Heart of Champions

by stringdog

Dreams have been achieved, what needs to be won has been won, but now there is a burning question that needs to be answered; what comes next? That is a question that Ash and Dawn will soon have answered in this fifth and final installment in 'Hearts' series. One thing is certain though, going forward they will need all the heart they have to rise to what is coming. Pearlshipping.

36. Part CCXXV: Fighting Spirit

Well, here it is, the thirty-sixth part of the fifth and final installment in my 'Heart' series on the right day as promised. The email notifications are back and for those who follow it and missed it due to the email issue, the latest chapter in Problems was released the other week so it's there if you're interested and has some news on the current Kanto Contest Circuit if you're interested. Anyway, it's back to the action for Ash and Dawn as they join their friends and go to see a Galarian Farfetch'd that is apparently pretty strong so that Ash can see and possibly test it himself. What could possibly happen when he meets it? Time to find out as that is all the administrative stuff I have for this Part though there is a guest review to respond to and a clarification to make as there is still some confusion regarding the current generation that Champions is set in and its relation to the canon Pokémon timeline. Do please keep your reviews coming as I love hearing from y'all.

To Pearl shipper (guest), if you're asking about a separate story outside the Hearts Universe, no there won't be, if you're asking about a Paldea story within the Hearts Universe then yes, there will be a stand alone story set after Champions and before the eventual sequel trilogy where Ash and Dawn visit Paldea. That is still several years away and likely there will be a Gen X by then which might have to be factored in as well. As of right now that story will focus solely on Ash and Dawn in Paldea though characters from the Horizons anime will likely appear as they would take precedent to any game canon from Scarlet and Violet. That said I do not think that they will travel with Ash and Dawn, I just don't know enough about them and don't watch Horizons so I can't really do more than bring them in from time to time. I will certainly consider your suggestion as a way to add flavor and plot to the story as right now I only have the general idea of them visiting, a little about what they will do there, and the Pokémon I'm considering having them capture so villain plots and what not would help. That's about all I can do right now but it is many years away so who knows what will change by then as I know that when I started this series I'd not watched XY and had no intention of bringing Serena into the story r but as can be seen that changed when I watched XY to prepare for Winning. I hope this answer's your question and do keep reading and enjoying my work.

To clarify as there has been some confusion regarding the relationship between Champions and the canon Pokémon timeline, from Part CC onwards Champions is set during Gen VIII and thus during Journeys in the anime canon timeline which makes this arc the first arc in the entire series where Ash is actually in line with where he is in canon since he left Unova right at the start of the story in Follow. As such, what is currently going on in Wyndon is 100% in line with the canon of Journeys regarding Farfetch'd hence why it is still a Farfetch'd at the moment and is the same as the canon one. As many of you have probably guessed, Ash will get his two Galar Pokémon leaving Alola as the only region he won't get all his canon Pokémon in this series though that will changed in the eventual sequel series. There will be plenty of other changes of course as the story of Champions is different from the plot of Journeys so stay tuned for those. I hope this clears up any confusion regarding the status of Farfetch'd at the moment.

That is it for this long pre-Part note which means that it is once again time to sit back which and enjoy the latest installment in Heart of Champions. Part CCXXV: Fighting Spirit.

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon.

Part CCXXV: Fighting Spirit

"It's just up here." Adam said as Ash followed the younger boy through the streets of Wyndon. "There's a bridge that Farfetch'd has claimed as its own, it's where it challenges people."

Ash just nodded. He couldn't wait to see this Farfetch'd in person and check out how strong it was. He'd heard all about it the night before and even as they'd walked here from the Pokémon Center they'd passed two trainers, both Galarian natives if Ash had to guess as they were carrying Pokémon that Ash didn't recognize, who commented on a huge, weird, thing that they'd faced and lost too on a bridge that was just up ahead.

All that did was motivate Ash even more to face this Farfetch'd, especially when Adam told Ash that one of the Pokémon was psychic type Indeedee meaning that it should have had an advantage on a fighting type Galarian Farfetch'd. The other was a Chewtle, a water type turtle-like Pokémon so a Pokémon with now advantages or disadvantages outside of moves but still, it was impressive and Ash was looking forward to this.

