pokemon Fighting Dreamers

Last chapter, or heroes met with Gloria, a kinda hyperactive fan of Ash, thanks to her, Bea find out all the amazing things Ash had done during his journey, Bea was pissed, impressed, but pissed, after a while the situation calmed down and now our gang is going to the south aiming at Postwick, they were almost there, it was daybreak already, however, our two main heroes, each on their rooms, had their minds set on something that Bea said last night.

''You trust me, right?''

Ash has never been a distrustful person (that's probably the reason why Team Rocket's cosplays almost always got him) still, he couldn't help but feel a little worried, the way Bea said it, her voice sounded broken, not to mention she asked that right before she 'refused' to tell Ash anything about her despite the fact that Ash pretty much recited the whole Holy Bible to her, Ash didn't think that Bea was a bad person by any means, she has been helping him a lot and he surely liked having her around, but he was still thinking about that, was she hiding something?

'Maybe I'm overthinking it, but...Why would she ask something like that?' Ash asked himself.

''WHY WOULD YOU ASK SOMETHING LIKE THAT?!'' Cinderace shouted at her trainer while doing an improvised therapy session.

''I don't know! I was panicking! I just...I'm really starting to feel bad about all of this.''

''Pikachu is starting to get suspicious too, if you want this 'team' to last, you should really watch what you say.''

''Cinderace...if he finds out...what am I going to do?''

''I think that's a question you should ask yourself, Bea, but wouldn't it be easier to tell him anyway? Maybe he could help you with all those troubles somehow.''

''No...the last thing I need is to end up being a burden for him, besides, the reason I ran away was because I wanted to start anew...Ash doesn't know who I am...and I think it's better that way.''

''Better for who?'' Cinderace asked with a slightly annoyed tone. ''He lives in a lie and you live with that weight on you.''

''Don't talk like you're some sinless saint, you were the one who insisted me to travel with him!''

''Because you didn't want to, right?! Besides I never told you to lie to him! Look, I know that you're worried about how he might react, but how long do you think you'll keep this lie rolling? Do you really think you two will just live happily ever after without him ever finding out? Do you really want to build up your relationship based on a lie?!''

''No! I just-''

''YOU JUST WHAT?!''

''SHUT UP! W-Why am I even talking with you about this?!''

''Because it looks like I'm the only that can talk some sense into you, Saito!''

''DON'T SAY IT!''

''WHY NOT?!''

''SHUT UP! SHUT UP! JUST SHUT UP! If I wanted someone to criticize and yell at me I would have stayed back in Stow-on-Side!''

''Don't you try to put the blame on me!''

''That's it! I'm done!'' Bea pulled out Cinderace's Premier Ball and was about to retrieve her.

''Well, I'm not!'' Cinderace took the ball before Bea could retrieve her and tossed it aside. ''You and I are going to finish this conversation!''

''F-Fine then!'' Bea took the hairband from her hair and started to bend it.

''CINDERACE?!'' The Pokemon yelled out in her lenguage putting her hands on top of bea's trying to stop her.

''I'm gonna break this up! That way I won't have to hear you anymore!''

''CINDER! CINDERACE CIN!'' The fire starter started to cry while looking at Bea in her eyes, the latter stopped forcing and slowly put her hairband back on.

''I...I didn't mean to...I just...I-I just...''

Bea was about to start crying as well, just before that, Cinderace grabbed her trainer in a hug.

''D-Don't do something like that again.'' The rabbit said while still on the hug.

''Sorry...I couldn't get sleep last night, I'm not thinking as clearly as I would like to.'' Bea sat back on her bed holding her head.

''No, I'm sorry, I'm pressing you too much, I swear I just want the best for you, but it looks like I'm doing more damage than helping...If you think you can make this work out then go ahead, I won't stop you.''

''Let's just forget this topic for now...You know? I think the reason why I never asked Ash about his past was because I didn't want him to ask me about mine; And now that he had told me all those things he had done, the fact that I can't tell him anything about me hurts a little...I feel guilty, but if I tell him the true he's never going to forgive me...''

''That may be truth, but...If you don't tell him and he finds out himself at some point, wouldn't that be worse?''

''...sigh.''

Meanwhile next room.

''Just what is the neighbor's trouble?'' A female teen whose red hair stood in a not-scientifically-possible way asked while trying to look at a map, however, she hasn't been able to concentrate due to all the 'noise' that was coming from the wall, not like she could hear what they were saying, but it was kind of annoying. ''Hey, wait a second...We took the wrong train!''

''Torkoal?'' Her Pokemon asked.

''We're going to Wedgehurst! Motostoke was on the other direction!''

''Ninetales...'' Another one of her Pokemon said disappointed.

''It wasn't my fault! These trains all look the same! They were going in the same direction last night!''

''Litleo...'' Her third Pokemon jumped on her head and yawned bored.

