Ash shifted in his chair once more, his hairdresser hiding an eye roll at his impatience. She seemed to be having fun, however, with his longer hair and freshly dyed strands. She had mentioned she didn't get too many guys that did something different to their hair, not when people naturally had pink, blue, or dual-toned hair.
It was his second day in Unova and the hustle and bustle of Nimbasa was getting on his nerves. Getting five battered Pokémon back to the Pokémon center was appalling with the constant flow of people. Dinner that night had been one of ravenous hunger, battle rehashing, and mutual banter.
As his hairdresser fired up the blow dryer, he thought about his next move. He had one more night in Nimbasa, and then he had to choose a direction; South, East, or West?
He really had no desire to see Driftveil City, but Mistralton was just north of it if he wanted to fly out from there. Icirrus City was also West, and it had the Dragonspiral Tower which was a place he wanted to visit.
But the East had Undella Bay, and with it the Abyssal Ruins. More of a sightseeing venture, he was still curious and wouldn't say no to exploring the ruins. Opelucid and Vertress Cities were smack dab between Undella Town and Icirrus City.
South held Castelia City, and its Bug gym would give a good lesson for his Dark types. The city also had access to Virbank City and its Poison master Gym Leader. He was curious if Roxie would give him some pointers on Nettle.
His hairdresser trimmed some pieces, leaving the top long and the sides a bit shorter and fluffed it up with some sort of product. These last couple minutes were spent with him internally berating himself for not planning his Unova schedule better. The region was known primarily for its Dark type Pokémon, with Bugs coming in a close second.
The black cape was unclipped and he thanked the woman for her assistance, leaving a good tip before he walked out, hair feeling oddly light. Shoving hands in his pockets, he looked at the sprawling city before finally coming to a conclusion.
He'd go South, to Castelia, then to Virbank. He'd retrace his steps back to Nimbasa, hitting the desert on the way back. He had only just gotten Nettle, and he wasn't racing to finish his team of 15. But now he was about halfway there.
Shaking his head, he decided to hit some of the non-battle attractions.
Thus went his day.
He went on the ferris wheel with Mirae and Sagitta, caught a musical with Hemlock, and watched a soccer match with a visiting team from Galar.
When he fell into bed that night, he barely had the wherewithal to shift Mirae before he smothered the Eevee.
On his third day in Nimbasa, his fourth since leaving Alola, the tightness in his chest was easing the smallest bit at the knowledge he'd have his two other Pokémon back soon. Trotting down to the cafeteria, as always Hemlock assisted with the multiple bowls before heading outside.
Ash froze and slunk around the side of the Pokémon center, peeking out to watch Officer Jenny and her partner walk past. His heart thudded in his chest and Hemlock gave him a look, but he didn't make a move to leave until he was sure the police were gone.
Mew, he hated this.
It was like some ingrained response to feel like a criminal. He missed Alola.
Frowning deeply, he took a breath and stepped forward towards the outdoor field. It was early enough that there was only one other trainer outside, feeding their team. Letting Hemlock dig in, Ash spread out the four other bowls and released the rest.
Mirae trilled and stretched before happily bouncing over to his breakfast. Ever since his win against Tyler's Swoobat, the kit had been on cloud nine. Sagitta ruffled her head and fluttered over to her own food, fully recovered from her battle with Amoonguss. Libra growled when one of Styx's smaller heads nipped an unprotected expanse of thinned scales. A sharp clap from Ash had Libra rolling her eyes, starting her own breakfast.
He barely tasted his breakfast sandwich, anticipation flooding his veins. He'd have Bane and Nettle back in a few hours. He just had to distract himself until then.
Grooming would definitely fill the time.
Styx, proving some things never change, grumbled but was the first to make her way over when he held up the grooming supplies. He made sure they were all tucked against the Pokémon center and mostly out of sight from cursory glances.
Feathers were cleaned, scales were polished, fur was combed, and even teeth were brushed. And just so she wouldn't feel left out, Sagitta's short beak was polished.
Five hours later, fingers stiff and forearms sore, Ash's Pokémon were shining and glistening and happily blissed out. The late summer breeze was refreshing on his slightly overheated skin as he stood and stretched. Libra's scales were already growing back, even stronger than before.
Hakamo-o were similar to Fraxure in that sense. The more they lost scales, the stronger they would grow back and carry into the final evolution.
With how often she battled Styx, Libra would have the strongest scales of any Kommo-o once she evolved.
Checking his Pokédex, he was relieved to know he had twenty minutes before his call with Oak. Mirae and Hemlock decided to stay out of their balls and followed him into the center. He tapped his foot as he played 'guess what my Pokémon is trying to tell me'. Ash had gotten pretty good at understanding his teammates' body language and deducing their thoughts.
He was pretty sure Hemlock was whining about his lack of pranks. Mirae made sympathetic trills and Ash was 100% sure they were sincere.
When it was finally time, he returned his Pokémon and made his way over to the phone to dialed Oak's number. He got the booth right next to the Pokémon transporter and he didn't feel ashamed about it.
"Ash! Right on time, I wonder why… How's Unova?"
Ignoring the teasing tone, Ash said, "Loud, crowded, what else can I say?"
Oak laughed at his sponsored trainer's attitude. "Well, you've only been in the city, wait until you see the wilds. Unova has a vast variety of ecosystems. Anyway, your Zoroark and Poipole are ready for you, let me know when you're ready."
"I'm ready." Ash refused to blush when he responded maybe a little too quickly. Oak didn't say anything, merely raised an eyebrow. He nodded and Ash read out the ID code of this particular transporter. A few seconds later, Ash had the two Pokéballs back on his belt, tension finally melting from his shoulders.
"Anything interesting about Nettle?"
Oak hummed and nodded. "Yes, it was all very fascinating. Poipole's biological sex is unlike anything I've seen, and I can't even begin to hypothesize how they reproduce. What I did learn was that their poison is stored in their heads and is high on the viscosity scale, able to stick to a variety of surfaces. Its toxins are slow acting, however, seeping into the body after being trapped in its adhesive poison. The poison does have an unknown chemical structure that I've sent to another lab to analyze to see how it interacts with 'earthly' compounds.