That would come soon as they neared the bridge, the day nice and warm now as they'd opted to wait in the Pokémon Center until near lunchtime before leaving to challenge the Farfetch'd so as to avoid any potential mobs wanting to talk to Ash. He'd deal with that later, for now his goal was to assess and if possible challenge this Farfetch'd.

However that challenge would have to wait a few extra moments as Adam had asked Ash on the way if he could go first. This was a Pokémon that Adam really wanted to best as he had failed 3 times already and as a result had brought in a Pokémon from home for it. Ash understood this perfectly and was more than willing to let Adam go first both to try and get stronger against this tough opponent and because he was the fighting specialist. That said, if Adam failed then it was Ash's turn.

As for Dawn and Emily, they were tagging along to watch the show. Dawn knew that Emily was just doing so because of Adam and had no desire to challenge or capture the Farfetch'd as it was weak to her specialty and not part fairy type so didn't hold any interest in her, but she was Adam's friend, supporter, and secret admirer so that made sense.

Naturally, Dawn was here to support Ash but if he failed then she didn't see why she shouldn't have a crack at it as well. She did have a strange assortment of Pokémon these days and she wanted to capture a Galar native while here so this could be a good one to start with. That said, she didn't expect Ash to fail. That and by all accounts this was a battle orientated Pokémon so would likely not be into Contests beyond the battles.

"And here we are." Adam said as they turned a corner on the road and up ahead was a wide, stone bridge with a low stone railing that was designed for pedestrians to walk over that led into a small, grassy, park. "Farfetch'd's bridge. Once we're on it, it will appear."

"Great I can't wait." Ash said with a grin as they approached the bridge. "What's it like?"

"It's hard to explain." Adam said as the reached the end of the street and crossed to the bridge the girls a few paces behind them ready to watch the upcoming show. "You've got to see it to understand."

Ash just nodded and grinned at that as they stepped onto the bridge and walked a little ways down it before finally coming to a stop, well Adam did so Ash did as well. There was nothing on the bridge and Ash was going to ask where it was but before he could he heard a slight dragging sound as if something hard and firm was sliding over the stones. That got Ash's attention and he looked out and down to see what it was and blinked at the arrival.

The Pokémon was short, just over two feet tall, and looked just like a normal Farfetch'd except that it was a darker, deeper, shade of brown on its wings, face, crest, and back. It reminded Ash a bit of how an Alolan Vulpix was almost the same as a Kantonian one except the color and type showing that in terms of general appearance, a Galarian Farfetch'd only deviated from it's normal counterpart in terms of color and type, not size or physiology like say an Alolan Exeggutor did.

That said, it was noticeably more muscular and stockier than a Kantonian Farfetch'd, not that Ash had seen many as it wasn't a common Pokémon even in his home region but he had seen enough to know what one looked like, and Ash estimated that it was at least double, possibly up to triple, the weight of a Kantonian one. The reason for this was very clear as Ash saw the item that it was carrying under its right wing and which was making the dragging sound.

Adam had been right with his description the night before, Ash saw, as the leek that a Galarian Farfetch'd carried was significantly larger than the one he'd seen a Kantonian Farfetch'd carry. Where the Kantonian one was small and almost like a baton that it could easily wield with one wing, this was a long plant with a thick stem and darker, slightly more branched, head that was clearly taller than Farfetch'd was and likely needed both wings to wield effectively.

Given the size of the leek compared to the Pokémon it was no wonder it got strong by wielding it in battle thus leading it to becoming a fighting type millennia ago. It showed how a simple tool change due to a region could lead to a regional variant and also kinda reminded Ash of how an Alolan Marowak's bone was longer and thinner than its Kantonian counterpart.

Ash took all of this in as Farfetch'd reached the midpoint of the bridge and came to a stop. It was still fascinating to Ash to see regional variants, he'd not seen many in his time, and this one was clearly strong and determined as it took a combative stance, leek under its right wing and gave Adam a side glance with one eye as it made a come at me gesture to Adam with its left that it accompanied with a squawk that was clearly a challenge.

"I see it remembers me." Adam said as he pulled out a Poke Ball, which Ash didn't doubt seeing as this was the Hoenn boy's fourth time on this bridge in as many days. "Let's see if it can handle this Pokémon. Mienfoo, time to fight!"

