: Thanks, I hope so. How Jason's Pokémon view Dakota and Rockruff is something that's still barely even scratching the surface I feel. Hope you like who joins Dakota's team. Thanks.
H R C Stanley: Each episode varies in its context and plot. Some involve more action or dialogue or a mix. Though that's with any story. I'm not buying the art messages to be honest.
Andreamassocco98: The dance in the second episode was a matter of showing respect to the inspiration for Alola: Hawaii and the people of Polynesia. It's also trying to give a little more diversity to the human characters as like in our world there are various cultures from society to society. Should I not do stuff like that anymore?
Nobel Six: Thanks.
Episode 4: A Golden Opportunity
(Kanto, the next day)
Dakota and Rockruff stood on a small hill above a river, the former having placed a few large rocks a few yards from the latter. The boy turned to his partner Pokémon, a small smile on his face. After the previous day, Dakota felt it was necessary to change their next step from catching to training. The boy thought it might have been his own unconscious means to distract himself yet he still felt this was important.
He patted one of the stones beside him as he gazed at Rockruff. The rock type cocked its head to the side for a moment.
"Ok buddy. Let's do some training today. We're gonna work on your power and accuracy."
"Ruff? Ruff."
The rock type nodded to him after a few moments, which received a smile and a nod from the boy. Dakota walked back over to his partner's side then crossed his arms, gazing down at Rockruff.
"Ok, aim your Rock Throw at the top of the stone at the far left."
"Ruff."
Rockruff growled as its mane glowed before a few rocks fired at the first stone. Most of the rocks struck it around the midsection of the stone, with one or two striking the top. The stone cracked mostly at its center with one or two smaller cracks laid near the top.
Dakota turned to his partner.
"Good try. You got a couple near the top of it."
He walked over to the stone which had fallen onto its back. The boy pulled it back up to stand up, gritting his teeth a little at how heavy it was. He'd looked for several minutes for such large stones to help train his partner this morning. Admittedly he'd hoped he wouldn't have to pick up the stones this morning during training yet he knew that he might be necessary.
Dakota walked back over to his buddy and knelt down slightly.
"Your accuracy needs some work yet your power for a start is showing to be a gift."
Rockruff smiled, tail wagging.
"Ruff! Rrruff!"
"Ok, use Rock Throw and aim for the top again."
"Ruff."
Rockruff's mane glowed once again before it fired a few rocks at the same stone. Again, most of the rocks struck the midsection again though one or two more rocks did strike the top of the stone. The stone crumbled in the center with a few larger pieces near its tops falling on the ground around its base.
Dakota turned to his partner and rubbed its head.
"A little better for sure. You hit it hard though, no doubt about that."
"Ruff!"
The rock type rubbed its head into the boy's palm, a smile on its face. Dakota smiled and then looked back to the stones. His eyes focused on the one Rockruff had destroyed, the center had fallen apart after two attacks. Rockruff's Rock Throw would certainly pack a punch against an opponent, it's just Dakota knew it would take work to improve.
The boy then stood up.
"Ok, use Rock Throw on the far right stone. Try to aim for its base."
"Ruff."
Rockruff's mane glowed as it growled before it fired its attack with a snarl. The rocks flew forward, striking against the stone one after another in quick succession. Like before, most of the rocks struck the center of the stone while few hit the target Dakota had set up. The rock type's head dropped a little at this yet found Dakota rubbing its head. The boy smiled at him.
"It's ok, we're just starting out. We can't expect to be the best at the start."
"Ruff?"
Dakota then turned back to the stones.
"Ok, let's try something different. Use Rock Throw to smash through the same stone."
"Ruff."
Once again Rockruff's mane glowed right before rocks fired at the stone. The projectiles peppered the stone, the rocks cracking the stone little by little until it finally crumpled. Rockruff barked excitedly at this, tail wagging. Dakota smiled at this, patting Rockruff's head.
"Awesome job. Now do the same to the last stone."
"Ruff."
Rockruff growled loudly as its mane glowed and fired a Rock Throw at the stone in the middle. The rocks surged forward faster now, the projectiles cracking the stone before the last rock smashed a hole in the center. Dakota grinned at this.
"Yes!"
Rockruff smiled at this, tail wagging. Dakota watched as the stone fell back onto the ground, partially crumbling. He then turned to his partner.
"I think that deserves a short break, what do you think?"
"Ruff!"
Dakota smiled and nodded.
After several minutes, Dakota and Rockruff sat near the top of a small hill. The boy had made a bowl of Pokémon food which Rockruff was enjoying as Dakota took a sip from a bottle of water while he held a piece of fruit in the other hand. They looked over a river which almost had a pristine reflection to it.
Dakota inhaled and exhaled slowly, enjoying the cool breeze. The boy turned to Rockruff, which had a smile on its face as it enjoyed the food. This start to their journey had a bit of a rough patch yet these few small moments and the pep talk he'd received yesterday has helped him. Rockruff still being here with him also helped him ease his worries.
He slowly stroked his partner's head as it ate.
"How's the food, buddy?"
"Ruff! Rrrruff!"
Rockruff's tail wagged as it showed down, gaining a smile from Dakota. The boy had taken pride in learning his mother's recipes and coming to make some of his own. Her food recipes had been a hit with the Pokémon at Professor Oak's ranch. He was glad to share it now with Rockruff.