"From Dr. Burnet's research, Poipole's poison can be broken down in various ways into compounds with high energy yields. From the little I could tell, its poison holds various phosphate compounds.
"Its ability to levitate revolves around manipulation of electromagnetic forces. It might have some level of thermal vision, but I didn't get around to studying that part too much. In Nettle's case, it seems like it absorbs the Ultra Space radiation, and starves without it, similar to photosynthesis.
"Other than that, from what I could tell, Ash, is that this is almost like a… larval stage."
Ash's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"
Oak was almost vibrating with excitement at this point. "It means I think Poipole evolves. I need your permission to send some DNA to a close colleague of mine, she'll run tests and see if there is a secondary type that may come about in evolution. It could help us narrow down the 'how' and 'when'."
Ash was gaping as he fell back against the chair. He didn't know why it never occurred to him that Nettle might be able to evolve. It didn't seem like any of the other UBs could. Maybe he had thought evolution was unique to Earth.
"Yes, you have my permission. How long can we expect the testing to take?"
Oak looked a little Mareepish. "Not for a month, at least. Maybe two. Her workload has been pretty high ever since she started working with Blaine." Ash hid how impressed he was. Doctor and Fire Master Blaine Katsura was a legend in both the research sphere and the competitive battle circuit.
He nodded, mind shifting back to Nettle. Ash had assumed evolution wasn't a thing for Ultra Beasts. Guess he was wrong. Evolution didn't seem to be a thing for Legendary Pokémon, but then again, not much was known about Legends. If Nettle could evolve, would his cuddly Poison type change? Mirae hadn't even evolved and he was already different from when he'd hatched.
Pushing the thoughts aside, Ash zeroed back in on Oak's words, nodding along absently. Eventually, the professor lets him go, bidding the trainer goodbye. Pushing his chair back, Ash stretched and headed for his room. Time to get out of this city.
As soon as he was safely in his room, he released Nettle and Bane. The Zoroark shook out his mane and grinned toothily at his trainer. Nettle cried out and thudded into Ash's chest with a hug. Releasing a wheezing laugh, Ash sat on the bed and scratched Nettle's chin.
"How was the lab?" He looked to Bane first and the Dark type shrugged, not seeming to have an opinion one way or another. He looked at the beast in his arms and Nettle started waving its arms and babbling, diving into a story Ash couldn't understand. The Poipole did seem a bit sluggish, but not sick.
Huffing a laugh, he nodded and hummed at irregular intervals and shared a commiserating look with Bane. He scratched Bane's ear with a free hand to the fox's approval. He made sure to sound properly invested in Nettle's way-too-long story as he picked up his room.
Once the Poipole had wrapped up its story, Ash filled the two in on what happened in their absence. Bane looked slightly put out when he learned he missed a tough battle. He took one last sweep of the room and gave a pointed, resigned glance to Bane, who shimmered into Leia, Gladion's Leavanny.
Nettle floated around his head and garnered some looks, but it wasn't common for trainers to study every Pokémon like Ash had. Other trainers encountered unfamiliar Pokémon all the time, so that was the only reason Nettle was drifting in the air around his head.
He quickly checked out of the center and braved the crowds of Nimbasa, heading south, his teammates back where they belong.
Ash swiftly decided he hated Route 4. The constant sandstorm was irritating his skin and his lips were chapped and cracking. His Alola sunglasses had come in handy, and he made a mental note to purchase some goggles before he headed back this way.
He had eyed the sign that directed travelers to the Desert Resort, but kept his attention forward. As soon as he caught another Pokémon, one would have to stay at the lab. Ash couldn't deny he was dreading that day.
So he'd delay it as much as possible.
The trip to Castelia was only four days, but it felt longer with the dirt and sand battering his tent. Of course Libra was unaffected, her thick, regrown scales and second eyelids protecting her from the unceasing weather. Her minor Overcoat ability was secondary to her Soundproof ability, but it helped in situations like this.
If he had to find optimism in the situation, it was good training, especially for Sagitta and Styx who had trouble flying in the storm. He held off on new move training, instead making sure everyone was staying fit and felt confident in their attacks.
Nettle and Mirae were perfect sparring partners, an airborne opponent for the Eevee and a speedy opponent for the Poipole. They both had to get creative to hit each other. Nettle actually had the advantage, utilizing its sticky poison to create traps that would capture Mirae. He learned a bit late that Iron Tail would cause the poison to slide right off.
Though it seemed the poison had some effect even through the Steel attack. He had his own research to do into the Ultra Beast's unique battle capabilities.
Bane and Hemlock teamed up to take on Libra. Her maneuverability was getting better, but she found herself thoroughly pissed at her tricky opponents. Libra had a constant stream of snarling, and her aim and reaction time improved drastically in those four days.
Seeing Bane fully recovered and settled into his new body was a sight.
The Zoroark was fast. By digging his long, sharp claws into the ground, he could change direction quickly and accurately. Ash was regretful to say he hadn't realized how much the Dark type's mane had been obscuring his vision before he got the clasp.
While Bane's physical capabilities and energy output had of course improved with evolution, it was illusionary proficiency that shone.
Illusions of other Pokémon were crisp, detailed, and unwavering. Illusions of people were almost as impressive. But it was two new abilities that had Ash internally cackling.
Mimicry and imagination.
Naturally Bane could mimic Pokémon, people, and objects he sees. But he was now able to mimic techniques. Sure, Stone Edge wasn't real. Sure, Shockwave wasn't real. Sure, Bide wasn't real. But the opponent's would think they were.
That's where imagination came in. As a Zorua, the little fox had to copy something he's seen to make an Illusion.
That wasn't a limitation anymore.
The team would hate him, but Ash had Bane making Illusions of anything and everything he could think up.
After a day of it, and Styx almost biting her own secondary head off, Ash had to restrict that training to certain hours of the day. He didn't want his Pokémon getting too paranoid after all. He also had to keep an eye out for Bane and Hemlock's team up. The Morgrem loved the frustration pouring from the others.
Sagitta was having the time of her life against Styx, which wasn't expected. Double Teams threw off Styx's two heads, but when her incredible sense of smell latched onto the Togetic, a Dazzling Gleam was all it took to force the Hydreigon back. Sagitta was getting faster on her small wings, because if she took one or two hits, she'd be down for the count.