The Poke Ball burst open before Adam and Ash watched as the small, bipedal, red and yellow fighting type from Unova burst forth and took a fighting stance before its trainer while Farfetch'd squawked agreement at the opponent. Ash had never actually faced a Mienfoo in battle though he had seen a few in his time in Unova and faced Korrina's Mienshao in both his gym battle with her and the fighting tournament while in Kalos, so this was going to be a good chance to see one in action up close.

"I chose Mienfoo because I think small is the way to go here given what I've seen." Adam said. "He doesn't seem to want to evolve and is more agile than most of my other Pokémon so he's the best to bring in. If you hadn't come Ash and I failed again I may have had to resort to going for raw power with Poliwrath or utilizing the precognitive abilities and type advantage of Medicham in this one though not until after Scrafty, Toxicroak, and Hitmonlee fell. Only after all that would I resort to Mega Evolving Medicham."

"I can see the progression and it's a good way to assess this Farfetch'd." Ash as the Pokémon sized each other up. "I'll admit, I've faced a Mienshao but I've never seen what it's pre-evolved form can do. Show me what it can do and what this Farfetch'd is capable of."

"Will do." Adam said clearly inspired to show off for Ash. "Mienfoo, start with Fury Swipes. Get in close for this one."

Farfetch'd just grunted as the Pokémon before him, one he'd not seen before but looked strong, cried a challenge, and rushed him with the grace and agility of a fighting type. He'd faced this human and his Pokémon a few times over the last few days and while they were a good challenge, especially the short orange one that he'd faced the day before, they couldn't beat him. Still, Farfetch'd didn't take any of his opponents lightly and moved his other wing to his leek and cried his own challenge in return as he brought it around for a Night Slash.

"Woah, it's going with Night Slash though Mienfoo resists it." Ash noted as the leek was brought around in a powerful, methodical, but slow, swing. "Now I can see why it was able to beat that psychic type we passed, clever for a fighting type to learn such a move. It's slower than I expected."

That clearly wasn't a problem, however, as Farfetch'd had timed the move such that it was able to get long leek around and intercept Mienfoo as the Martial Arts Pokémon got in range, claws glowing with normal type power coming from its hands, and raised them to strike. It was an impressive use of the greater reach that the leek provided Farfetch'd and the result was that the top of the leek slamming into Mienfoo's side and sending it skidding over the ground with a grunt of pain from the blow.

Mienfoo was resistant to the dark type attack but as Night Slash had a higher than average critical hit chance, something that none of the people or Pokémon present realized made it one of the best moves that a Galarian Farfetch'd could know, it triggered thus negating Mienfoo's resistance. While none of them realized this, Ash did note that the Pokémon was well trained and skilled as it was able to maintain its balance and just slide over the stones always keeping Farfetch'd in its field of view.

For its part Farfetch'd did the same as it moved with its leek so that it never lost sight of Mienfoo. That showed how seasoned it was in combat as it didn't let the hit get to it or allow itself to get overextended by using its leek but Ash knew that Adam would have a plan for it and that was confirmed as Adam gave the next order before Mienfoo came to a stop.

"Force Palm." Adam shouted as the Fury Swipes ended without being used. "Use this to your advantage like we practiced!"

Mienfoo let out a cry and as he came to a stop it pushed off the ground the moment he had strong footing and at Farfetch'd as fast as he could move. The goal of this was to get in before Farfetch'd could pull back its leek and thus negate the reach advantage that Farfetch'd weapon gave it.

Ash wasn't aware of this but Adam had noted how his Conkeldurr fought, along with other weapon wielding fighting types like Owen's Passimian and of course this particular Galarian Farfetch'd, and devised strategies to work around them when engaging in close combat. He was about to see one such strategy that had been developed to counter a handheld weapon that granted the Pokémon a greater reach which was to use that reach and familiarity against the Pokémon.

In Farfetch'd's case this meant hitting while the leek was still across its body following the swing and it couldn't get it back into position before an agile Pokémon got within range so there was a brief opening where Mienfoo could get his right forepaw over the leek and press it into Farfetch'd beak to use Force Palm. That would then blast Farfetch'd back and set up an opening for a follow up move that would avoid the expected counter and land a super effective one ending it as that move was Bounce.