"It's my mom's recipe, she told me before that rock types are especially fond of it."
"Ruff!"
Rockruff smiled as it continued to chow down. Dakota sighed as he turned back to the sky and took a bite of the fruit.
"Hey! Dude!"
Dakota and Rockruff turned to see the three boys and their Pokémon from yesterday running over to them. Rockruff smiled as it barked a greeting to them while Dakota waved to them. The two noticed the look of excitement yet urgency on their faces.
"Hey guys, what's going on?"
The rotund blonde boy with the Pidgey panted a little as his hands were on his knees.
"Th-There's…There's a-"
The slender brown haired boy with the Poliwag patted his friend's back.
"Just take a breath."
Their short orange haired friend with the Weedle turned to Dakota.
"Dude, did you hear about that rare Magikarp?"
"No, we've been out here training."
"Ah man, someone came to the Pokémon Center talking about there's this rare Shiny Magikarp in that river down there that has been seen fighting with a Seaking."
"Really?"
"Yeah, apparently this Magikarp is also unusually strong too. Like other Magikarp have a hard time swimming even yet this one was said to not be struggling at all. The guy said it was also kinda aggressive too."
"Did it attack anyone?"
"No, but someone tried to catch it and the Seaking. The Magikarp smacked both Poké Balls away."
The boy with the Pidgey gasped and nodded then finally stood up.
"Yeah! We're gonna go see if one of us can catch it. Wanna come?"
Dakota turned to see Rockruff nodding to him, having eaten all of its food. The boy smiled and nodded to the boys.
"Sure, let me just clean up here."
The boy with the Poliwag took a step forward.
"We'll help so we can get this done faster."
"Thanks."
"Oh, I forgot yesterday we didn't tell you our names. I'm Alex. My buddy with the Pidgey is Owen and Mikey is the one with the Weedle."
The boys and their Pokémon smiled. They quickly helped him clean up then they headed out.
(A little ways down the river, several minutes later)
The boys hurried along the river, their Pokémon moving along with them as they followed the currents. Alex had noted this as they tried to locate the Magikarp. As they continued alongside the river, they came across a boy and a Rattata in a puddle near the river. Alex quickly ran over and helped the boy up.
"Are you ok? What happened?"
"Ugh, this…this Magikarp jumped out of the river and attacked me and my Pokémon."
"Raaa…."
The Rattata winced as it laid on the ground. Alex's Poliwag walked over and tried to nudge it onto its feet, only for it to fall onto the ground again.
"You need to get to a Pokémon Center."
"I can't believe a Magikarp did this…I thought they weren't supposed to be that strong."
Mikey turned to Alex, a big grin on his face.
"Where'd it go?!"
The boy grumbled as he rubbed his forehead, wincing.
"Down river…after it hit me with a Flail after hitting my Rattata with a Tackle."
Mikey turned to his buddies, smiling.
"Dibs!"
Alex and Owen turned to their friend and spoke in unison.
"Wait-"
Mikey took off down river. Owen smacked his forehead.
"...Great…"
Alex turned to the boy.
"Can you get to the Pokémon Center?"
"...Yeah…stupid Magikarp."
Dakota frowned a little at this though the boy didn't notice as he walked off after recalling his Pokémon. The three boys then followed after Mikey, aiming to catch up. Dakota saw the look of annoyance on Owen's face whereas Alex seemed to be a little worried though determined.
"Wait, did you three make a bet or something?"
Owen scoffed.
"Mikey took off before a bet could even be made. I'm not letting him get that Gyarados."
"It's a Magikarp."
"Yeah, now. Imagine what it'll be like after it evolves!"
Dakota contemplated on this as they ran. Gyarados were amongst the most fierce and formidable of Pokémon, some wondered how they were the actual evolved forms of Magikarp. The instant thought of a strong and aggressive Magikarp evolving into an even more powerful Gyarados was something he knew some trainers wouldn't pass up.
As they ran, they found Mikey though he wasn't alone. A small group of trainers were scouring the river for the Magikarp. All of them had at least one Pokémon out. Dakota saw mostly electric and grass types: Magnemites, Pichus, Pachirisu, Sunfloras, Parasects, and others.
Alex winced at this sight.
"This isn't good."
Owen frowned.
"Pidgey! Fly up to see if you can find that Magikarp."
The flying type nodded and took off into the air, climbing higher and higher. Within a few moments it took a gliding position, its sharp eyes focused on what was below. Pidgey's gaze moved along the river, not seeing any signs of the Magikarp near all the trainers and their Pokémon.
Then its gaze shifted as it witnessed a golden form move out of the river several yards away. Pidgey cooed loudly, gaining the attention of the boys. Owen chuckled.
"Come on!"
Owen motioned with his hand and his flying type nodded. The boys began making their way, keeping an eye on Pidgey as it flew in the direction down the river. Mikey caught up with them, frowning.
"Hey! I called dibs!"
"You don't get to call dibs on a Pokémon. Anyone can catch it."
Mikey grumbled at this.
"You'll see, I'm gonna get that Magikarp and then I'll have a Giga-Gyarados!"
Owen and Mikey continued to argue as Alex shook his head then turned to Dakota.
"They've been like this for as long as I've known them. They're really competitive."