Forcing Styx to try and catch such a small, speedy opponent was forcing her heads' coordination to improve at a rapid rate.
So on the morning of the 11th, Ash saw the police outpost in the distance and sighed. He didn't miss it. Mirae and Nettle were the only two out with him, playing tag as the raging sandstorm started to fade.
Ash called his two youngest Pokémon over when they got close. The police outpost was almost the size of Saffron's. Unova, while not having as much of a Team Rocket presence, it also had the misfortune of Team Plasma afflicting the sprawling region.
No one was quite sure how Team Plasma was stopped. One day, Ghetsis, the leader of Team Plasma, had just shown up on the steps of the League building, bound and gagged and unconscious.
Ghetsis had been executed a year after his capture. Much like the Team Rocket Admins.
The man's Zweilous had been found dead, missing a head, and locked in a cage.
The next three years had Team Plasma members and sympathizers periodically popping up at police stations with written and video evidence found on their persons. And later in interrogations and interviews, the criminals spewed Truths like they had no other choice.
It was one of the biggest modern day mysteries. Some sort of vigilante was dropping off Plasma members on the regular.
Ash dug his Pokédex out of his pocket when he noticed he'd cleared the distance. The line moved quickly for a Friday, most leaving the city to spend a weekend in Nimbasa. The officer who greeted him seemed much more relaxed than the one from Saffron, but Ash didn't hold his breath.
"Business?"
"I'm sponsored by Professor Oak and I'm hoping to challenge the gym here and sightsee." The officer nodded and took his Pokédex, eyes scanning both the screen and the two released Pokémon flanking him.
He grimaced when her jaw noticeably dropped, but she didn't say anything. She scanned his Pokédex and tapped on her tablet before handing his dex back. "Oak, Dr. Richards, and Kukui all pop up on your list of sponsors. Hard to argue against that."
The second he stepped through, he was immediately bombarded by the mob that was Castelia City. His first couple of seconds in the Unovan equivalent of Saffron was filled with shoulder collisions and blocked paths.
How did Unovans deal with such enormous populations in each of their cities? It was mayhem, and Ash was usually great with chaos.
He was starting to think his appreciation for order is what helped him with Chaos types.
The next few seconds consisted of Ash returning both Pokémon to avoid losing them in the sea of people. Styx would have assured he had a wide berth. But having her out would be 'problematic' and 'a severe lack of foresight'.
Whatever.
The only thing that brought him a modicum of delight was that every single suited up worker that collided with him got covered in sand and dirt. The vindictive side of him gave a Hemlock-like cackle.
The first Pokémon center he came to was like a Mew-send. He veered into it, fighting the raging river of workers. He was huffing in barely restrained anger when he finally got inside. The nurse at the counter took a step back in the face of his agitation. He shoved his Pokédex in her face, dumped his Pokéballs in a tray, and gritted out "Room, two nights."
The shower was legendary, and he watched as sand and grit swirled down the drain with satisfaction. He felt like a new person when he finally emerged from the bathroom, change of clothes on and dirty clothes ready to be washed.
The next hour passed with chores and virtual exploration of the city's offerings. Castelia City was the business hub of the Unova Region and didn't offer much in the way of entertainment. It housed some of the largest corporations in the region. There were numerous art museums scattered around, and he had noticed Nettle sometimes painted with its poison, so that might be a fun outing.
Burgh, the Gym Leader here, was a Bug type master and if he was amenable, would prove a good challenge and lesson for his Darks. Other than that, there wasn't much to do.
So that's what he did. Once he got his Pokémon back on his belt, he started his day. The Museum of Modern Art was hit first, and Nettle was captivated. They were inside for hours, not because Ash was particularly impressed by modern art, but because his Poipole loved it all.
Lunch was spent in Castelia Park with a rare treat of casteliacones for his Pokémon. The ice cream was able to be mixed with berries, so luckily those that hated anything sweet were able to get their desired flavors. His wallet was feeling a little light after the XL cone he had to get for his starter, but it was worth it.
The day was warm for September, and it lulled the team into a light nap. They were somewhat hidden away on the edge of the park, shaded by trees. Ash's hat was pulled down over his eyes as he rested against Styx. Mirae was curled up on his lap, Sagitta pressed against his thigh with Hemlock on his other side, and Nettle somehow balanced on his shoulder and chest, its tail looped over his other shoulder. Bane was curled up with Libra, hidden just in case his illusion fell.
Ash wasn't sure how much time passed, but when he blearily blinked awake and lifted his hat with a finger, he was startled to see an enormous easel blocking his vision. Unable to move lest he disrupt sleeping Pokémon, he waited a few moments before the perpetrator leaned to the side.
The man startled and dropped his paintbrush, actually pouting when he picked it up and had to pluck blades of grass from the tip. The man met his eyes again and grinned Mareepishly. He mouthed 'do you mind?' and after Ash gave it some thought, he couldn't find it in him to be irritated. Shrugging, he leaned back, pulling his hat back down.
When he woke up again, it wasn't nearly as peaceful as the first time. He yelped when his backrest abruptly disappeared, Nettle, Mirae, Sagitta, and Hemlock all jerking awake with various exclaims of surprise.
Picking up his hat from where it fell, Ash looked around and saw Styx had placed herself between the group and the easel. "Styx, it's okay." The Hydreigon's tail swished violently, but she relaxed just enough to show she got the message.
Running his hand along her scales, he rounded the protective Dragon and saw the artist glancing nervously at the Pokémon with one hand on his belt of Pokéballs.
"She's fine."
He didn't look convinced, but his hand moved away from the net balls at his hip. "Right, well, thanks for letting me paint you."
Ash crossed his arms and raised a brow. "And why did you?"
The man pushed his mane of auburn hair back and grinned. "You made an undeniably impeccable sight, truly one with your Pokémon if I've ever seen it. It was a wonderful harmony of trainer and Pokémon, teammates and comrades in arms, so attuned with each other, I just had to capture it. I was just finishing up, too! Come, come look."