Well, that was the plan but as Ash watched it seemed that Farfetch'd was well aware of the weaknesses using a weapon that offered greater reach, especially a long and thick one like the leek it had, and had anticipated such a move. This was likely due to all its experience and only increased Ash's assessment of it so he paid close attention as Farfetch'd, rather than panic or try to move its leek around for a backswing, simply got it up and intercepted Mienfoo's palm with the thick stalk of its leek.

The move blocked the attack but Mienfoo was still able to impart the shockwave that Force Palm was known for by unleashing it into the leek itself. While it didn't hurt Farfetch'd, at least that's what it looked like to Ash, it did blast the Pokémon back several feet as its leek absorbed the blow. However, clearly that was also part of the plan as Farfetch'd used the blow to violently swing around, bringing its leek with it and catching Mienfoo in its side, the other one from early, with the leek while Mienfoo's paw was still raised.

"That was Brutal Swing." Dawn commented as Mienfoo grunted from the attack that it was resistant to and knocked to the side so that it was back in front of Adam though again Mienfoo just slid over the ground rather than be knocked down and tumble over it. "Malamar knows that move so I recognize it."

"That Farfetch'd certainly knows how to use its leek, it could probably teach a few things to Conkeldurr though Conkeldurr could do the same in return." Ash mused as Farfetch'd landed and let out a squawk as it immediately leapt up and at Mienfoo. "An out of the box usage like this is what I'd have taught it."

All this was just making it look more and more impressive as Ash thought on the battle he was watching but it was still going on so he didn't say anymore. Instead he watched waiting to see what Adam would do next.

"Intercept it with Stone Edge." Adam said as Farfetch'd leapt.

That was a bit more aggressive than what Ash would have done. He would have used the leap to either avoid the attack if his Pokémon was slower that Farfetch'd or to attack it's exposed chest as Farfetch'd raised the leek over its head if his Pokémon was faster.

Adam clearly hadn't done that so Ash just watched as Farfetch'd brought its leek down while Mienfoo thrust its hand at the ground. With this Mienfoo he could have gone either way with evade or attack with something like Force Palm but he'd tell Adam afterwards as he just watched as Farfetch'd reached Mienfoo a split second before its forepaw hit the ground, the glowing leek slamming into Mienfoo's head and driving it into the ground with a crash.

It was clear that even with another resistance to the attack, which this time wasn't a critical hit, Mienfoo was done for. The raw power of the blows coupled with Mienfoo's status as an unevolved Pokémon were too much for him to handle and so there was no surprise when Farfetch'd removed the leek, dragging it back and to the side as it took its opening stance again, that Mienfoo was on his chest, limbs splayed and swirls for eyes.

"Again, damn." Adam muttered as he pulled out his Poke Ball. "Mienfoo, return. You did well but that Farfetch'd had clearly trained to overcome some of the weaknesses that using a long weapon brings. That's on me for not anticipating that as well, not you. Take a rest. Well, Ash, it's your turn."

"Yeah I want a crack at this Farfetch'd." Ash said grinning as he stepped forward Pikachu by his side just as eager for this battle as Ash was. "You up for another challenger?"

"Farfetch'd." Farfetch'd said in a slow, measured, tone always up for a battle as he held out his right wing to Ash and made the challenge gesture to him.

"Ok good, well the P…" Ash didn't finish his statement as suddenly there was the sound of a bursting bubble and a slight caw before Rowlet, who Ash had taken with him to Galar to get some experience while he was here, same with Meltan for that matter, suddenly woke up from where it was sleeping in his backpack and flapped out and landed in front of Ash facing Farfetch'd. "Huh? Rowlet, you want to face Farfetch'd?"

Rowlet blinked in confusion. All he wanted to do when he suddenly woke up was to fly out and see what Ash and Pikachu were up to as he'd been asleep since he got into the backpack back in the Pokémon Center but now he was standing before a fellow bird Pokémon only this one didn't look like a flying type, in fact it looked too beefy to fly, and was carrying a giant vegetable for some reason.