''ARGH! I didn't bring enough money to buy another ticket! This is worst than the time I almost got boiled in the hot springs! Uncle Kabu is gonna kill me!''

''Attention, passengers.'' The voice of the captain talked through the speakers of the hall. ''We'll be arriving at Wedgehurst shortly, anyone who is directing to this station, prepare for arrival.''

After that announcement Bea and Ash got out of their rooms along their Pokemon, shortly afterwards the trainers found each other in the middle of the hall.

''Good morning, Bea.''

''Good morning, Ash.''

''How did you sleep?''

''Fine...and you?''

''Fine too...''

''...''

''...''

''A-Ash, about last night-''

''It's alright, Bea, you don't have to tell me about you if you don't feel confortable just yet, guess I'll find out myself.''

''Y-Yourself?!'' Bea exclaimed scared.

''Uh...yeah, we're going to your hometown anyway, right?'' Ash asked slightly weirded out by Bea's reaction.

''Right...Postwick...''

''...''

''...''

''...''

''Hmm-''

''GOOD MORNING, YOU TWO!'' Gloria broke the silence appearing behind them with Drizzile on her shoulder. ''How is it going?''

''Uh, hey there, Gloria.'' Ash greeted the girl.

''Hope you liked the travel cause we'll be arriving in 3...2...and...''

''Attention Passengers, the train has arrived to Postwick, anyone who will stay at this station, please proceed to the exits.''

After the train stopped Gloria was the first to step out of it. ''Welcome to Wedgehu-!'' She was interrupted by a yellow canine Pokemon that jumped on her making her fall with her back to the ground.

''B-Boltund, get off! Boltund!'' Gloria said between laughs as the Pokemon licked her face.

Seeing how that Pokemon wasn't doing any harm Ash used his Rotom Phone to scan it. 'Boltund, the Dog Pokemon and the evolution of Yamper, it sends electricity through its legs to boost their strength. Running at top speed, it easily breaks 50 mph.'

''T-This is Sonia's Boltund!'' Gloria exclaimed finally getting the dog off her. ''He's really friendly and likes barking at the moon.''

''BOLT!'' The Pokemon barked letting his tongue out.

''You mentioned your friend Sonia runs a lab, right?'' Bea asked.

''That's right, she's the professor of the place, come on, I'll take you there.''

Gloria led the way through the streets of Wedgehurst until they made it to the Lab, with Victor waiting for them just outside of the building.

''Hey, Vic!'' Gloria greeted her brother.

''Gloria, finally.'' His brother said once they were face to face.

''See, Vic? Back in one piece and I bought company as you can see.''

''I'm Bea, nice to meet you.''

''And I'm-'' Ash was about to talk but Victor interrupted him.

''Ash Ketchum of course.'' He said. ''It's an honor to meet you, my sister holds you in a really high esteem, my name is Victor Tsurutate.''

''Well, nice to meet you too.''

''Right then, let's go inside the lab, I need my backpack.'' Gloria led the way as she opened the door.

''Ah, yes, about that, it looks like I can't leave you alone a for even second, now can I?'' Victor asked her sister.

''You worry too much, I may have forgotten my backpack, but I always carry the basics on my coat, my Rotom Phone, my money, my Ash Plushie-''

''You have an Ash Plushie?'' Bea asked.

''N-NO! THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT!'' Drizzile once again grabbed the plushie and showed it to everybody. ''DRIZZILE!''

''Well, it's kinda cute.'' Bea admitted.

''Hold up, I have merchandise?'' Ash asked.

''Hello, miss Ketchum.'' A delivery girl said arriving to the Ketchum House. ''Here's the check for this month royalties.''

''My, thanks, Rinko.'' Delia said accepting the check. ''How are you and Takase and doing?''

''Oh, we're fine, thanks for asking, I heard Ash is already on another region.''

''Yes, you know him, he just can't stay in the same place for too long.''

''You still haven't told him about the royalties, have you?''

''Oh, come on, he doesn't need to know.''

''Hey, there, Sonia!'' Gloria greeted her friend who was doing some paperwork once they entered the lab.

''Gloria, welcome back!'' Sonia walked towards Gloria and then took a look at her companions. ''Ash Ketchum! Is an honor!'' She vigorously shaked his hand leaving Ash a bit dizzy. ''Gloria talks so much about you that it feels like I already know you, Sonia's the name, welcome to my lab!''

''Wow...aren't you a little young to run a lab?'' Ash asked.

''Yes, yes I am.'' Sonia answered proudly.

''And you run it all on your own?''

''Well, yes, although back when I was an assistant, my grandma, Professor Magnolia used to run it instead, but she retired a few years ago, I took her place shortly afterwards, since I had not much else to do after I ended up quitting the Gym challenge.''