Coming closer to stand to the side, Ash felt himself gasp. The canvas was covered with oil pastels and the colors captured were reflective of reality. The scene was a fascinating mixture of both relaxation and protection. Everyone was asleep, but the Pokémon were all curved towards and around Ash, shielding him from anything coming their way. Bane was shadowed by Libra, but he could tell the fox had dropped the illusion in his sleep before getting it back.
"This is… amazing." Ash felt his words fail him for the first time in years. This was everything he was hoping for when he left on his journey. His chest felt tight with the proof of it all.
The man was smiling softly, also gazing at his work. "I'm glad. This was a pleasure to capture, I'm glad I had the opportunity.'' His eyes drifted over to Nettle, who was sleepily floating over to its trainer. The Poipole settled down on Ash's hat belly-first, scaly tail brushing his upper back.
"May I have your permission to hang this in my gym? I would be happy to create a digital copy for you. I just need your name"
"Ash Ketchum, and sure, that's fine-wait, gym? You're Burgh, aren't you." Ash knew he should have recognized him, but he was still brushing off the last vestiges of sleep.
Burgh blinked. "Oh, you didn't know?" Ash scoffed lightly and shook his head. "Huh, are you not from Unova?"
"No, I'm from Kanto."
Burgh's eyes brightened. "Oh, marvelous! What brings you to Unova?"
A little surprised he wanted to keep the conversation going, Ash replied, "I'm specializing in a few types and Kanto didn't have many options. I'm traveling through a few regions to get the team I want."
The Gym Leader grinned as he packed his supplies in a large bag. "You're doing your journey right, I'd say. See the world and capture the Pokémon that work best with you. You've certainly done that!"
Ash shrugged but felt warm from the compliment. "Thanks. I actually was going to stop by your gym tomorrow. I was hoping to get a battle. You see, one of the types is, uh, Dark. I want to challenge one of our weaknesses."
Burgh didn't change his open, intrigued expression. Merely perked up in interest. "I'd love to help! My challenges have significantly decreased since the conference starts in two weeks. What kind of challenge were you looking for?"
Feeling more confident in his request, Ash relaxed and looked at his team. "Four-on-four, my Morgrem, Zoroark-" he whispered, "-Togetic, and my Hydreigon. A Poison type would be great for my Togetic." The Gym Leader's eyes lingered on 'Leavanny', having seen what was beneath, but still brought a hand beneath his chin to think.
"I can do that. Come by tomorrow morning around 9:00 and I should be ready. This'll be fun!"
Ash released a startled smile. "I appreciate it. Hear that guys? Bug and Poison types for Hemlock, Bane, Sagitta, and Styx tomorrow, be prepared." Hemlock chuckled and rubbed his hands together causing his trainer to roll his eyes.
Burgh laughed along. "Certainly spritely, they are.'' Ash couldn't shake his head in exasperation, lest he dislodge the dozing Poipole.
"I'm never bored." Checking his Pokédex, he noted it was about time for dinner (had they really been here that long?) and grabbed his bag. "I'm going to stay here and feed them. It was lucky running into you." Burgh finished packing up, returning the sentiment and waving goodbye.
Walking to the gym the following morning, Ash couldn't help but feel… unsettled. It was like something was in the air of Castelia, slowly spreading inky oily tendrils through the city. Like the hairs on the back of your neck prickling or the churning of a gut feeling.
His shoulders were tense the entire walk.
It could be due to the nightmares of dead UBs and dead little blonde girls and shadowy wraiths with purple skin, but those had been happening for a few days now. This feeling creeped up on him over the course of the morning and he has no idea what to do about it.
Ignore it?
Stay in fight or flight?
Be paranoid and flinch at any little movement or sound?
Ash sighed and shoved his hands in his pockets. The only thing he could do is stay alert. He dragged his fingers along his Pokéballs unconsciously as he stared ahead. The busy cobblestone turned to a green walkway leading to the massive gym-slash-art gallery.
There weren't many people loitering around the gym; it was nestled at the end of a court, backed up against Castelia Park. It was oddly serene here, even smack dab in the middle of the city. Pushing the front doors open, Ash had to pause for a moment to take it all in.
The front lobby was reminiscent of a museum, with separate large rooms housing paintings and drawings of all shapes, colors, and sizes. Of the few plaques he could read, many were painted by Burgh, but a number of them were by gym trainees or interns.
There was a good amount of people milling about, couples with arms wrapped around waists and university students taking notes on style and expression. Ash turned to the receptionist and gaped.
There, centered right behind the front desk, was the oil painting of Ash and his team. Wow, quite the honor.
He shook off the shock and stepped up to the desk. "Hello, I have a battle with Burgh in a few minutes? It's not official, more for training purposes."
The guy looked up from his sketch pad and grinned. "Oh, yeah, Burgh told us about you." He gestured to the framed drawing behind him. "Feel free to go through those doors, he should be waiting."
Thanking him, Ash entered the main battlefield and looked around.
This was the best field yet.
The entire ceiling was made of glass, letting the sun brighten up the fields and its surrounding trees and plant life. He had the feeling the building was built around a section of the park.
"You made it! Welcome, welcome." Burgh jogged forward and shook Ash's hand, leaving a smear of orange paint behind. The Bug master waved his arm towards the field. "This'll be a series of single battles, we each release a new Pokémon at the beginning of each round. I've painstakingly chosen my four to hopefully give your Pokémon the best learning experience."
Ash's eyebrows rose to his hairline at the thought Burgh put into this. "Thank you, I really appreciate it."
The Leader grinned. "Think nothing of it! It's a Gym Leader's duty to cultivate the skills of burgeoning trainers. Now, we'll start with your Togetic."
"Alright if I release my Pokémon to watch?" Burgh nodded enthusiastically and Ash released his team. Libra tried to match the volume of Styx's roar before Ash shushed them. "I want you all to pay close attention to the battles. See how Bug types move and attack. Sagitta, you're up first."
The Togetic puffed up her chest and floated beside her trainer to the field. From Burgh's Net ball, a large Dustox took to the field, little flecks of poisonous powder falling from its wings. Sagitta's wings gave a slight twitch, but that's all that gave away her nervousness.
"Quiver Dance!"
"Charm."
"Poison Powder."