"I can see that."
Dakota looked up, still seeing the Pidgey continuing to fly ahead of them a little ways. Then he turned back to Alex.
"Do you want the Magikarp?"
"It would be cool to have one. Though I don't know if I'll get the chance with those two."
"Ruff! Ruff!"
Dakota looked down to see Rockruff who was barking at him then turned its gaze behind them. He followed his partner's gaze and his eyes widened a little. The boy then turned to Alex, who noticed this. Alex's eyes widened then almost took a reserved look.
"No, don't tell me-"
They both turned to look back as they ran. The trainers they'd seen just minutes ago searching for the same Magikarp were racing after them, their Pokémon racing alongside them. Alex turned back to his friends.
"Guys! We've got incoming!"
Owen and Mikey spoke in unison as they turned to look back.
"What are you-What?!"
Dakota gritted his teeth as he turned his attention ahead of them again then looked up. Pidgey had stopped moving, its gaze focused on a part of the river that was atop a drop in the terrain. The river wasn't headed down a cliff, but it was headed back into the woodland that Dakota and Rockruff had exited yesterday.
Owen couldn't help but grin as he looked to see his Pidgey's gaze focus on a specific spot in the river.
"Pidgey! Tackle that Magikarp!"
The flying type nodded then dived at the river.
"Use Thundershock!"
The boys turned back to see an Elekid rush ahead of its trainer and release the electric attack which was aimed at the Pidgey. Owen gasped at this.
"Pidgey! Look out!"
Pidgey's gaze shifted to the side, seeing the electricity surging towards it. The flying type turned and just missed the attack. Then it flew down and landed on Owen's shoulder. He smiled at his Pokémen then shifted his gaze at the other trainers. The boys now faced them, Owen glowering at the boy who commanded his Elekid to attack.
"Hey! What's the big idea?!"
"I'm gonna get that Magikarp and evolve it into a Gyarados."
"No, that's what I'm gonna do!"
"No! I'm gonna do it!"
"No, me!"
"Me!"
The other trainers started shouting, proclaiming each of them would have their future Gyarados. Alex's face shifted with concern at seeing both trainers and Pokémon starting to face each other as they argued.
"W-Wait guys. If we end up fighting then no one will get the Magikarp. Besides, we can end up-"
"Poli! Poli, poli! Pol-"
Alex and his Poliwag had taken a couple of steps forward, trying to talk down everyone present. Owen though was fuming as was his Pidgey. Both looked ready to jump forward to fight at any moment. Mikey though was looking nervous, sweating slightly. His Weedle coiled around his neck, glaring at the trainers and their Pokémon.
Dakota stood still, keeping his gaze on the trainers. He grimaced at this display though he didn't deny the beads of sweat sliding down his forehead. Rockruff growled beside him, staring down at the Pokémon. The looks on the other trainers and their Pokémon ranged from nervous to annoyed to impatient to cocky. Alex noticed the looks as well.
"Guys, this isn't the way we should-"
"Shut it! I'm getting that Magikarp! Don't get in my way, loser, that goes for everyone here!"
Alex's eyes widened then narrowed.
"What did you call us?"
"You heard me: loser."
"Poli!"
Alex and Poliwag's former nervous visages shifted into masks of rage. Dakota was right there with them. He'd been called that word too many times for him to count.
"If you know what's good for you, apologize. NOW."
"Ha! Like I'm gonna do that you little l-Huh?!"
The boy's former arrogant smirk shifted into shock. His eyes shook as he met Dakota's gaze.
"Y-You're that kid from the news! T-The one at Professor Oak's lab!"
The other trainers and their Pokémon gasped, eyes widened and mouths agape. Dakota's face fixed with fury retracted into a bit of embarrassment.
"Oh boy."
The same arrogant trainer then shook his head after a moment.
"I-I don't care who you are, you're not getting my future Gyarados!"
Mikey glowered.
"No, it's gonna be mine!"
"No, mine!"
The other trainers started proclaiming they'd catch the Magikarp. The feuding soon grew from shouting matches to grabbing Poké Balls and leveling them at others. Alex's face shifted with surprise.
"Wait, we can't all battle right by the river! We have to-"
His plea for sense was unheard by these other trainers. Some of them called out Pokémon they didn't have out already while others ordered for the ones they had beside them to attack. Soon the immediate area exploded with different moves and attack types. Ember, Bubble, Thundershock, Leech Seed, and other attacks were released.
Dakota gritted his teeth and shielded his eyes from the area of effect the different attacks created. He looked to see his new friends taking different actions from this new development: Owen shouted as he charged into the battle with his Pidgey flying with him, Mikey made his way closer to the nearest part of the river while he ordered Weedle to not let anyone get near, and Alex called for Poliwag to get behind him.
Alex turned to Dakota.
"This is crazy!"
Dakota frowned at this situation, watching the trainers order their Pokémon to fight.
"That Magikarp won't come around now. They've likely driven it off with this stunt."
A random thundershock fired out as it missed its intended target then hit Poliwag.
"Poli!"
"Poliwag! No!"
Alex and Dakota hurried over to help the water type up, the former taking his friend in his arms.
"Poliwag, are you ok?"
"...Pol…Poli…"
Alex gritted his teeth then turned to Dakota.