''You were a Gym challenger?'' Ash continued to ask.

''Yes, Boltund and I made it pretty far but we weren't quite enough, but being here at the Lab really makes us happy too.''

''You are-''

''ENOUGH QUESTIONS!'' Gloria interrupted. ''Sonia, where are my Pokemon?''

''That was a question, you know?'' Victor said.

''They're in their Poke Balls inside your backpack.'' Sonia answered.

''ALRIGHT! Ash, wait here a second.'' Gloria ran to the back of the lab and came back literally a second later holding four Poke Balls. ''Everyone come out!''

''FALINKS!''

''VOLCARONA!''

''SILICOBRA!''

''PONYTA!''

''This is the gang!'' Gloria said standing in the middle of her Pokemon. ''And of course you know Drizzile already.''

''Volcarona and...wow, I've never seen the others before'' Ash pulled out his Rotom Phone and scanned Gloria's team one by one.

'Silicobra, the sand snake Pokemon, It spews sand from its nostrils. While the enemy is blinded, it burrows into the ground to hide.'

'Falinks, the formation Pokemon, the six of them work together as one Pokémon. Teamwork is also their battle strategy, and they constantly change their formation as they fight.'

'Ponyta, the Unique Horn Pokemon, this Pokémon will look into your eyes and read the contents of your heart. If it finds evil there, it promptly hides away.'

''This is a Galarian Ponyta, right?'' Ash asked.

''That's correct.'' Gloria answered.

''They all seem quite strong.'' Ash said. ''What about you Victor?''

''Well, I guess I'm not hurting anybody.'' Victor took three Poke Balls and tossed them to the air.

''EELEKTROSS!''

''VIBRAVA!''

''SIRFETCH'D!''

''This are all I have, Sirfecth'd being my ace Pokemon, still, we don't battle that much.''

I see... Ash scanned with his Rotom Phone the one Pokemon he didn't know. 'Sirfetch, the Wild Duck Pokemon and the evolution of Galarian Farfetch'd, After deflecting attacks with its hard leaf shield, it strikes back with its sharp leek stalk. The leek stalk is both weapon and food.'

''Galarian Farftech'd?'' So this one is like the Obstagoon we encountered?'' Ash asked to Bea.

''Yes, only Galarian Farfetch'd can evolve.'' She responded.

''That sounds kinda unfair.'' Ash said.

''So, are you guys going to stay in the lab for a while?'' Sonia asked. ''I'm trying to make a theme song for it, I'm gonna call it 'My pace science.''

''Thanks for the offer Sonia, but we have to go to Postwick.'' Gloria started to push away Ash and Bea while Victor and their Pokemon followed them.

''Well, that's fine too, I'm going with ya.'' Sonia walked behind them along her Boltund as they all left the Lab as well.

''You said you were going to visit someone called Hop, right?'' Ash asked.

''Yes, Hop is a childhood friend of us.'' Gloria answered. ''You'll recognize him when you see him, his hair looks like a Hopflower.''

''Hop...looks like a Hopflower?'' Bea asked.

''Yes, to this day I still don't know if it was intentional.'' Gloria said.

''He's the little Brother of Leon, the Champion of Galar too.'' Victor added.

''The champion of Galar?'' Ash asked.

''Yes, the one and only.'' Sonia said. ''Leon and I are good friends too, we entered the Gym Challenge together years ago but as you can notice it ended up way better for him that for me.''

''Here we are!'' Victor said after roughly five minutes of walking.

''Ah, fresh air of Postwick!'' Gloria said breathing in. ''Hey, Hop!''

Gloria called a skinny guy with brown skin, yellow eyes with droopy eyelids, and pointed purple hair, the teen was wearing a black short-sleeved T-shirt underneath a denim jacket decorated with light fur and black sneakers.

''Gloria! Vic! You guys made it!''

''Of course we did.'' Gloria said. ''You really thought I would miss your take off?''

''Ash Ketchum, eh?'' Hop walked towards the raven-haired boy and shook his hand. ''Is quite the honor, Gloria's always talking about you!''

''DON'T YOU GUYS KNOW ANYTHING ELSE ABOUT ME?!'' The scottish shouted.

''Anyway...Hop, you got everything ready?'' Victor asked.

''Not yet I was waiting for Lee to come, also...Wooloo ran away...well, rolled away, the point is that I haven't been able to find him.''

''Perhaps we can help you with that.'' Ash said. ''Bea, would you mind?''

''I think I know what you mean. Rufflet!'' Bea said releasing the bird who flew to her shoulder as always. ''I need you to search for a Wooloo, can you do that?''

''RUFF!'' The bird did a salute and flew off her trainer.

''Leave it to him.'' Bea said to hop.

''Wow, thanks...oh, there's Lee!''