"Safeguard." Ash clenched his fist, understanding that Burgh would most likely find a way around Safeguard if he had to use it a second time. "Sagitta, fly." The Togetic darted into the air, her Charm doing little to the Bug.
"Give chase, Pastel." The two trainers watched the aerial display of skill with critical eyes. Neither Pokémon were tanks, and a few solid hits would take them out, and so they danced. The Dustox's Quiver Dance gave it the boost it needed to keep up with Sagitta's improved speed and maneuverability.
"Electroweb."
"Air Slash." The sharp blades of energy sliced the incoming web to pieces, but the Dustox followed closely, slamming into Sagitta with a surprising Aerial Ace. "Shock Wave!"
"Light Screen." Dustox was forced away by the crackling wave, but the psionic energy protecting it lessened the blow. In a rather incredible display of proficiency, Dustox dropped the barrier, somehow turning it into a Psybeam that torpedoed straight into Sagitta.
Her pained, frantic chirp echoed as she plummeted, catching herself just in time to send an Air Slash into Dustox's wing before its Bug Buzz reached her.
The Bug's startled chittering as it veered to the side was music to Ash's ears. It had to pump its right wing twice as hard to keep itself steady in the air due to the slice through the thin chitin.
Ash thrust a hand out. "Again!"
"Catch her!" Ash cursed out loud when Sagitta was caught in the psionic hold of Confusion, Flying energy dissipating. The Sludge Bomb slammed into her chest and sent the Togetic crashing to the floor. She recovered much quicker than Ash expected, throwing up a small Protect. Dustox tried to catch her again with Confusion but Sagitta was already moving.
She split into a dozen copies, almost as proficient with the move as Hemlock. "Life Dew!" All the copies stilled, secreting a single drop of water that was packed full of energy. Dustox destroyed half the copies by the time Sagitta perked up with renewed health.
"Aerial Ace!"
"Protect!" Even with a bit more energy, Sagitta failed to erect the barrier in time and was sent tumbling through the air.
She was ready the second time.
Flame burst from her mouth, bathing the moth in the heat of Incinerate. The Togetic was rather irritated by this point, having been knocked all over the field. Her wings glowed with the light blue power of Flying energy, sending slices through the air, relentlessly slamming into fatiguing Pastel, unable to dodge with its injured wing.
"Poison Sting!" Sagitta cried out when the needles pierced beneath her feathers. Her eyes narrowed through the pain and she screamed in frustration. The arrows of stone that erupted from the field took everyone by surprise.
Ash couldn't withhold his flinch when the dirt cleared and Dustox was found pinned to the field, an arrow through one paper thin wing.
The 'Happiness' Pokémon was panting with pain, exhaustion, and pent up anger. Feathers were covered in dripping poison and eroded away in some places. She was fluttering much closer to the ground as she made her way over to Ash, where he waited with sitrus and pecha berries. Grumbling under her breath, Sagitta took the berries and plopped down on the ground, right beside his feet.
"Wonderfully done, Ash! She is certainly a fighter. Call your next." Ash caught Bane's eye and jerked his head. The Zoroark gave a wolfish grin and sauntered over, the illusion dropped. They'd be focusing purely on Bane's battle capabilities. Burgh eyed the rare Unova native and tossed his Pokéball.
Ash pursed his lips when the Galvantula took to the field. Bane was fast, but if he got caught by paralysis, that would definitely cause trouble.
"Discharge!"
"Night Daze." Both Pokémon shifted uncomfortably from the remnants of the attacks in the air. Neither moved, their feet glued to the ground, static and wisps of darkness fading from the battlefield.
Then they burst into motion.
"Agility and trap!"
"Dig!"
"Lunge!" Gritting his teeth, the yelp of pain cut off as the fox disappeared beneath the field, the Bug attack catching him in the flank. Galvantula shot a bolt of electricity down the hole, but Bane broke through directly beneath its abdomen.
The spider was launched through the air, Incinerate leaving a light singe before an Electroweb took the remainder of the flames. The arachnid then did an incredible variation of Electroweb; an electrified stand shot out of each leg, connected to the ground surrounding Bane, then pulled the Bug and Electric type down atop the Dark type.
Bane, pinned beneath Galvantula, snarled as he was electrocuted from the Wild Charge coating his opponent.
"Night Daze!" The shockwave of darkness buffeted Galvantula, its eight eyes going out of focus with the mind-altering attack. Bane howled, claws tearing through webbing and hindlegs beneath the arachnid, launching it away. Not one to lose his prey, Bane followed, sprinting on all fours to land an Agility-powered Night Slash along his opponent's abdomen.
"Trap!"
"Duck!" The Zoroark's eyes widened, ducking below the flying Electro Web just in time. He swerved around the next, jumped over the third, destroyed the next with his overpowered Incinerate, and the last he tore to shreds with Night Slash.
And Ash saw the silky, sticky strands get wrapped around his claws.
In mounting despair, Ash looked across the field, and instead of rapidly fading Electro Webs, instead Sticky Webs had laid a trap all over the ground.
Bane's speed was now practically useless, and his claws were wrapped in thick thread. Galvantula capitalized on Ash's shock, slamming into Bane with Lunge that knocked the Dark type down, landing in one of the traps.
Ash cursed when Bane yelped, static dancing along his fur. The fox struggled in the Sticky Web, Pin Missile striking him like the sitting Ducklett he was.
"Flames!" Hardly able to be called an Incinerate anymore, the plume of stifling fire destroyed the oncoming Pin Missiles, slamming into Galvantula and eliciting a shrill shriek.
His own fur was singed, but Bane pulled himself free of the trap, leaning heavily on one leg as muscles spasmed.
"Swift to keep it at bay!" Bane's cerulean eyes sharpened, panic easing away as he launched a Swift that knocked the fast-approaching and heavily burned Galvantula back. Bane tried to hobble away, leg practically useless. But his opponent just kept coming back.
Ash's mind was working overtime to think of a solution. Galvantula was bombarding Bane with Signal Beams and Discharges, being rightfully wary of getting close to a pissed off Zoroark. Bane was doing his best to cancel the attacks out, but he was losing a lot of energy being unable to dodge.