"I gotta get Poliwag away from here. Do you see Owen or Mikey?"
They turned to see Owen and his Pidgey flying back from an explosion. The boy grunted and winced as he struggled to stand up, his Pokémon mirroring his movements. Mikey cried out as he landed nearby, his Weedle landing on his chest. Alex and Dakota gasped before the former spoke.
"Guys, are you ok?!"
Owen grumbled, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Some jerk's gonna get their butt kicked when we're done."
Mikey groaned as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"I feel like I got hit by a Voltorb's Self Destruct."
As they both stood up, Alex approached them.
"We gotta get our Pokémon to the Pokémon Center."
Both gasped a little right before Owen spoke first.
"B-But what about my Gyarados?"
"You mean MY Gyarados?"
"Stop it! Both of you! Our Pokémon are hurt! We have to get them to Nurse Joy!"
Owen and Mikey started to speak in unison.
"B-But-"
"NOW!"
The look of anger on Alex's face made them both flinch. The two then sighed and nodded before picking up their Pokémon and recalling them into their Poké Balls as did Alex. All three of them then turned to Dakota with Alex speaking for them.
"We're getting out of here. I think you should do the same."
Dakota nodded.
"Be careful, guys."
His friends nodded then quickly fled the scene. Dakota turned back to where he'd been standing earlier. Rockruff was there, its ears up and noise twitching. The boy approached his partner.
"Hey, buddy. What's going on?"
The rock type was quiet for a moment. Then its eyes shot open and a smile appeared on its face. Rockruff then looked at Dakota.
"Ruff! Ruff! Rrrrrr Ruff!"
"Wait, are you saying-?"
"Ruff!"
Rockruff then rushed into the bushes then paused then turned Dakota and barked before heading out of sight. The boy rushed off to follow his partner.
(Down river, a few minutes later)
Dakota and Rockruff emerged from the small area of trees to come across another part of the river. The boy approached the river with his Pokémon by his side. Before either of them could do or say anything, they heard the sound of something moving through the water. Both turned and spotted a golden form struggling to move in the water.
They rushed over to find what every trainer in the area had been searching for: the Shiny Magikarp. Its scales were a bright golden hue though its whiskers were solid white. Dakota recognized this as a marker for a female Magikarp.
"You've caused quite the stir, haven't you?"
The Magikarp slowly turned to him, its back against a few large rocks in the river. Its eyes narrowed slightly at the boy and his Pokémon. Dakota didn't dismiss what he saw in the water type's eyes. He saw that energy his friend's had told him about. Though another thing caught his attention: bruising around the Magikarp's right side fin.
"...You've been hunted for all day…someone must've gotten in a hit or two…Here, hold still."
Dakota pulled out a Potion and took a step forward. Magikarp's eyes narrowed then it suddenly lunged for the boy, its body striking him against the chest. The water type fell back into the water against the rocks, wincing. This was the first time Dakota noticed the Pokémon's whiskers, they were white. This was the physical sign of a female Magikarp. Rockruff rushed over to the boy, barking.
"It's ok, buddy…she's just scared."
The Magikarp's eyes widened at this statement.
"Mag?! Magikarp!"
The water type lunged forward again, hitting Dakota though this time the boy didn't fall to the ground. This received a gasp from the water type. While he winced a little from the hit, Dakota managed to stay on his feet while also not dropping the Potion. Dakota then slowly walked forward, which made the Magikarp move to attack again. Rockruff jumped to the water's edge, growling.
"Ruff! Ruff! Rrrrrrr!"
"No, it's ok."
"Ruff?"
Rockruff turned to the boy, who had a calm look on his face. The rock type nodded after a moment and took a few steps back. Magikarp gasped at this and this time didn't move as the boy approached. Dakota knelt down in the river and sprayed the Potion. The water type gasped in relief, the pain and the bruise both disappearing.
"Mag? Magikarp?"
Dakota smiled at the water type and gently rubbed its head.
"There. Feeling better?"
"...Mag…Magikarp?..."
Rockruff's ears perked up then it turned and growled a little. Dakota and the Magikarp turned to it.
"Rockruff, what's wr-"
"Oh man! Come on! I thought you said your Pokémon was good at this?!"
Dakota's eyes widened then narrowed, having recognized the voice. He peered over the small hill they were on to see Shane, Remy, and Ruckus were walking along a farther part of the river with the Shiny Bulbasaur Remy had 'chosen' had its vines moving through the water. Shane stood with his hands on his hips, frowning, whilst Ruckus had one foot tapping against the ground as he stared into the water. During this Remy rubbed the back of his neck, confused.
"I swear, we got that Goldeen the other day with this trick!"
Shane frowned, shaking his head.
"Did you just stay in one spot?!"
"Well, we, uh-"
Ruckus fumed.
"You've gotta be kidding me?!"
Dakota couldn't help but glower. Those three had tormented him for years, nearly every day they'd harass him. Though he wasn't only thinking of his pain. The Magikarp had been hurt by the countless trainers hunting for her, and the possibility of her ending with one of them on their team wasn't something he was willing to risk.
The boy turned to Magikarp.
"Go, hurry."
"Magi?"
"More people are coming, you need to swim away."
"...Karp?..."