Hop pointed to the sky spotting a Charizard getting close to the town, said Pokemon then made a dive onto the ground while covered in flames, landing on the surface kicking up dust and fire, the dust cleared and standing between the flames was a tall, dark-skinned man with yellow eyes, long purple hair, and a purple goatee. wearing white shorts with a printed number 1 and tights and shoes of the same color. He had a black shirt with the symbols of a blue sword and a red shield stamped. on his head a black cap with the stamp of a yellow crown and on his back a long red cape blowing in the wind decorated with light fur and filled with the names of sponsors.

''Well, that was overdramatic.'' Bea said.

''So we got two champions in the same place?'' Gloria said to Hop. ''Isn't that wild?''

''Yeah, they could have a battle, but we all know how it would end.'' Hop said.

''Yeah...we both know who's the strongest of the two of them, right? Gloria asked again.

''Of course we do...'' Hop said.

''Hmm...''

''Hmm...''

''LEE!'' Hop went to talk with his brother

''ASH!'' Gloria did the same with Ash.

''Look, champion Ash is here-'' Hop started to explain once he was infront of his brother.

''He's really strong okay-?'' Gloria explained on the other side.

''Not as strong as you obviously-''

''But Hop says that-''

''He's stronger than you-''

''So you have to come now-''

''And defend you honor-''

''GO KICK HIS ASS!'' They both yelled.

''Gloria/Hop, could you explain that again, this time using full sentences?'' Ash and Leon asked.

''ARGH, just come here!'' Gloria and Hop dragged their idols until they were face to face with each other.

''Uh...You must be Leon.''

''That's right! And you're Ash Ketchum in the flesh, Rose had told me a lot about you, it's an honor.''

Honor, that word again, it was the fourth time today and it was starting to annoy Ash, it was weird, Galar has been different from all the other regions, it was the first time that people in a region knew who he was, he then remembered that thing that Rose told him on his invitation card, 'I honestly envy your ability to just go free and unnoticed as if you were a normal person' , well, Ash liked that too, but apparently he had lost that ability.

'Is this how things are going to be from now on?' He thought.

''Something wrong, Ash?'' Bea asked seeing Ash's mind was wandering off.

''Nothing, I guess I'm not used to people saying meeting me is an honor...''

''Hmm...you're still not used to the fame, are you?'' Leon asked.

''No, I guess not'' Ash said. ''I haven't done that much anyway.''

''NOT THAT MUCH?! ARE YOU KIDDING?! YOU FOUGHT GODS!'' Bea yelled still slightly angry about last day's discovery.

''You're too humble, Ash.'' Sonia said. ''With a record like yours, I'm sure there are people who will follow you to the end of the world without hesitation.''

''That's sounds a bit exaggerated.'' Ash said.

''I'm sure you'll get used to it Ash, I know, how about we have a little exhibition Match for the people of the town?'' Leon suggested.

''You mean right here, right now?'' Ash asked.

''Of course, I would like to see what the champion of Alola and Rose's new promise is capable of; And I would be more than happy to show my skills to you too.''

''Alright Leon, I accept your challenge!''

''Very well then, come and get me, Charizard, let's do it!'' The fire starter stood infront of his trainer roaring ready for battle.

''Why does everyone has a Charizard?'' Ash asked. ''Well, he seems really strong, I'll leave it to you, Pikachu.''

''Pika!''

''You can do it, Lee!'' Hop cheered.

''Take him down, Ash!'' Gloria cheered as well.

''Sonia, would you mind being our referee?'' Leo asked.

''It would be a pleasure!''

The battle between the two champions quickly got in the ears of everyone in town, even people from Wedgehurst came to Postwick just to see the fight, before they could notice, the whole place was crowded.

''This will be an unofficial match between the champion of Galar, Leon and the champion of Alola, Ash Ketchum!'' Sonia shouted and all the folks of the land cheered. ''It will be a simple 1v1, understood?'' The champions nodded. ''If both trainers are ready then the battle begins now!''

''Let's make a memorable show, Air Slash!'' Charizard flew in the air, his wings were surrounded by a light blue energy, the lizard then flapped its wings firing various wind blades against Pikachu.

''Iron Tail!'' Pikachu spun on the air while charging the attack, cutting the blades.

''It is our turn, Breaking Swipe!'' Charizard's tail glowed purple and it quickly flew and smacked Pikachu with it.

''Wasn't that just a Dragon Tail?'' Victor asked.

''No, Dragon Tail uses a green color rather than a purple one.'' Gloria explained.

''Here we go again, Air Slash!''

''Jump up!'' Pikachu did as told and avoided the attack. ''Good, now go for an Thunderbolt!''

''Be prepared cause you will hear us out! Ancient Power!'' Charizard crossed his hand, behind him appeared a big grey dragon-shaped energy that roared and rushed towards Pikachu exploding against the Thunderbolt.