If he was being honest, Rowlet didn't really want to fight the Pokémon before him but it made a caw of challenge at him and beckoned Rowlet with its wing and Rowlet couldn't say no to that. Plus Pikachu was now cheering him and telling him that this would be good and fun and to trust Ash so Rowlet decided to go for it. He did want to get stronger with Ash, Florges and Pikachu had been great helps there for him and Meltan, and he'd watched Ash's battle in Alola and loved it so he may as well see what this was about. He trusted Ash and so it was time to fight for him.

"Row." Rowlet cawed nodding and setting up against the Pokémon before him.

"Alright then let's do this." Ash said grinning, this would be the perfect training for Rowlet as it had the type advantage but not the experience so it should be fair and tough fight for both Pokémon. "Start us off with Razor Leaf."

Rowlet cawed and unleased the sharped edge leaf at Farfetch'd. As he did, Farfetch'd let out a cry of its own and brought its leek around to intercept it with a Night Slash. This was just what Ash had expected based on what he'd seen so far and he was on top of it the moment he saw Farfetch'd move its leek.

"Now follow it with Peck!" Ash suddenly ordered. "Use the interception, your size, and your mobility to your advantage and land your beak on Farfetch'd's body."

This was a standard tactic of Ash's and one he'd been practicing with Rowlet back in Alola when he'd had the time to work with his new Pokémon, so he was sure that Rowlet could pull it off. He needed to as this was the best way for Rowlet to counter Farfetch'd weapon based fighting style after what he'd seen. He'd have opted for something different with Pikachu but with Rowlet this worked better as it played into Rowlet's size and aerial mobility, which Rowlet understood as he let out a caw and took off after his Razor Leaf.

Rowlet knew what to do, he'd practiced this with Ash, Pikachu, Florges, and Meltan before and so he felt that he could pull it off, especially as Ash really knew what he was doing with flying type Pokémon. This was all part of their strategy to get Rowlet in close and land his only flying type attack, well the only one he currently knew, and when facing certain Pokémon it was imperative that he did so. He was just unaware that this was one of those cases where Peck was best as he went high to avoid slamming into the leek that was easily thick enough to stop him.

That awareness came a moment later as the Razor Leaf was hit by the Night Slash that Farfetch'd used and exploded thus not reaching or harming him. However, the confusion allowed Rowlet to dive in from above, his beak glowing with fighting type power, so that as Farfetch'd finished swinging through the Razor Leaf, Rowlet's beak slammed into the center of Farfetch'd's forehead.

Farfetch'd let out a caw of pain at the super effective attack as he was driven down by the force of it, his legs wobbling from the effort to keep himself upright. However it wasn't enough to bounce him off the ground, though it was impressive, and he let out a grunt as he swung his leek back on the backhand with a violent swing as Rowlet flew up and out of the way following his successful hit.

Between the close contact nature of Peck, the size of the leek, and Farfetch'd's skill wielding it, there wasn't time for Ash to get a call out directions to Rowlet before the leek's stalk slammed into the Grass Quill Pokémon and sent him careening backwards, his small body flipping in the air as he flapped hard to get control of himself. He wasn't weak to the move but neither was he resistant so it did the usual damage which was a fair bit for a first stage Pokémon like him. It wasn't enough though and already Ash was on it.

"Leafage!" Ash said as Farfetch'd tensed to leap, his leek to his side and in both wings ready to be repositioned as needed. "You can do it Rowlet!"

Rowlet cawed as he spun in the air but he focused on the move that Ash had called out and watched Farfetch'd closely so that he could see the moment that the Galarian Pokémon leapt off the ground at him. As such, the moment that he had the shot, he pelted Farfetch'd with leaves as Farfetch'd leapt at him so that the other Pokémon wouldn't be able to avoid them.

Not that Farfetch'd bother to try. Instead he just ignored the, he wasn't weak to the attack though not resistant either, so he just pushed through the grass type attack and allowed the leaves to hit his chest as brought his leek up over his head. Then, the moment that he was above his opponent, he brought his leek down in a powerful, overhand, Night Slash.

The blow landed on Rowlet's still spinning body and with a cry he was suddenly forced down and into the stone bridge. The advantage was that it stopped his spin and he was able to bounce off the stones without damaging them thanks to his light body and right himself as Farfetch'd landed on the ground leek out in front of him from the strike.