The Magikarp looked at him, stunned and confused. Dakota motioned his head, urging the water type to swim off. The Magikarp stayed where she was, still looking at him unsure. Dakota then motioned with his hands, trying to get her to leave. What he heard next made that all too familiar feeling of anger and anxiety surge.
"Wait, is that Dakota?!"
"He has the Magikarp!"
The boy turned, frowning, Rockruff growling by his side. The bullies rushed up to him, frowning and glowering at him. Their Pokémon smiled and waved to him and Rockruff. Rockruff stopped growling and barked at them, smiling.
The trio of bullies glared down at their Pokémon, Ruckus responded to them greeting the two.
"Hey! Quit being nice to these two weirdos!"
"Char?"
"Squirtle?"
"Bulba?"
Charmander, Squirlte, and Bulbasaur looked at the boys, shocked and concerned. Dakota grumbled under his breath.
"What are you three doing here?"
Remy smirked.
"Bulbasaur and I were fishing for that Magikarp. I knew we'd fit it sooner or later."
Ruckus rolled his eyes while Shane kept his hateful gaze fixed on Dakota.
"Hand it over, loser! That future Gyarados deserves a real trainer."
Rockruff snarled at him, teeth bared. Charmander gasped at this, looking from Rockruff to Dakota to Shane with uncertainty. Shane didn't look at his Pokémon, simply glaring at Dakota.
"How did you find it anyways?"
"Probably some weird Alolan trick."
Dakota glowered at Ruckus. Despite Shane being the leader of the bullies, Ruckus brought out a truly deep rage and disgust from within Dakota. The way he spoke about and viewed anything Alolan was an insult of the worst kind.
"Shut your mouth, Ruckus. This Magikarp is hurt, you aren't going to-"
"Shut your mouth, Dirty Dakota! No Kanto Pokémon will grace your team."
Dakota's teeth grinded against one another as he felt his head pulse as his anger built. Then he looked to the other boys who moved to flank him. He then turned to the Magikarp.
"Swim! Swim away! Now!"
Magikarp looked to the boys, recognizing the looks in their eyes. Then it looked to Dakota and Rockruff then dived into the river, swimming away. Shane, Remy, and Ruckus screamed in outrage. Their smirks and scoffs were replaced with disbelief and fury. Shane fumed as his hands clenched into fists.
"Do you have any idea what you just did, you idiot?!"
Dakota scoffed.
"Perfectly, you jerk."
Remy and Ruckus flanked their friend though he solely focused on Dakota.
"You're going to pay for that, Dakota. I challenge you to a battle!"
Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur gasped at this. Dakota simply frowned.
"I only have Rockruff right now. So 1 vs 1."
Shane laughed.
"You really haven't caught any Pokémon? I knew you were a loser!"
"Let's see you put your money where your mouth is."
Shane sneered then he finally looked at Charmander then back to the boy.
"Fine. Charmander, ready for battle?"
"Char?"
"Charmander! Let's go!"
"Char?...Mander?"
The young fire type looked to Dakota and Rockruff, who both now showed concern though not fear. Dakota turned to Shane.
"Charmander doesn't seem to-"
"Are you scared, Dull Dakota? Maybe you're not as stupid as I thought."
"You're really going to ignore your Pokémon's-"
"Charmander is my choice! Now face us!"
Rockruff turned to Dakota and nodded before both looked at Charmander. Dakota sighed.
"Good luck, Charmander."
"...Charmander…"
The fire type nodded after a moment, still uncertain. Shane frowned then thrust one hand forward.
"Use Ember!"
"Char…Mander!"
Charmander opened its fanged mouth, small burning fire projectiles surged out from the fire type's maw and towards Rockruff.
"Dodge it, Rockruff."
"Rrr Ruff! Ruff!"
The rock type jumped around the attack, leaping around the small little fire projectiles. Dakota studied the Ember attack, the fire was smaller than he would've thought it would've been even at this point. Shane frowned.
"Use Scratch!"
"M-Mander!"
Charmander rushed forward, claws ready to strike.
"Dodge it."
Rockruff moved its head out of the way of the attacks, the fire type's claws missing each strike as the rock type jumped out of the way. Shane fumed.
"Use Growl!"
"Charrrr!"
Charmander released a snarl, the vibrating attack hit Rockruff as the fire type had still been close to its opponent. A colorful wave moved down Rockruff's body and the rock type felt its strength decrease slightly. The bully now smirked.
"Not so perfect, huh?"
"You still haven't done any damage."
Ruckus spat at this while Remy grimaced while Shane's smirk disappeared.
"Ok, use Ember!"
"Charr!"
Again, the fire projectiles emerged from Charmander's maw and shot towards Rockruff.
"Use Rock Throw."
"Rrrrrruff!"
Rockruff's mane glowed before its earthly projectiles fired forward. The rocks surged towards and threw the Ember attack and negated it before hitting Charmander.
"Char!"
Charmander fell back, landing on the ground beside the river. Dakota gasped as he saw the tip of Charmander's tail close to the edge of the river.
"Shane, wait, Charmander is too close to the ri-"
"Use Scratch!"
"Ch-Char…Char!"
Charmander picked itself up and panted before rushing forward, claws ready. Dakota gritted his teeth.
"Rockruff, dodge and get Charmander away from the water!"