''Is he gonna talk like that the whole battle?'' Ash asked.

''Here comes a champion time, use Air Slash!''

''Guess, he is...Thunderbolt!'' The electricity broke the blades and kept going through until it discharged on Charizard.

''Use Breaking Swipe, let's Crash!''

''Wait, let's Crash? But that's my line!'' Bea exclaimed.

''I mean, it was supposed to be your line, but you've only said it once and that was like 7 chapters ago, you kinda just forgot about it.'' Cinderace said.

''Pikachu, Iron Tail!'' Both tails crashed and after a power struggle the two Pokemon were knocked back.

'This won't be as easy as I thought...Alright Charizard, Make way to start the revolution, USE WILDFIRE!'' Charizard roared as his wings were covered by flames, he then lowered his head, the flames of his wings flying off and taking the form of a bird that flew towards Pikachu exploding.

''W-Wildfire?!'' Gloria asked shocked.

''But that's a G-Max move...'' Victor said.

''How did he?'' Hop asked.

''Leon told me about this...'' Sonia started to explain. ''Apparently if a Pokemon does Gigantamax a big enough amount of times it's signature move will become usable while in base form, of course it's a slightly weaker version, but it's still very powerful, I've been investigating the phenomenon for a few weeks, it seems like the Dynamax energy around Galar is becoming stronger recently, although so far only Leon and Raihan have been able to use G-max moves in base form, and as you can see the secondary effect is activated as well.

''Secondary effect?''

When the dust cleared, the bird of flames was infront of pikachu, the fire then took to the sky and started to fly in circles around the battle.

''That doesn't looks good...'' Ash said.

''Let loose and get him with an Air Slash!'' The blades got to Pikachu before he could react, since he was watching out for the fire bird in the sky.

''Watch out, cause a Breaking Swipe's coming through!''

''Iron Tail!'' Before Pikachu could charge the attack the fire bird swooped down and crashed Pikachu giving Charizard an opening to hit him with his tail.

''Shine on like you do, Wildfire!'' The fire bird spun around Pikachu creating a fire tornado.

''It's your chance, Charizard, use Ancient Power!'' The Rock-Type move crashed with the tornado exploding sending Pikachu flying back, the bird disappearing after that.

''Pikachu, use Quick attack!''

''We're gonna have fun, Fire Punch!'' Pikachu managed to avoid Charizard's attack and landed the Quick Attack on its belly.

''Pikachu, Surf!''

''Don't let him do it, use Wildfire!'' Charizard roared and the fire bird was shoot directly to Pikachu exploding against the water before it could reach charizard.

''Thunderbolt!''

''The clock spins, use Ancient Power!'' Charizard's move outpowered the Thunderbolt and landed on Pikachu exploding again.

''Gotta do what you do, use Wildfire!'' This time the bird flew directly to the air and flew around instead of targeting Pikachu. ''Now Fire Punch!''

''Counter with Quick Attack!''

Both attacks clashed and during the power struggle, the bird descended from the skies crashing against Pikachu letting Charizard land his move.

''Thunderbolt!''

''Sorry but this is not you call, use Wildfire!'' The bird Tackled Pikachu while he was charging the move and then flew to the skies waiting for an opening.

''This really isn't looking good...'' Ash said.

''That thing pretty much turns the battle on a 1v2.'' Bea said.

''This is shogun's burning town all over again.'' Victor said.

''Lee got this on the bag!'' Hop said.

''Go on, Ash, you have got out of worst things!'' Gloria cheered.

''It all comes down to us, FIGHT AS ONE!'' Leon shouted, Charizard charged two Fire Punches and the fire bird started to swoop down, both of them rushed against Pikachu who tried to avoid the moves, Charizard kept on punching repeatedly and the bird kept going up and down hitting Pikachu with its fiery wings every time it could, Ash was standing there looking carefully at their moves.

''I think...''

''Ash, do something!'' Bea shouted seeing how Ash wasn't reacting.

''Not yet...'' Ash said, apparently he had a plan.

''What do you mean? Fight Back!''

''Not yet!

After more back and forth, both fire attacks hit Pikachu at the same time, sending him flying back, the rodent quickly got back up as the fire bird took the skies higher than ever and swooped down once again.

''ASH!''

''Hey, Bea!'' Ash shouted still looking at the battle. ''NOW! IRON TAIL!'' The moment the fire bird was right infront of Charizard, Pikachu jumped and used the Iron Tail to cut through it, hiding in the flames, Pikachu continued the attack and landed the Iron Tail directly on Charizard's neck, causing the lizard to hiss in pain, the rodent then quickly jumped back as Charizard knelt down holding its neck.

''Wildfire again!'' Charizard tried to roar but he was unable to do so due to the injury on his neck.

''If he can't roar he can't use Wildfire...'' Victor said.