Crossing his fingers, he hoped this worked. "Taunt!" Galvantula trembled with fury before charging at the 'defenseless' fox, previous wariness gone. The second the spider was close enough, Ash called "Toxic!"
Bane coughed up the glob of poisonous fluid, simultaneously sheathing claws in inky blackness. Galvantula screeched, eyes taking the full brunt of the poison, but slamming into the Zoroark with another Wild Charge. Evenso, Bane recreated his battle with Nihilego.
The two Pokémon quivered from the onslaught, Bane fighting through the protective layer of electricity that surrounded his opponent, Night Slashes hitting the joints and articulations with laser-precision. In desperation, blinded and unable to escape, Galvantula fired a severely overpowered Discharge.
"Bane!" The two trainers watched the two unmoving Pokémon for a few moments. The air whooshed out of him when the damn spider pushed itself up.
Bane stayed unmoving.
Pressing his lips together in despondency, Ash raised his Heal ball and recalled the downed fox. Galvantula was a very tough opponent. "Thank you." He whispered to the pink sphere and clasped it back onto his belt.
"Your Zoroark is very well trained! I would recommend a defensive or healing technique since their species is not known to take hits well. As you saw, take away their maneuverability and they are little threat. I do believe you were at a bit of a disadvantage, not only because of the type disadvantage but also due to the lack of illusions. That is, afterall, where that species strength lies." There was no smugness in the artist's tone, and Ash had to admit he was grateful for the criticism.
Ash hummed, nodding to Burgh. "I wanted to see how'd he do without illusions." While not many people would know how to counter a Zoroark's illusions, Masters would. Ability-limiting techniques like Gastro Acid wouldn't completely remove Bane's illusions, but Ash was sure strategies existed to nullify the incredible skill.
But training Bane without his biggest strength could only get him so far.
This battle showed Ash that while, yes, it was important for Bane to be able to battle as himself, he couldn't stop cultivating the Dark type's biggest, most versatile and dangerous strength.
"Hemlock." The Morgrem trotted onto the field, fingers and claws flexing in anticipation. Burgh smirked, the first expression other than excitement Ash had seen from him. He understood the smirk when the leader's third Pokémon landed on the field with an audible thud.
Scolipede was enormous. Its bright colors warned predators of its poison and threat level. Dripping venomous claws lined either side of its neck with two great horns poised to impale opponents. No one would mistake this Bug for prey.
Hemlock was thrown into the shadow of the Bug and Poison type, but he didn't back down. He felt a swell of pride for his little Devious Pokémon.
"Venom Roll!"
"Oh shit, dodge!" The glowing purple mass shot across the field at alarming speeds. Hemlock launched himself laterally to avoid the rolling mass. "Feint Attack!" Ash chewed his lip, knowing one strike from the unstoppable force would poison his partner and most likely severely damage him.
Hemlock sunk into the dark, allowing him to dodge but not attack. Burgh, realizing Hemlock had a viable defense against the combo, moved on. "Earthquake!"
"Jump, widespread!" Scolipede barely flinched when the wave of Dark energy slammed into it. Horns twitched in agitation and shot off a rapid Sludge Bomb at an airborne, vulnerable Hemlock.
Fire exploded from the Morgrem, globs of poison sizzling and falling to the field. Hemlock landed in a crouch before running off again, not risking another Sludge Bomb. Ash was worried, Hemlock was already spending a lot of energy on the defensive.
"Toxic Spikes, Stomping Tantrum!"
"Fade!" Ash feared his teeth would be worn down to nubs with how hard he was grinding them. Fade was a strategy they had been working on for weeks, but had not yet mastered.
Hemlock faded once more into the darkness of Feint Attack, but this time did not immediately reappear. The Toxic Spikes became a deadly obstacle course when Stomping Tantrum threw them around the field, constantly changing their placement.
Burgh watched the field with narrowed eyes, growing more and more confused with each second-then minute that passed. He finally called for a cessation, Scolipede gasping when it finally dropped the Stomping Tantrum. Half the Toxic Spikes were broken by this point, poison harmlessly getting absorbed by the ground.
Everything was quiet and Ash was close to dislocating his thumb with how hard he was holding it.
Then something happened.
Scolipede seized up, neck arching and eyes slamming shut in pain. When its legs temporarily gave out, Ash watched as Hemlock danced away, Thunder Punch fading from both fists.
He had emerged four meters away from where he disappeared.
The Morgrem had a wild look in his eye, but Ash saw enough control in his movements to not grow too worried. Instead, he was practically overflowing with gleeful victory. Fade had worked.
Hemlock had sunk into another plane, navigated it, and was able to exit. It wasn't a move to be used often, only in rare situations, or else the darkness would twist his mind little by little.
Some Pokémon weren't meant to navigate certain planes.
Scolipede tried to push its massive bulk back to standing, but Hemlock was unwavering. The Megapede Pokémon grunted with each Thunder Punch and Sucker Punch that struck its neck.
The Bug finally pushed itself up, enduring another Thunder Punch, and Ash's shout didn't get Hemlock out of the way of a devastating Smart Strike.
Hemlock was launched across the field, landing harshly and kicking up clouds of dust as he rolled. Ash was pretty sure he bit his tongue hard enough to draw blood. He watched his teammate shakily push himself to his feet, holding his ribs gingerly.
The two Pokémon faced each other down from opposite ends of the field. Scolipede was bruised all over and shaking from the aftershocks of electricity. But Hemlock must have a few broken ribs from the powerful Steel attack.
One attack and Hemlock was almost out.
The Morgrem suddenly gained a savage glint in his eyes and the next moment, his eyes filled with tears and Scolipede gaped. Hemlock, despite the probably searing pain in his side, bowed over and over, babbling through his tears.
All he needed.
The Megapede began swaying, chest still puffed up imperiously from the praise. Burgh was trying to snap his Pokémon out of it while Hemlock hobbled slowly across the field. The air was wavering around his body, heating up the closer he drew to Scolipede.
See, Flatter had the downside of improving the opponent's power output. But Burning Jealousy got powered up when the opponent was.
So really, there was no way the Bug stayed conscious after the explosion of heat.
But it did.
Scolipede, no longer confused but instead terribly burned, roared. Its sides were heaving, but its thick exoskeleton kept it in the fight.