For his part Farfetch'd was impressed as this Rowlet, he'd never seen this Pokémon before but that's what the human called it, was still standing despite the two hits it had taken though he was certain it couldn't take anymore and was already moving to end this battle. Ash was faster though.

"Razor Leaf." Ash said as Rowlet righted himself and began to fall back to the ground. "Just make sure it's on target and then the moment you can dive in with Peck. That has to land but I believe in you so I know you that can do it Rowlet!"

Rowlet cawed and as he landed on the ground he set out a second razor sharp leaf at Farfetch'd just as Farfetch'd pressed forward and began to violently swing his leek indicating he was using Brutal Swing and not Night Slash this time. It was a clever move and timed such that it would hit Rowlet before it finished but Rowlet had been a shade quicker and his Razor Leaf tore across the bridge and at Farfetch'd just as Farfetch'd was bringing his leek around.

The result was that the leek once again slammed into the Razor Leaf and blew it up as the moves interacted and canceled each other out. Farfetch'd had pushed through it last time and that was his plan as well but the moment that he'd fired the Razor Leaf, Rowlet had taken off after it on a reckless charge at Farfetch'd, his beak glowing with fighting type power, and closing in on the other avian Pokémon.

As such the brief slowing of the leek as it hit the Razor Leaf allowed Rowlet to continue flying unimpeded thanks to his canceled move and reach Farfetch'd within the swing of its leek. As such, he was able to slam his beak into the center of Farfetch'd's chest and blast the Wild Duck Pokémon back with a caw of pain.

However, Rowlet wasn't spared either. The momentum of the Brutal Swing and Farfetch'd's control over it and his leek was suck that Farfetch'd was still able to bring the leek around and still slammed into Rowlet's side as Farfetch'd was thrown backwards. Rowlet let out a cry of pain and crashed to the ground, rolling over it several times before coming to a stop on his belly his feathered ruffled and body battered from the blows he'd taken. As he did, Farfetch'd landed on his back and slid over it several feet until he too came to a stop.

Both Pokémon were panting and groaning in pain but Ash could tell that they were still in it. He was really enjoying this battle and had been thoroughly impressed by Farfetch'd to the point that he had a plan for what to do once this was over. However, he needed to see this battle to the end and win it if he was going to execute his plan.

"Come on Rowlet, I know you can still fight!" Ash said encouragingly. "We've almost got this!"

"Row." Rowlet cawed as he groaned and rolled to the side before slowly getting to his feet as best he could his left eye closed and a grimace on his face but still in it and feeling exhilarated by the battle and determined to win.

"You too Farfetch'd!" Ash said giving his opponent just as much encouragement as he did Rowlet. "I know you've got fight left. Show me and Rowlet what you've got!"

"Er, why is Ash cheering for Farfetch'd?" Emily asked as Farfetch'd groaned where it lay.

"Yeah it looks like Ash has won this." Adam added. "What's going on?"

"It's Ash being Ash." Dawn said simply smiling as she watched Ash continued to encourage both Pokémon. "If I had to guess, he's seen Farfetch'd's fighting spirit and desire to battle to the end and so is encouraging it."

That was exactly what Ash was doing and it surprised Farfetch'd. He could admit that this was the toughest battle he'd faced and against a strong human but he'd not expected the human to cheer him on and encourage him to keep fighting.

However, he did which showed that he understood Farfetch'd's desire and with that he slowly got to his feet, his leek in his left wing and using it to help him get up and face Rowlet. It had been hard but the encouragement had been the key and with that Farfetch'd held his leek over his head with his left wing and let out a battle caw ready to continue the fight.

Alas, despite managing to stand and raise his leek one more time, the battle had already taken too much from Farfetch'd and as he stood up, the leek raised in his left wing and mouth open in a battle caw, he hit his limits. However, rather than fall backwards he just remained there standing, beak open and eyes swirls as his leek fell back and rested on its head on the ground behind him as Farfetch'd continue to hold it over his shoulder in his left wing. He'd given it his all but it hadn't been enough and in the end he'd passed out on his feet in the middle of the bridge.

"Ok that's new." Dawn said blinking. "I've never seen a Pokémon faint like that."

"Quick, we need to get Farfetch'd to the Pokémon Center." Ash said as he rushed forward pulling his bag off his shoulder in the process. "Rowlet, hop in my bag, you did amazing and we'll get you healed up as well so take a rest in here and I'll get you back right away."