''That sounds a bit too convenient considering the move come from his wings.'' Bea said.

''SEND THAT FAVORITE SON TO THE DISTORTION WORLD!'' Gloria shouted.

''Air Slash!''

''Dodge it with Quick attack!'' Pikachu ran from left to right quickly avoiding the cuts ''Alright, go for an Iron Tail!''

''Block it with Breaking Swipe!'' Both tails clashed but the pain caused Charizard to loss focus and Pikachu outpowered him, landing the Iron Tail on the lizard's face.

''Pikachu, Surf!''

''Ancient Power!''

Both moves met in the middle of the battlefield and after a few second the wave emerged victorious and drowned the lizard flooding the place for a short time, when the water disappeared charizard was on the ground struggling to get up as the flame of his tail almost dying off.

''Pikachu, Use Thunde-''

''I think that's enough, Ash.'' Leon interrupted him.

''...What?'' Ash asked.

''I'm afraid this battle took longer than expected, I already have to go back to Hammerlocke.''

''You are...forfeiting the match?'' Sonia asked confused.

''Let's call it a draw for now.'' Leon said getting closer to his ace Pokemon.

''But Lee!'' Hop complained.

''Sorry, bro, you know the drill.'' Leon gave his Charizard a Full Restore and proceeded to ride on its back. ''You understand, right, Ash? Champion life is very busy.''

''Uh...yes.'' Ash said.

''Guess I'll see you at the league.'' The Galar champion gave his Pokemon two small pats in the back and the latter took flight. ''Good luck in your challenge, Hop!''

''I...Goodbye...'' Hop said watching his brother fly away, the people that were watching the battle murmured for a few moments and then everyone went to their houses, leaving only our 'main six' to stay in the place.

''Ha! the Champion of Galar ran away scared!'' Gloria shouted while pointing at Leon.

''No, he did not!'' Hop defended his brother. ''You heard him Gloria, he's very busy.''

''Pfft, sure, and he just happened to be very busy at the second Ash was gonna strike the final blow.'' Gloria said with a laugh poking Hop's chest. ''I'd say your brother is a coward!''

''You take that back!''

''Or else what?!''

''Now calm down you two.'' Victor said standing between the two of them.

''Hmp, Gloria let's have a battle.'' Hop challenged her showing a Poke Ball.

''Well, since Ash and Leon couldn't finish I guess it's fair for us to take their places, you're on.''

''Cramorant, you're up!'' Hop released a blue bird-like Pokemon from its Poke Ball.

''Pfft, Let's do it, Silicobra!'' Gloria called her Pokemon.

'Cramorant, the gulp Pokemon, This hungry Pokémon swallows Arrokuda whole. Occasionally, it makes a mistake and tries to swallow a Pokémon other than its preferred prey.' Ash's Rotom Phone explained.

''She's gonna use a Ground Type against a Water/Flying?'' Bea asked.

''She's Ash's fan, what did you expect?'' Sonia asked jokingly.

''I've been waiting all my life for this.'' Hop said. ''This is my first battle as a full-fledged Gym Challenger and I'm gonna show you all I've learned from Lee.''

''What did you learn? Being a showboater?'' Gloria said.

''YOUUUU!''

''Are they always like this?'' Bea asked.

''They mostly get along really well.'' Victor responded. ''But when someone brings up Ash or Leon to the conversation it will most of the time end up like this.''

''Alright, I'll keep being the judge then.'' Sonia said. ''This will be a-''

''Let's go, silicobra use Poison Tail!'' Gloria interrupted as Silicobra's tail was covered by a purple bubbling energy and it smacked Cramorant with it.

''Hey! I was doing the-''

''Cramorant, Surf!'' Hop interrupted as well, the bird then summoned a wave of water that crashed Silicobra and after it disappeared, something was moving on Cramorant's mouth.

''Meh, forget it.'' Sonia said walking away from the battlefield.

''Wait, is that a...?''

''Gulp Missile!'' Hop shouted as Cramorant shot a fish from its mouth, the latter crashed on Silicobra's face and then bounced off to the skies.

Ash quickly searched for his Rotom Phone before the fish disappeared in he distance. 'Arrokuda, the Rush Pokemon, after it's eaten its fill, its movements become extremely sluggish. That's when Cramorant swallows it up...' Hey, Ash, you're using me a bit too much today, don't you think?''

''Oh, sorry.'' Ash apologized and put the Rotom Phone back on his pocket.

Somewhere not far

''Just where is that fella?'' Rufflet asked himself while still looking for Hop's Wooloo. ''You would thought that a big, chunky, plumpy and round Wooloo would be easier to find.'' Rufflet then spotted a Rookidee resting on a branch and landed next to him to talk.

''Hey there, flying compatriot!'' Rufflet said with a raised wing.

''Uh, hi?'' Rookidee said.