Rockruff nodded then leapt to the side, jumping fairly clear away from the river. Shane scoffed.
"Cowards! Charmander, use Scratch!"
Charmander charged forward and tried to strike with its claws.
"Rockruff, dodge it and use Growl!"
"Ruff!"
The rock type jumped back and released its own Growl attack, hitting Charmander with the same result as what had happened to it. Shane's fists shook.
"Use Ember!"
"Charrr!"
Charmander's Ember attack fired again, the small burning projectiles flying towards the target.
"Dodge and use Tackle!"
"Ruff! Ruff! Rrrrrruff!"
Rockruff charged forward, dodging the attack and lunged at the fire type. The attack struck and knocked Charmander to the ground. The fire type gasped and panted, trying to pick itself back up. Though it dropped to one knee.
"C-Char…"
"Ruff?!"
"Squirt?! Squirtle!"
"Bulba! Saur!"
Rockruff jumped forward, nudging the fire type while Squirtle and Bulbasaur ran forward. Charmander gasped as it looked at its friends. Rockruff turned to Squirtle and Bulbasaur, all sharing the same worried expression.
The three bullies fumed.
"What are you doing Charmander?! Attack!"
"Bulbasaur, this is Shane's fight!"
"Squirtle, don't get anywhere near that filthy thing!"
"Enough!"
Dakota's growl silenced the bullies, turning to him with a startled expression.
"Charmander's heart wasn't in this fight and I don't think you've worked with it enough! I know we just started our journeys yet Charmander doesn't appear like you've trained with it at all."
"Shut your mouth, you loser!"
"Face it: you're not fit to be a Pokémon trainer, none of you are!"
The bullies fumed at this. Shane pulled out another Poké Ball.
"You're going to regret that! Guys!"
Remy and Ruckus nodded then turned to their Pokémon.
"Bulbasaur! Attack Rockruff!"
"Get them Squirtle!"
The Pokémon gasped at this then turned to one another. Squirtle and Bulbasaur then turned to their trainers, not responding as they looked at them with worried expressions. Remy and Ruckus frowned then pulled out a Poké Ball each with the latter speaking.
"Fine, we'll work on this later. For now, Go!"
Shane, Remy, and Ruckus each threw a Poké Ball. From Shane's Poké Ball emerged a Pidgey, while Remy called out a Mankey, and Ruckus revealed his Spearow. The boys then spoke their Pokémon's names.
"Pidgey!"
"Mankey!"
"Spearow!"
They then spoke in unison.
"Attack Rockruff!"
Dakota gritted his teeth as all three Pokémon charged Rockruff, which jumped away from Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur to stand its ground without them possibly getting in the way.
Before Dakota could call out an attack, all three of the bullies and the Pokémon that had launched their attack suddenly rose in the air each with a thin blue aura around them. They cried in surprise and shock, Shane screaming.
"What's happening?!"
From the small woodland Dakota had exited the day before emerged a few figures. The first one to be visible was an Alakazam, its eyes glowing as it kept its gaze on the bullies and the Pokémon.
"Alakazam."
Shane frowned.
"What?! Who's there?!"
Beside the Alakazam, a young man walked out of the woods. Remy's eyes widened as he recognized the trainer. The hat with a Linoone and not to mention his face was a giveaway: Jason Sorenson. On the former champion of Hoenn's shoulder was a Snivy. Dakota and Rockruff's eyes widened a little at recognizing the grass type. Jason's gaze was fixed on the bullies though as he frowned.
"3 vs 1? I don't remember anything in the rules that allowed this."
Remy gulped slightly.
"M-Mr. Sorenson, we-"
Jason then turned to Alakazam.
"You can let them down now, I think they get the point."
"Ala."
The psychic type nodded then moved its gaze to the ground, lowering the bullies and their Pokémon to the ground. Shane's face was burning red at this, fists clenched.
"W-Who do you think you are?!"
Remy gasped then grabbed his friend's shoulder.
"Shane, stop, that's the former champion of Hoenn!"
Shane frowned as he turned to his friend, eyes widening a little at the statement then turned his angry yet nervous gaze back to Jason. Though now the former champion's gaze was now on Dakota, a smile on his face.
"Dakota Mahina?"
"Y…Yes?"
"I saw what you did at Professor Oak's ranch a couple of days ago. I gotta say, your grit impressed me."
"Oh! T-Thanks."
Jason chuckled and nodded before he turned to Snivy. The grass type looked at Dakota and Rockruff, a small smile on her face appearing.
"Though I can't say I'm impressed with you three, especially with what you just tried to pull."
Remy flinched at this, though Shane and Ruckus grimaced at this. Shane spoke first.
"R-Really? Well if you're so tough, prove it!"
"Take us on!"
Remy almost jumped out of his skin.
"What?! Shane! Ruckus! What are you doing?!"
Ruckus turned to him.
"You said: 'former champion'. He can't be that tough."
Jason crossed his arms, an eyebrow raised.
"What do you two have in mind then?"
Shane spoke now.
"You take on me and my friend, one on one each!"
"Interesting."
Ruckus stepped forward.
"I'm first! So get ready!"
Remy flinched again. Jason smiled at this though.
"Jumping straight in? I gotta say, you might have some guts."
Dakota frowned at this, teeth gritting slightly. Jason didn't notice this though, as he focused on Shane and Ruckus.