Rowlet cawed in agreement and as soon as Ash reached him and lowered his bag he hopped into it and sighed as he relaxed following his first real battle while Ash stood and put his backpack back on though he made sure to be gentle for Rowlet. As soon as it was on Ash rushed forward and picked up Farfetch'd in his arms, leek and all, and then turned and ran off back to the Pokémon Center before the others could say anything while Pikachu ran by his side.

"Why didn't Ash catch it?" Adam asked as Dawn turned to follow Ash though she was walking rather than running which forced the other two to quickly catch up to her. "He won so he could have captured it with ease."

"I have a feeling I know why." Dawn said smiling as she watched Ash running off with Farfetch'd in his arms, she knew Ash better than possibly anyone else so she could guess as to why he'd done this. "And you'll see why once Farfetch'd is all healed up. This is just what he does at times."

"You would know best." Emily said as they walked. "So we'll leave it to you."

"That was seriously impressive though." Adam said. "I knew Ash was good but that was something else and with a Pokémon that's clearly new as I've never seen him with a Rowlet before either in Kalos or reviewing his old battles. He was able to analyze how Farfetch'd fought from my one fight with it and then overcome it with Rowlet. Now he had the flying type advantage but still, to think he'd…"

"Er, is this normal?" Dawn asked as Adam devolved into muttering next to her with only a few snippets of words reaching Dawn's ears that told her the boy was overanalyzing Ash's recent battle. "This mumbling to himself."

"Yeah just leave him be, it's how he thinks and besides I find it cute." Emily said and Dawn noticed she smiled and had a slight flush on her rosy cheeks as she spoke. "Anyway, while he's figuring out how Ash won that. What's your plan now, Dawn? I get the feeling that this is now over so the next thing for you is the Contest."

"Well if what's coming is coming we'll definitely have no reason to stay in Wyndon now." Dawn said. "So we'll probably head out later today and make our way towards the Contest location. We've got the map and directions and after several years we've gotten good at wandering through an unknown region so we'll head there."

"Right away?" Emily asked. "It's not for a couple of days and it's less than a day's walk from Wyndon, well once you're out of the city limits that is. Adam and I are staying and preparing at the Pokémon Center for a few more days."

"As much as we'd like that, you saw how it is when Ash is around." Dawn said. "Everyone wants to talk to him, get advice, or battle and while that's great and Ash will do that it can be a bit much, especially when I need to focus. That's why it's for the best that we head out now and avoid being mobbed over the next few days. That way we can find a good place to camp, train, and have prepare for the Contest without being harassed."

"I see, I guess that is a good idea." Emily said as Dawn watched her think on it. "In fact, yes, that is probably the best course of action. This way I can also keep my secrets hidden from you until then."

"I'd like that." Dawn said with a smile. "Until then, then."

"Yes, we'll stay here and try to help cover your get away later today and then see you at the Contest." Emily said. "And this time I won't lose to you."

"Bring it, I can't wait to see what you've got after a few months in Galar." Dawn said as they reached the Pokémon Center. "But for now, let's check on Ash."

Dawn didn't wait for a response, not that there was one, but proceeded to enter the Pokémon Center. Ash wasn't inside and neither was the Nurse Joy stationed here which meant that she was working on Farfetch'd and Rowlet so Dawn led the other two through it and out the back to where Ash was waiting with Pikachu on the grass that was out the back of the Wyndon Pokémon Center.

"How long will it be?" Dawn asked as they joined Ash.

"No clue." Ash admitted. "But Nurse Joy knows what she's doing so it shouldn't be too long before Rowlet and Farfetch'd are all better."

"It won't be." Dawn agreed with a nod and turned to Emily. "So, as we wait let's make some poffins or poke bloc, whatever you feel like. I could use some more myself and there won't be a better time between now and the Contest I feel."

"Poke bloc, I've still not gotten the hang of poffins." Emily said. "But I could do with some as well as I'm running short. Mine are tailored for fairy types so I burn through them pretty quickly even when taking into account a second type."