''Have you seen a Wooloo nearby?'' Rufflet asked.

''Well, now that you mention it, I did.'' Rookidee nodded and took flight. ''Follow me.''

''Brave Bird!'' Cramorant charged against Silicobra surrounded by a silver wind.

''Poison Tail!'' Silicobra smacked Cramorant on its head deviating the attack.

''Use Ice Beam!'' Cramorant opened its mouth releasing a cold stream that left Silicobra frozen solid. ''Now Brave bird!'' Cramorant charged the attack again and landed it breaking the ice, after receiving the hit Silicobra got up and the sneezed a huge amount of dust creating a sandstorm.

''Silicobra's Sand Spit has been activated.'' Victor said.

''Dragon Rush!'' Silicobra was surrounded by a purple dragon-shaped energy in then jumped using his tail as a spring crashing Cramorant with its attack.

''Well, there are my fellas.'' Rufflet said to Rookidee as they were both flying towards Ash and co. Rufflet was holding Wooloo on his claws, the round dude was stuck on a bush.

'So they're already here.' Rookidee thought looking at the trainers as he stopped following Rufflet.

''You ain't coming, bud?'' Rufflet asked.

''No, I'm afraid that there's a matter to which I must attend.'' Rookidee started to fly away.

''As you say, thanks again.'' Rufflet said goodbye to his newfound friend. ''How is it going down there?'' He asked to Wooloo.

''I get HIGH all the tiiiime, against the odds I fly, fly, fly, fly!'' Wooloo sang happily.

''Sounds good to me.'' Rufflet said as he kept flying.

''Silicobra, Sand Tomb!'' The snake opened its mouth absorbing the sandstorm it had created, the Pokemon then expelled back the sand from its mouth against Cramorant knocking it out of the sky.

''We got him, use Earthquake!'' Silicobra used his spring tail to jump high in the air it then crashed the ground causing it to shake, the move causing Cramorant to get dizzy.

''Now give him a brutal Swing!'' Silicobra jumped forward and wrapped his tail around the bird's neck, the snake then smacked the bird repetitively against the ground.

''Spin him around!''

''Cramorant, get out of there!'' Hop called out but the Pokemon was way too dizzy to hear.

''Launch him up!'' The snake tossed Cramorant up to the skies with its tail. ''End this off, Dragon Rush!'' Silicobra jumped surrounded by the dragonic energy and exploded in the skies knocking Cramorant out.

''Cramorant is unable to battle, Silicobra is the winner and the match goes to Gloria!'' Sonia announced. ''See, guys? The referee is important.''

''ALRIGHT! Way to go, Silicobra!'' Gloria said rejoiced. ''Ash, did you see that?''

''Yes, that was a really good battle.'' Ash said.

''Thanks! That means a lot!''

''Hey, I saw it too.'' Victor said. ''I think you did a good job as well.''

''Yeah...I know...'' Gloria said coldly.

'...Am I losing my big brother status?' Victor thought.

''Hmm... Fine, you win.'' Hop said recalling his Pokemon.

''RUFF!'' Bea's Pokemon called from the skies.

''Hey, Rufflet is back.'' Bea said. ''Wait, it's that?''

''Wooool∼'' The sheep said as it floated down slowly towards Hop.

''Wooloo, there you are!'' Hop caught his Pokemon and gave it a hug. ''Thanks, Rufflet!''

''Ruff!'' The Pokemon landed on Bea's shoulder and gave Hop a salute.

''Good job, Rufflet.'' Bea congratulated her Pokemon.

''Well, I guess I'm leaving to Turffield.'' Hop said and Gloria put a hand on his shoulder.

''Hop, take care, okay?'' She said.

''You too, Gloria, when I get more more badges, I promise I'll fight you again and I'm gonna win.''

''I'll be waiting.''

''See? One second they hate each other and the other they act like nothing happened.'' Victor complained.

''Well, at least they always reconcile.'' Ash said. ''Hey Bea, why don't we go to your house now?''

''I...''

''ROOK!'' A Rookidee called from the skies landing on Ash's head.

''RUFF!'' Rufflet greeted the bird still on Bea's shoulder.

''Oh, hey there.'' Ash said to the bird. ''Are you the same Rookidee from the train?'' The bird nodded to the statement.

''The train? So you saw him too.'' Bea said.

''What do you mean?'' Ash asked.

''He was outside of my room before I went to talk with you.''

''Well, he appeared on my window and then left without saying much.'' Ash said. ''Do you happen to need something?'' Ash asked to the bird who nodded and then pointed at Pikachu using its wings.

''You want a fight?''

''ROOK!'' The bird nodded flying a few feet away and standing in the field.

''I fight you got, let's do it Pikachu!''

''Pika!''

''I'm warning you buddy.'' Pikachu said to the bird. ''I couldn't finish a battle earlier, so I have a lot of pent-up tension to release on you.''

