Chapter 34: A Challenger Approaches

"Heracross is unable to battle! Riolu is the winner, and the battle goes to Ash from Pallet Town!"

"Alright, way to go Riolu!"

"Olu!"

Ash's opponent, a brunette named Kricketina, sighed, and returned her Heracross to its Pokeball.

"You did good, Heracross."

"As a result of today's battle, there has been a change in the World Coronation Series's ranking! Stay tuned for further updates!"

No more than a minute after the Drone Rotom had flown off did their phone buzz, indicating their rankings had changed.

"Alright, 890! I'm on a roll!"

Lillie sighed. Ash had been on a winning streak ever since entering the World Coronation Series, and he was starting to get a big head.

"Easy, Ash. You still have a long way to go to beat Leon."

"I know, but I'm making great progress!"

Kricketina, on the other hand, was disappointed by the results.

"Darn, I dropped to 900."

Despite the loss in her ranking, Kricketina took the loss in stride, and shook Ash's hand.

"That was a great battle, Ash! For such a cute little thing, your Riolu sure is tough."

Riolu growled at being called cute, but Ash managed to get him to settle down.

"Thanks, your Heracross was pretty strong too."

"If you're looking for another battle, try the Fighting Dojo in Saffron CIty. I've heard that the Karate Master there is really strong!"

"Really? Thanks for the tip!"

Kricketina waved goodbye before disappearing into the forest.

"Alright, looks like our next stop is Saffron CIty!"

But before he could make any strides towards the city, his stomach growled loudly, indicating he should eat first. Ash just laughed, slightly embarrassed,

"Maybe we should get something to eat first."
Lillie just playfully rolled her eyes.

"Same old Ash."

After a quick stop at a cafe, Ash and Lillie made their way to the FIghting dojo. As they approached the entrance, they were stopped by two of the students.

"I'm sorry, but the Karate Master has just started a battle. We must ask you to stay out here until they're done."

Ash nodded, and he and Lillie started to make their way toward a bench. But just as they turned around, a loud gong sounded out from within.

"It appears the match is now over. You may enter."

"Really? So soon?"

"Ash, I have a bad feeling about this."

"Yeah, me too."

Cautiously, Ash and Lillie entered the dojo. Making their way to the arena, they found the Karate Master kneeling over his defeated Hitmonlee. Standing across from him was his opponent, a white haired, barefooted girl with tan skin.

"You have defeated me. I applaud your skill."

His opponent didn't say anything, but she did bow out of respect.

"Excuse me?"

The two turned to see Ash approaching.

"I came to challenge the Karate Master, but…I guess you've already done that."

"Indeed. Despite my best efforts, Bea here has bested me."

"Your name is Bea?"

The girl, now identified as Bea, nodded.

"I came from The Galar Region to participate in the World Coronation Series. I've heard of the supposed might of the Karate Master, and wanted to see for myself how strong he was. Sadly, I was disappointed."

The Karate Master hung his head in shame. Ash, however, was only more excited than ever.

"So you must be really strong, huh? How about a battle?"

"Ash, don't be rude! She probably wants to heal her Pokemon!"

"I accept your challenge! I just hope you can put up a better challenge than him."

After hitting accept on their Rotomphones, Ash and Bea took their positions on the battlefield. Within seconds, a Rotom Drone floated in through the window.

"Attention, attention! A World Coronation Series battle is about to commence! Trainers, please state your name and hometown for verification!"

"Ash Ketchum, Pallet Town!"

"Bea, Stow-on-Side."

"Verification complete! This World Coronation Series Great Class Battle between Ash Ketchum, ranked 890, and Bea, ranked 751, will now begin! This will be a 2-on-2 battle with no time limit! Each trainer shall send out their first Pokemon at the same time, and the battle will continue until both Pokemon on either side are unable to battle! Are both trainers ready?"

"Ready!"

"Ready."

" Battle…start!"

"Grapploct, go!"

"Farfetch'd, I choose you!"

"Start things off with Close Combat, Grappleoct!"

The wrestler cephalopod leapt up, his multiple arms striking at Farfetch'd all at once. Farfetch'd, unfettered by the onslaught, starting pecking at each and every one as they got close, the two going blow for blow for a solid few minutes.

"Brick Break, Farfetch'd!"

"Grapploct, catch it and use Superpower!"