"Then let's get to it, I could use some tips on fairy type poke block." Dawn said as they turned and entered to Pokémon Center to make some as they waited. "I still only have Togekiss but Ash has a Florges now and she helps out a lot so I want to make some for her and you are the specialist with that type."

Almost as soon as the girls were inside and the doors closed, Ash saw Adam approach and smiled. It was clear that Adam wanted to discuss it and his own performance and so while they waited Ash explained his strategy, the holes in Adam's own strategy, and gave improvement tips.

They were like this for a while, even having to get lunch as they waited, while Nurse Joy worked. First Rowlet was healthy by mid afternoon and then, just as the sun was setting, Nurse Joy came out to the grass where all four had come after lunch to chat and learn how Adam and Emily's journey had been going. With her was Farfetch'd.

"Well Farfetch'd is all better now." Nurse Joy said with a smile at them. "It's fully healed and can return to the wild. Though, it seemed to want to find you Ash, so I brought it here."

"Thanks, I want to chat to it as well." Ash said grinning as he looked at Farfetch'd while Nurse Joy gave a small nod before returning inside to get back to work. "So Farfetch'd, you feeling good now? That was some battle you game me and Rowlet."

"Rowlet." Rowlet agreed while Farfetch'd just looked at them glad to be fully healed and eager to battle once more.

"Pika pi." Pikachu said concurring with the others and wishing he could have faced Farfetch'd.

"Farfetch'd." Farfetch'd said holding out his wing to Ash in another challenge, he'd lost for the first time and he wanted to face the human who beat him again because that was the only way to get stronger.

Ash saw this and grinned as he crouched down so that he could look Farfetch'd in the eye. This was just what he was expecting and hoping for. It was why he'd not caught Farfetch'd when he'd won despite the opportunity being there. He'd respected the Pokémon and was impressed with its strength, drive, and guts so he wanted to get it healed up and see if it wanted to face him again and get stronger. If it did, well, Ash had just the way to sort that out.

"As I thought, you want to get stronger by battling me again." Ash said and Farfetch'd nodded one eye on Ash though he didn't speak so Ash continued with his offer. "Well in that case how about you come with me and join my team? Together we can both get even stronger."

"Farfetch'd." Farfetch'd said as he closed his eyes, turned his head, and nodded in agreement.

He'd hoped for this and when the human hadn't caught him even though he'd won and thus had the right to do so he knew that if there was ever to be a human he'd want to join, it would be this one. With this human, Ash apparently, he would truly become a strong and noble Pokémon.

"Great." Ash said grinning as he stood up Pikachu cheering as well and pulled an empty Poke Ball off his belt. "The Poke Ball, go!"

Ash threw the ball side arm and it hit Farfetch'd in the side of the head before bouncing off and into the air where it opened up and sucked Farfetch'd into it in a flash of light. It then fell to the ground and began to shake. However, it only shook for a moment before it click shut indicating a successful capture.

"Alright, I caught a Galarian Farfetch'd!" Ash cheered as he picked up the Poke Ball and thrust it in the air in his usual Pokémon capture pose.

"Pikachu!"

"Rowlet!"

Dawn just smiled as Ash and his Pokémon celebrated while the sun set. It was only their first full day in Galar and already Ash had caught his first Pokémon here. It was a great start to their Galar journey and that would continue as Ash and Dawn headed out to her first, and hopefully only, Contest wondering what other adventures they would have as they explored the Galar region.

Well there it is, Ash and Dawn have been in Galar for less than 2 days and already Ash has his first Galarian Pokémon and a canon catch at that. Naturally due to the nature of this story the battle was different as Riolu was hatched back at the end of Dreams and is now a Lucario so I figured that Rowlet would be a good substitute for the battle and give the Pokémon some experience. Now Ash has another new team member, one who likes to fight and will learn the ropes well as Ash and Dawn begin their Galar journey. Next up is a rare added Part to the outline to fit the flow of the story and transition to the upcoming Contest but it worked out better to have it anyway given all my plans for Galar so there's a lot to look forward to. That's all that I have for y'all so I'll leave this Part off here. As always if you like my work then please favorite (both this story and me in general to be notified of any new content I post), if possible leave a review as I really like hearing what you think of my work and your suggestions that help complete this story (and respond as best I can) and just in general keep enjoying my work. Until next time.

Stringdog