''That won't be necessary.'' Rookidee replied. ''This will be short.''

''If you say so.'' Pikachu raised his shoulders.

''Pikachu, Quick attack!''

Rookidee took the hit and then used agility, spinning on his place boosting its speed.

''Quick attack again!'' This time Rookidee was able to avoid the hit and flew to the skies using Agility again.

Using his speed, Rookidee charged against Pikachu while using Power Trip, surrounding himself with a dark energy that exploding once it hit Pikachu.

''Pikachu, Thunderbolt!''

''Got you...'' Rookidee's said avoiding the attack as his eyes glowed dark, using Spite to block Pikachu's Thunderbolt for the rest of the battle.

''No Thunderbolts, huh?'' Ash asked recognizing the move. ''Alright then, use Iron Tail and keep it coming!''

Pikachu charged the attack and ran towards Rookidee trying to slam its tail against the bird, however Rookidee managed to avoid the moves, the bird was starting to get tired though.

'What is taking him so long?' Rookidee thought as he waiting for something or rather someone.

''Hmm, should I wait til' he's knocked out or should I intervene now?'' Another Rookidee watched the battle from the roof of a house. ''...Meh, just a few more hits.''

''Quick Attack!'' Pikachu quickly tackled Rookidee launching the bird back and leaving a trail on the ground.

''Yup, I'm satisfied.'' The second Rookidee said flying off the roof, while everyone was paying attention to the battle, the bird flew above Bea and took her hairband flying away once it got it, the first Rookidee who was fighting against Ash abandoned the battle and started to follow the other as they made their way to a forest.

''What the...'' Ash said confused.

''HEY, GET BACK HERE!'' Bea shouted quickly following the birds with Rufflet still on her shoulder and Cinderace behind her.

''Bea, wait up!'' Ash followed her.

''Guys, stop! You can't go there!'' Victor said following them to try and stop them noticing where the Rookidees were heading to.

''ALRIGHT! First bizarre adventure with Ash!'' Gloria said following them too.

''Yeah...I think I'll go back to the Lab.'' Sonia said walking on the opposite direction.

''Yo, Rufflet, is that a friend of yours?'' Cinderace asked remembering their first encounter.

''Very funny.'' The bird rolled his eyes.

''Great, if I had a coin for every time a Flying Type Pokemon stole my hairband, I'd have two coins.''

''That's not exactly a lot.'' Ash said.

''I know, but it's weird that it happened two times...Rufflet, try to get it back!''

''RUFF!'' The bird flew off Bea's shoulder and got close to the Rookidees.

''Looks like we got company.'' The Rookidee with the hairband said looking at Rufflet.

''I'll keep him entertained, you stick to the plan.'' The other Rookidee then turned back and charged a Brave Bird towards Rufflet stopping him from reaching the one with the hairband.

''What are you two doing, bud?'' Rufflet asked.

''Do not be afraid.'' The Rookidee answered. ''Soon enough everything will be revealed.''

''The fact that you're talking like an apocalypse lord doesn't exactly calms me down.''

''Here they come.'' A third Rookide was watching from the outsides of a forest, once it saw Ash and Bea coming, the bird took flight to the inner deeps of the forest, after a few minutes, the Rookidee landed in front of an altar where two large canine pokemon were resting.

''Lord Zamazenta, Lady Zacian!'' The bird called them.

''How did things play, Rookidee?'' Zacian asked.

''The plan was a success, your chosen ones are coming!''

''Great!'' Zamazenta said getting up. ''Now we just need to prepare everything for their arrival...SOMEBODY BRING ME MY SMOKE DISPENSERS!'' Zamazenta ran outside of the altar while Zacian stood on the floor with a lost look, thinking about something.

''Is there something wrong, my lady?'' Rookidee asked.

''Hmm...let's just say I'm not as excited to meet my 'chosen one' ...that girl has too much inner troubles.''

''Well, if that's the case, my lady, perhaps you could be able to help her with those troubles.''

''Zamazenta told me that as well.'' Zacian sighed. ''I hope both of you are right, Rookidee...''

''ZACIAN! WHERE DID YOU PUT MY HAIR BRUSH?! I ALWAYS TELL YOU TO LEAVE IT ON THE SAME PLACE AFTER YOU USE IT!''

''Guess I'll go help him...'' Zacian said finally getting up. ''You and your brothers make sure Ash and Saito separate from each other, Zamazenta and I must speak to them in private, and don't let anyone else get in, understood?''

''Of course, my lady, we will follow your orders to the letter as always.'' Rookidee bowed down and then took flight.

''I'll be counting on you.''

''ZACIAN!'' Her brother called again.

''I'm going! Sweet Arceus!'' Zacian responded annoyed finally leaving the altar. ''Let's see how noble you really are, Saito...''