"I'll make you both a deal: each of you can choose a Pokémon from my team to battle. You won't have to face my Alakazam or my Snivy here. I won't use the same one twice. Thanks, Alakazam, return."
Jason then recalled his psychic type, the Pokémon's body engulfed in red light as it was taken back into the Poké Ball. He then turned to Snivy.
"You can watch and learn here."
"Sni."
Jason then pulled out four Poké Balls and looked to Ruckus.
"Take your pick."
Ruckus grimaced a little then he turned to Remy and Shane.
"Remy, you know this guy. What Pokémon does he have?"
"Dude, you shouldn't be fighting him at all! Back down!"
"No Remy, Ruckus showed we won't back down. So spill."
"He has all different types. Whenever I've seen him on TV, he doesn't always have the same ones for a battle."
Ruckus frowned at this then turned around. He looked at the Poké Balls, a single sweat droplet moving down his neck. After a few moments, he pointed at the one at the far back right. Jason smiled at this.
"Are you sure? You're buddy doesn't know about this one. I got them after my time as champion."
"Just do it! C'mon Spearow!"
"Spearow!"
The flying type flew forward in front of its trainer. Jason sighed as he nodded and readied the Poké Ball.
"Ok, let's go!"
From the Poké Ball, a form took shape. None of the boys were sure what the Pokémon would be at first, having not recognized its shape. Then once its full form was revealed, they all gasped at the sight. From the Poké Ball emerged a Latios. The legendary Pokémon held its position in front of Jason then turned to him and after a moment of sharing his gaze nodded then returned its gaze back to the bullies.
Remy's jaw had dropped, not sure if he was truly seeing what he was seeing. Ruckus stood with his eyes wide, taking a step back.
"W-What?! How do you have one of those?!"
Jason smirked slightly.
"I think the most important thing for you is to figure out if you really want to go through with this fight and if you do, how could you win?"
Ruckus grumbled, fists shaking slightly.
"O-Ok Spearow! Tackle!"
"Spear!"
The flying type flew towards the legendary dragon type, its form dwarfed by the streamlined flier before it. Jason chuckled a little.
"Show 'em your stuff."
Latios evaded the attack, its speed clearing that of its opponent's attack. Spearow's eyes widened at this while Ruckus gasped then fumed.
"Peck attack!"
"Spearow!"
The flying type turned around and flew at the dragon type, preparing to strike with its hooked beak. Latios moved with blinding speed, having already taken a position right behind Spearow. Ruckus and Spearow gasped.
"Turn around and use Peck! It's right there!"
"Spearow!"
As the flying type turned to attack, its opponent was suddenly above it. Spearow's eyes widened as it looked up, seeing Latios staring down at it. Ruckus's face bubbled with anger and frustration.
"Use Tackle!"
"Spearow!"
The flying type attempted to climb up and attack yet it noticed Latios was at its flank.
"Spear?!"
Ruckus let out a yell of frustration.
"Oh come one!"
"Ok, Latios, I think we've made our point. Aerial Ace, gently."
Latios nodded. It then took the air and made a flip with its body and when the tip of its nose faced its opponent it dove. Dakota noticed even though Latios was moving much slower than it once had been, its speed was still much greater than Spearow's. The attack hit and Spearow fell to the ground, knocked out. Ruckus cried out in fury.
"NO! COME ON!"
Ruckus grumbled as he recalled Spearow. He kicked the dirt under his foot. This made Jason shake his head before he turned to Shane.
"Ok, big man, your choice."
He held out his other Poké Balls again. Shane was visibly sweating as he didn't respond right away. His gaze shifted back and forth between the choices. Such a simple choice was eating at him despite trying to not show it. Remy was sweating the most out of the trio.
Shane then pointed to the front one on the left. A bigger smirk appeared on Jason's face as put the other Poké Balls away.
"I see. Return Latios, good job."
The dragon type nodded before Jason recalled it. He then held up the choice Shane had made.
"I should let you know Latios is quite patient and merciful even with trainers like you three. This one though, has made quite the name for himself at hitting opponents hard."
Remy flinched at this, gulping visibly. Shane didn't notice though, he only felt the sweat moving down the side of his face. His Pidgey flew in place in front of him as Jason called out the choice Shane had made. Before him appeared a Pokémon Dakota and Rockruff reacted in surprise to the most: an Aggron. It was the same Aggron they'd met the previous day.
"Aggron!"
Remy gulped at the sight of the steel and rock type. The Aggron towered over everyone present, looking down at the visibly nervous image of the Pidgey. Aggron then turned and met the gazes of Dakota and Rockruff. After a moment it smiled a little and nodded to them before turning to face its opponents.
Shane frowned and visibly shook as he gave the order.
"T-Tackle!"
The flying type flew at the towering steel type. Aggron just stood there as did Jason, who simply smiled. Pidgey hit Aggron in the center of its chest then fell to the ground. Shane's eyes widened at this, seeing his Pokémon trying to pick itself up.
"Get up and use Peck!"
Pidgey managed to get in the air and flew up. Its beak struck Aggron's flank several times. Shane gasped as he saw Aggron not moving or even flinching.
"W-What?! Pidgey, use Tackle and aim for its face!"