Hemlock was holding his side, wincing with every inhale and staring at Scolipede with naked distress. The Morgrem looked at Ash.
His eyes burned with conviction, and Hemlock stood tall.
But then he flinched, folding over his side with a whine of pain. "Hemlock!" Ash cried.
Burgh didn't wait. "Megahorn!"
Ash grinned, the previous facade of concern sliding away. Burgh paled.
"PROTECT!"
The impact shook the battlefield, glass panels shaking with the force of the blowback. Scolipede roared and stumbled back gracelessly.
"Now!" The Protect dropped, Hemlock screaming through the pain and exhaustion, his hook of wiry hair shot forward, False Surrender striking Scolipede right in the throat. The Bug's throat spasmed before the hair wrapped around its neck.
Hemlock gasped but used the False Surrender to pull himself forward, aiming beneath the Megapede Pokémon. The Morgrem skidded with little elegance, but stopped right beneath his giant opponent.
Burning Jealousy seared the thin exoskeleton on Scolipede's underbelly, eliciting a weezing keen from the Bug.
There was a moment of stillness, before Scolipede collapsed atop a barely conscious Hemlock.
Both trainers were fast to return their Pokémon.
"I am so, so proud of you." Ash spoke to the black Pokéball, worry and pride coexisting within him. He was sure Hemlock got severely injured from that battle, but he pulled through.
"How did you know?" Ash looked up to see Burgh with a hand to his forehead, looking bewildered. "How did you know where Terracotta's gills were?"
Ash exhaled, some tension fading from his shoulders as he prepared his last Pokéball. "I've been studying Pokémon for most of my life. One of my classes went over unique physiological adaptations that are seen in many Pokémon of a particular type. For Bugs, it was common for oxygen intake apparatuses to be on the thorax or abdomen."
Burgh stared at him for a moment before he finally pulled out his last Pokéball. "You are an interesting trainer, Ash."
He and Burgh shared a nod before the Gym Leader released his last Pokémon. Styx launched herself into the air from the sidelines, landing on the field with a minor quake, all three heads twisting through the air in preparation. A heavily armored Escavalier materialized on the field, floating a few inches above the ground.
Its lances were strong and sharp enough to pierce scaly hide and Ash eyed them warily. Only its underbelly was vulnerable, but it was safely hidden behind the spiral of armor that used to be Shelmet's shell.
He was really hitting himself for not teaching Styx Flamethrower yet.
"You've been at quite the disadvantage this whole time, yet we're still perfectly tied. Charcoal here is close to making my main team, so this'll be your real challenge. Show me your strength!"
And it began.
He felt like he was in a dissociative state. Neither Burgh nor he had much input in the battle. Styx, in a surprise move, glowed with the power of Dragon Dance, showing patience beyond her nature. Charcoal the Escavalier twitched in its species' version of Sword Dance.
Then they charged.
The Hydreigon utilized her many, many appendages to knock lances away and avoid taking full damage. Charcoal's skill with its lances, though, proved terrifying.
Styx's reflexes were working overtime, the senses from three heads collecting the inputs and modulating the outputs, using her six wings to redirect X-Scissors, Smart Strikes, and Poison Jabs, taking little damage. She was using every single available brain cell to stay aware of where those lances were targeting.
Her time training with Sagitta was put to good use.
But this gave her main head the full opportunity to fire Dragon Pulses that scorched the metallic shell.
But then the Escavalier had to go and fire a Focus Blast point blank.
Styx shrieked, not even using a Hyper Voice but still making the Cavalry Pokémon flinch. She stumbled back, her chest feathers looking mottled and singed. Styx writhed and slammed her tail into the ground, sending a single spire of stone straight into Charcoal with her barely usable Stone Edge.
"Metal Burst!"
A metallic scream made Ash want to claw at his ears, the sound like nails on chalkboard. Styx's heads thrashed back and forth from the horrible sound. Her two extra heads fired off a few small Dragon Pulses that distracted Charcoal long enough for the Dragon to regain her senses.
"Iron Tail!"
Her iron-sheathed tail lashed out and struck the Escavalier in its vulnerable underbelly, sending it crashing away. The quick-fire Bug Buzz made Styx writhe, reflexively releasing a Hyper Voice to combat it.
Styx, much more affected by high-frequency sound-based attacks, was unprepared for the Megahorn that slashed across her chest, sending feathers fluttering slowly to the field.
Neither Burgh nor Charcoal were expecting the shadowy specter of Scary Face to burst forth, startling the two. Styx's two heads shot out, mouths wide to catch the lances and force them away for a second, Thunder Fangs sending electricity down the super-conductive lances and into Escavalier's body. Long enough for Styx's main, massive maw to light up with ferocious flames that clamped around Charcoal's head.
Burgh released a strangled sound of surprise as Styx's bottom fangs dug into the underside of Escavalier's jaw. A scream tore out of the Bug's small lungs and reflexively the lances tore themselves away from the heads' mouths and embedded themselves into Styx's chest.
The agonized shriek stopped Ash's heart.
He watched, sounds muffled in his ears as his heart started up again in a rapid, painful cadence.
His starter jerked back, lances pulling out with a sickening squelch. Blackish red blood dripped to the field, but it was like neither Pokémon noticed their horrible injuries.
Styx's three heads extended forward as they howled, snaking between lances to get beneath the Bug and Steel type, launching the lightweight Pokémon across the field. Styx chased it down, trapping the downed Pokémon's lances beneath one heavily clawed foot, the other pressing down on the dented shell.
Metal creaked and cracked as she squeezed.
Ash's eyes widened as he realized something.
This was a Hydreigon driven by instinct. And that spelled catastrophe.
Styx looked possessed, wings flared wide, giving the ungodly image of broken chains extending from her back. Agility and maneuverability were not Escavalier's strong points, and trying to wiggle out of the ground where its body was wedged and trapped was a failed endeavor.
Flaming jaws ripped metal from the Pokémon's downed body piece by piece. Claws warped metal, creaking before it split beneath the unstoppable force. Escavalier's cry of pain was weak and fading.
The Cavalry Pokémon finally stilled.
But Styx wasn't stopping.