Farfetch'd attempted to deal a powerful chop to his opponent's face, only for his wing to be caught midswing. Unimpressed, Grapploct swung him over his shoulder and flung him with great force, sending him flying into a wall. Farfetch'd picked himself up, damaged but not out.

"Farfetch'd, use Brave Bird!"

Farfetch'd began to run, building up energy into his body as he gathered speed until he was nothing more than a ball of light, ramming Grapploct with such speed that he actually managed to cause the fighting type to cry out in pain. But…

"Submission, Grapploct!"

"Farfetch'd, get out of there, quick!"

But it was too late, as Grapploct's many arms wrapped themselves around Ash's Pokemon, making escape impossible. Then Grapploct jumped in the air and curled up into a ball, hitting the ground before beginning to spin rapidly, causing Farfetch'd no end of pain. When he finally let go, Farfetch'd was out cold.

"Farfetch'd is unable to battle, Grapploct wins! Ash, please send out your next Pokemon!"

Off to the side, Lillie watched the battle nervously.

"Come on Ash, you can do it! You fought her, do you have any pointers?"

"Sadly, no. Despite my best efforts, my Pokemon could not even scratch her Grapploct. These Gym Leaders in Galar are on a whole other level."

"She's a Gym Leader? Oh man, Ash has no idea what he's gotten himself into."

"You did good, Farfetch'd. Go, Riolu!"

"Riolu vs Grapploct, begin!"

"Octazooka, Grapploct!"

"Jump, then use Vacuum Wave!"

Riolu easily jumped over the Water Shot, before launching a small energy blast at Grapploct, which did little more than irritate the larger foe.

"Force Palm Riolu!"

Not wanting to waste a second, Riolu ran in and punched Grapploct hard in the gut, making the multi-armed wrestler keel over in pain.

"Octolock!"

But the moment it had recovered, he grabbed Riolu with all of his arms and pulled him into a headlock, trapping the little fighting type. Try as he might, Riolu couldn't break free.

"Keep up the pressure, Grapploct!"

"Riolu, use Brick Break!"

Managing to free an arm, Riolu began chopping at Grapploct's arms, hoping to break free, but to no avail. Instead, Grapploct increased the force he was using, nearly choking Riolu out.

"Finish this with Submission!"

"Bite, Riolu! As hard as you can!"

Just as Grapplocy had left the ground, Riolu it down hard into a spot where all of Grapploct's arms were connected. Despite having a resistance to Dark type attacks, Grapploct winced in pain, letting go of Riolu by mistake and allowing the smaller fighting type to fall to the ground.

"Reversal, Riolu!"

Taking advantage of his opponen's weak spot, Riolu leapt up and dealt another powerful blow to Grapploct's gut, nearly knocking it out.

"Alright Riolu, finish him off with another Vacuum Wave!"

"Oh no you don't! Hit him with your own Reversal, Grapploct!"

Just as Riolu was about to deal the finishing blow, Grapploct lashed one of his tentacles out and slapped the poor Baby Pokemon, sending him to the floor. Unfortunately for Ash, that was the final blow to end the match.

"Riolu is unable to battle! Grapploct is the winner, meaning the winner of this match is Bea from Stow-on-Side!"

Lillie gasped in shock.

"Ash…lost?"

The Karate Master shook his head.

"He fought valiantly, but sometimes that isn't enough."

Ash sadly walked over to Riolu and picked him up, cradling him in his arms.

"Riolu, are you alright?"

Riolu opened his eyes, smiling weakly.

"Riolu."

"Take a rest, buddy. You deserve it."

"As a result of today's battle, there has been a change in the World Coronation Series' rankings! Stay tuned for further details!"

After the Rotom Drone had flown off, Bea approached Ash. At first he thought she was there to gloat, but instead she smiled and offered him a handshake.

"It's been a long time since anyone has managed to land a scratch on Grapploct. You and your Pokemon did well, and I thank you for a good match."

Ash smiled, and accepted it.

"Thanks, you too Bea. But next time we face each other, I'll come out on top!"

"I'll accept a challenge from you any day."

Bea stepped back and bowed, Ash returning the gesture before she left. Just then, Ash's phone beeped, indicating the results were in.

"930. Ouch."

"Ash, are you alright?"
"I'm better than alright, I'm pumped up! I knew Galar trainers were a cut above the rest, but now I want to challenge more of them! I'm going to train until I can battle Leon once more!"

Lillie smiled at her boyfriend's determination.

"Good old Ash, always striving to get better."