Pidgey flew up, preparing to attack Aggron's face. The closest eye of the steel type Pidgey was next to moved to lock its gaze with the flying type which almost jumped out of its feathers when this happened. Shane fumed.
"Tackle!"
Pidgey then hit Aggron's face only for the same result as its earlier Peck attacks before occurring again. Aggron stood there, its gaze fixed upon Shane as it remained there unmoving and unbothered. The boy fumed.
"O-Ok, use Gust!"
Pidgey flew up and began flapping its wings quickly creating swift winds that flew towards Aggron. As before, Aggron showed no signs of discomfort or damage. Shane gritted his teeth, hands balling into fists.
"Peck and aim for its face!"
Jason sighed.
"Aggron, Headbutt."
Pidgey panicked as when it flew forward, the massive steel type struck with its head. The flying type dropped to the ground, knocked out. Shane fumed.
"NO!"
"Aggron, Agg Aggron!"
As Shane looked up as he recalled his Pidgey to see the steel type laughing at him. The boy gasped then sputtered as he couldn't think of anything to say. Aggron continued to laugh, pointing a single claw at him as it held its side with the other hand. Jason sighed with a visible smile on his face.
"Please Aggron, it's not the Pokémon's fault for who their trainer is."
Aggron waved one hand dismissively at this as it returned its trainer's smile. Snivy was laughing as well, pointing a finger at Shane.
"Snivy, Sni! Snivy Sni!"
The boy's eyes locked on the grass type.
"Shut up you little weed!"
"Sni?!"
Snivy started to growl at him, its smile and laughter gone. It then opened its mouth, a small bright green orb started to expand. Jason rested a hand on her back.
"It's ok, Snivy. He's just a bitter little boy that's not as strong as he thought."
"Snivy."
Aggron turned to them.
"Agg, Aggron Aggron."
"Sni?...Snivy."
Snivy nodded to her trainer and Aggron. Jason then turned to the trio of bullies.
"Now I suggest you go."
Shane fumed, teeth gritted, as he turned to his friends.
"Let's go…but this isn't over."
The three boys took off towards the Pokémon Center. Jason and his Pokémon approached Dakota and Rockruff.
"You've had quite a couple interesting days to the start of your journey."
"Yeah…you could say that."
"I hear you also met and fought these two as well. Aggron drew Rockruff in the dirt with a claw yesterday. Snivy has a tendency to wander off sometimes."
"Snivy."
"We thought Snivy was a wild lost Pokémon."
"I can understand that. You don't really see any wild Unovan Pokémon in Kanto. Beating her was also a surprise too. Even though she's my youngest she's got quite some spirit. Though even more impressive and surprising was your Rockruff standing its ground against Aggron."
"Aggron."
Dakota turned to Rockruff, who sat on its haunches beside him. A look of surprise was on the rock type's face as the steel and rock type nodded to Jason. The former champion chuckled.
"Though given how you two performed against Team Rocket, I guess I shouldn't be too surprised."
"Well, that was more Rockruff than me."
Jason smiled.
"So where are you heading?"
"Pewter City, to challenge the gym."
"Good choice. Your first step to the Indigo League. I'm actually headed there as well, something my agent set up on my traveling time here."
"Really? What is it?"
"I'm not actually sure yet, he wanted to keep it a surprise."
"Oh."
"Yeah, he's a good guy though. He's there for me when I need him, he just likes his jokes and games."
"Gotcha."
Jason then rubbed his chin, contemplating.
"What is it?"
"Since we're both headed to Pewter City, how about we head there together?"
"Really?"
"Sure. I'd also like to watch your Gym battle too. Given what I've seen of you so far, it should be quite a battle."
"Oh, thanks. Sure."
Jason nodded.
"Let's get your Rockruff to the Pokémon Center for a quick rest."
"Right."
They then heard something in the river nearby and turned in that direction. The Shiny Magikarp emerged and approached them.
"Magikarp."
Dakota gasped slightly at this. He then hurried over and knelt on one knee.
"Magikarp, you should be long gone by now. If more trainers find you-"
"Mag! Magikarp!"
Rockruff gasped then barked, a smile on its face, as its tail wagged. The rock type turned to Dakota and barked excitedly.
"Huh? What's going on, buddy?"
"Ruff! Ruff!"
"Magi! Karp!"
Jason gasped then chuckled.
"You made an impression when you healed Magikarp."
"You saw that?"
"And from what I'm seeing with these two, I believe they're saying Magikarp wants to join you."
Dakota gasped then turned to the Pokémon.
"Is he right?"
Both nodded, smiling. After his few moments of astonishment, a smile appeared on Dakota's face.
"Whoa, that's…thank you, Magikarp."
Magikarp nodded, smiling. Dakota pulled out a Poké Ball and gently pressed it to the water type's head. A red light emerged from the item and pulled the Pokémon into it. After a few moments the light at the center sparked. Dakota stood up and smiled at Rockruff, who returned his smile, then to the Poké Ball.
"Welcome to the family, Magikarp."
Jason smiled and nodded.
"Shall we?"
Dakota smiled and nodded. The group then headed off towards the Pokémon Center then onto Pewter City.
To be continued…
(Well here's the next episode. It actually turned out a little longer than I first thought. Still, I hope it was good! Have a Happy Halloween!)