Instead of Escavalier, a too-still Steelix filled Ash's vision, Burgh was fumbling with his Pokéball, and Ash didn't think. He didn't see Libra pull herself to her feet or Sagitta struggle to pull herself up. All he saw was Styx grow closer and soon he was standing between a violent Hydreigon and her prey.
He watched with a pervasive numbness as his starter arched her neck, teeth bared and blazing eyes fixed on him, the back of her three throats glowing a wild violet.
He held.
One heartbeat, two.
A force bumped into him, sending him stumbling a few feet back, trying not to step on the Escavalier beneath him. His muscles were shaking too much to stabilize and he fell back. Air was forced from his lungs when a heavy weight landed on him without warning, spreading from his hips to his sternum. Dazedly, he lifted his head and looked.
Oh.
Styx's entire body was pressed to the ground, except for her massive head, which was the mystery weight pressing down on him. Her eyes were six inches from his and purple bore into red.
He didn't have time to react before a forked tongue darted out and smacked him in the face.
Groaning, he let his head flop back down, letting his frantically beating heart slowly, very slowly, calm down.
Fuck.
He tried to regulate his breathing, lifting his arms to wrap around his starter's feathery neck. He was pretty sure blood was seeping into his pants right now, but that was so far down on his list of 'things I care about' that he barely spared it contemplation.
A low rumbling made his body feel like it was being struck with a jackhammer as Styx apologized. Even in her submissive position, Ash could feel how her muscles twitched and tensed, holding herself still. How her breaths were shallow and fast and her pupils were pinpricks.
How she fought the pain. How she fought her bloodlust.
He patted her cheek before moving to boop her nose.
"That turned out well." Styx huffed, and Ash grimaced at the wet droplets that splashed over his face. "Ew." His starter pressed down on him until he gasped out a 'yield', then she released him and pushed herself up. Ash rose to his hands and wrinkled his nose at the blood on him. At the crimson puddle left behind on the ground.
One of her heads reached down for him to grab onto, and he couldn't help but yelp when he found himself a few feet above the ground, feet dangling.
He released the head and landed in a crouch, standing up and brushing his shirt with pursed lips.
For the second time, a force bumped into him and he found he had his arms full of Nettle and Mirae.
"I'm okay, Styx just got a little distracted." The Dragon grumbled but didn't say more, knowing she had lost control. Even now, her six wings jerked, fighting her control. With her head clearing of the adrenaline, the Hydreigon started to crash from the blood loss. Ash's hand twitched with the desire to return her to her Dusk ball.
Sagitta weakly flew over honest-to-Mew smacked the back of Styx's main head with a tiny hand. Styx was too slow to bite her.
Libra shuffled over, shoulders hunched and standing close to Ash. Her eyes kept darting toward him and away, and Ash couldn't help the helpless smile on his face as he wrapped his hand around one of her claws, easing the tension in her frame. On her exhale, she pressed closer to Ash.
There was a mixture of emotions in her glowing red eyes. A newfound respect, and an unfamiliar fear.
"Dear Zekrom." Ash winced and turned to see Burgh clutching Charcoal's Pokéball to his chest. He was pale but didn't actually seem afraid. "You are either the bravest or most idiotic boy I've ever met."
Ash frowned but really couldn't think of a retort. Burgh shook himself and dragged a hand down his face. "I'm getting too old for this." The man couldn't be older than thirty. He huffed once before he dug into his pocket and presented Ash with two items.
"But, I don't need a badge?"
Burgh pressed his lips together and forced the badge into his hand. "You just beat a team that would give six-badgers a hard time. Keep it for memento purposes, or something. And this is the TM for Megahorn. Now, this was fun, and you were great, but I need to go lie down."
Ash awkwardly rubbed the back of his head with his free hand. He looked back at Styx as Burgh marched away, the man's shoulders slumped with fatigue.
"Yeah, we probably deserved that." Styx swayed in place, and Ash knew she wouldn't fight her return now. "Come on, let's get you healed up."
Professor Kukui rubbed his eyes, bone-deep exhaustion radiating out of every pore. He was sure the bags under his eyes looked like the smudged eyeliner he wore back in his early 20s. Shaking his head, he returned his focus to the mountain of paperwork on his desk.
The entire Aether disaster had taken a majority of his time the last few weeks. Since he was both the Regional Professor and the current Champion of Alola, much of the work fell on him.
The trials had been proceeding slowly, many of the low level employees taking the stand first. As the trials got more and more complex, the information spilled got more and more gruesome.
It wasn't a shock his insomnia was making a fierce return.
A knock on his door took a second for him to register before he grunted. The paralegal he's been working with, Nani, poked her head through with an apprehensive look on her face. "Sir, I found something worrying."
"Something more worrying than everything else we've uncovered?"
Aether had been experimenting on Ultra Beasts for a variety of reasons. They were trying to figure out how to utilize the energy released by UBs and the wormholes by studying Kartana. They extracted pheromones from Pheromosa to be used to control people and Pokémon. They were studying the properties of the neurotoxin created by Nihilego and how best to extract it.
All worryingly successful.
Nani grimaced and nodded, pushing the door to enter the office fully. In her arms were three tablets, all showing different documents or notes. She set them down in front of him. "We've been going through the records kept by the scientists and we found some discrepancies. One report was updated six days before the bust to show the total number of UBs caught and studied. Thirty-five dead, thirty-six alive, seventeen stolen by Team Skull. But in this other document, it had only listed twenty-six alive. Both timestamped only hours apart."
Kukui was silent for a tense moment. "That's ten unaccounted for."
Nani pressed her lips together. "According to Mr. Ketchum's accounts, there were fourteen dead UBs in the cells, ten dead in Lusamine's collection, ten disposed of, one killed on the roof, and twenty-five that he saw return to their dimension. The last was the Poipole he kept." She grabbed the third tablet and pointed to a chart. "These are the financial records, and you can see there are ten separate profits, each for 20 million, one week before the raid. We've been unable to track who paid Aether."
The Professor felt dread flood through him. "They sold Ultra Beasts."
Bonding time with his team, Burgh and Kukui are going through it
The things you learn researching insect biology and physiology
Next up: a suspect encounter and Virbank City