Chapter 25 Reveal

  A good half hour had passed since Anabel had offered the challenge and led her ASF members inside to have lunch. Ian waited at a spot that seemed like a good place for a battle considering it was a couple hundred feet in between the barn and the ranch house. An almost eerie calmness had swept over Ian, something that even surprised him a little. His fellow team members had given him some space for the time being, letting him focus on the upcoming battle until Plumeria made her way over to him, a serious look on her face.

  "What's going on?" Ian asked.

  Plumeria sighed. "I really don't want to have to have this conversation, cuz I want you to win almost as badly as you do."

  Ian shook his head. "I highly doubt that."

  "Hopefully I'll never be in your shoes right now, and it really hurts me to tell you this…"

  "What?" Ian asked.

  Plumeria cringed like she was in pain. "Don't use Sawsbuck."

  "Oh come on," Ian fired back."She needs to be taught a lesson."

  Plumeria sighed. "I'm sure you're right, but this whole battle thing is just an excuse to scout you. That Anabel chick's smart and everything she sees will go back to the ASF. They probably already have a profile on that chick, and if there's someone just like her in an opposing faction, they're not going to leave that alone."

  "Plumeria, they're on the other side of the island. We're not gonna have to deal with them," Ian said.

  Plumeria rolled her eyes. "Not now, not next month, but if someone takes out Breon and the ASF retake Haina Town? Po Town will be next," Plumeria sighed. "I really hate asking this of you Ian. But I bet you can still beat her without Sawsbuck anyways."

  Ian grimaced. "So if I can't use Sawsbuck and Tyrunt's not following orders, that leaves Wartortle, Pyroar, and Sandshrew."

  "Watching how Sandshrew beats the crap out of Tyrunt has to inspire some confidence," Plumeria offered.

  "Sandshrew's Ice and Steel Type, doubly weak to her Charmeleon and Riolu," Ian said. "Who knows what else she has."

  Plumeria's head looked to the ground, clearly unhappy about her request. "You said she's been given everything. Meanwhile you've struggled, fought, almost died multiple times, saved lives…" Plumeria said, shaking her head. "And kicking your ex-girlfriend's ass in front of her teammates would feel really good I'm sure, and you deserve it more than anyone else here. But revealing your Sawsbuck in a battle that in the grand scheme of things isn't going to matter-"

  "It matters to me," Ian fired back as he noticed Craig approaching from the ranch house, with the ASF members still filing out well behind him. "But we got company."

  Plumeria turned to the ranch house and cursed. She then turned to Ian pleadingly. "Please…"

  Ian scowled. "No promises."

  Plumeria cursed as she turned back around. The ASF members had begun to approach with Suzy-Marie leading the way. "Hey Team Skull, get over here!" Plumeria barked angrily. The three other members hustled over quickly and got behind Ian, with Tupp squeezing Ian's shoulders to pump him up.

  "Okay, I know we're all excited to see Ian kick the crap out of this bitch," Plumeria said harshly. "But Sawsbuck can't be mentioned, got it?"

  "But Big Sis, that's his best Pokemon!" Tupp said loudly.

  "Yeah!" Selene and Rapp added in.

  "I know," Plumeria said, voice full of regret. "But we're playing the long game here. If we ever end up fighting them, we don't need them knowing Sawsbuck's one of the strongest Pokemon in Po Town's arsenal."

  "Really?" Ian asked skeptically. "No one's acted like that until now."

  "That'll change, I promise you," Plumeria said. "I know you said no promises Ian, but please-"

  "This is such a ridiculous ask," Ian said.

  Plumeria grimaced, going silent as the bearded Craig Palmer approached them, the ASF members still a ways back. "I've been appointed the referee of the match," Craig announced.

  Ian nodded. "Sounds good."

  Craig then leaned in close and began whispering. "I'm rooting for you though. That girl trashed Kathy's cooking."

  "That's it, no one does that to Ms. Kathy! I'm whoopin' some ass," Tupp declared as he smacked his fist into his palm.

  "Tupp, no you're not!" Plumeria barked.

  Craig smiled proudly. "I appreciate the sentiment."

  Craig then took a step back as the ASF trainers plus Colress got to the other end of the makeshift battlefield and eyed Ian intensely, except for Hau who sported a big grin. At least he seems alright. Craig motioned for the ASF group to come over, and they moved as one, with Colress closely following outside of the little group.

  "Ian, Suzy-Marie?" Craig asked.

  "Hey look, it's the prince of Po Town," Suzy-Marie teased as she took her place across Ian.

  "What?" Tupp asked aloud.

  "Huh?" Selene said, completely bewildered.

  "Funny," Ian said. "Hey look, it's a spoiled brat who's been handed everything, a shiny, a Riolu, who knows what else. Didn't even have to battle them."

  "I'll have you know I'm a great battler too," Suzy-Marie said. "The best they've ever seen for someone who's only been around for three weeks."

  I think I lost track of how many times I've wanted to punch her.

  "Yo chick, you might be strong, but Ian's 'starteejic' and shit!" Tupp fired back.

  "Sure he is," Suzy-Marie taunted.

  "Okay, settle down everyone," Craig said, coming between the two future combatants. "This match will be three on three, no switching, and I will decide when a Pokemon is no longer able to fight. Is that clear?"

  Ian nodded, with Suzy-Marie just shrugging before adding a quick "Duh."

  Anabel cleared her throat. "My Espeon will provide the barrier." Anabel tossed a Poke Ball out and the pink mammalian Pokemon manifested with a moan.

  "Trainers, shake hands and take your places," Craig instructed.

  Ian's scowl held as he stood and offered his hand. Suzy-Marie shook it with an arrogant smirk. "Good luck prince of Po Town, you're gonna need it," she added before turning around and leading the rest of her group to the far side of the makeshift battlefield.

  Ian rolled his eyes as he heard the confused sounds of the rest of the Team Skull members. Colress stepped forward to Ian with his signature creepy grin. "I assume you're not going to use that stag of yours?" Colress said lowly when the ASF members were out of earshot.

  "No he's not," Plumeria answered.

  Ian shook his head. "I haven't decided yet, honestly."

  "If you wish to keep that Pokemon hidden a bit longer, I will not speak of it," Colress said. "I owe you that much for indulging me."

  "Thanks," Plumeria said. "See Ian, he doesn't think you should use it either."

  "While I would like to see it in action once more before I leave…" Colress began. "...if you expect you may come to blows with them one day, I would wait to reveal your trump card, Ian."

  "Hey, hurry it up over there!" Suzy-Marie called out.

  Ian flipped her the bird and looked to the rest of his teammates, who started clapping and giving him words of encouragement. Ian walked to what would be a good spot rather slowly, but he felt the scowl on his face only intensify. His focus tightened as he took his spot a good thirty feet from Suzy-Marie.

  Team Skull stood behind Craig in the middle on Ian's left, while the ASF took their place parallel to them. Anabel's Espeon became washed in pink Psychic Type Energy and a sudden translucent barrier surrounded the battlefield. Ian also noticed Anabel was watching him intensely with a notepad and pen in her hand. Plumeria was right.

  "Ready?" Craig asked aloud.

  "Yeah!" Suzy-Marie called out. "And I got a surprise for my first Pokemon! It usually takes three Pokemon to take it down-"

  "Suzy-Marie, I said not to use that!" Anabel yelled angrily.

  "You quiet down Major," Suzy-Marie demanded. "Or else I'll tell Ms. Barazaki about all the times I catch you checking me out. And you know how close she is to General Vetra."

  Anabel froze. We both have bosses that nag us. I'd be tempted to laugh if I didn't want to kick her ass so badly.

  Ian reached past Sawsbuck's Heal Ball on his belt, instead going for Pyroar's Poke Ball and held it out. "Reveal!" Craig ordered, raising both of his hands.

  Pyroar manifested from its Poke Ball with a mighty roar, ruffling its mane majestically. Directly across from Pyroar manifested a black canine with green trim around its body. No fucking way! Ian's eyes widened as he realized he was locked in battle with something on a different level. She has ZYGARDE? I shouldn't be surprised.

  Suzy-Marie giggled excitedly. "Like my Zy-doge? It's a good type matchup for me so you can just give up now!"

  "You wish!" Ian roared, his eyes narrowing back on the battle at hand.

  "Ready?" Craig called out, to which Ian nodded. "Begin!"

  "Zygarde, Land's Wrath!"

  "Prepare to jump!" Ian commanded, unsure of what to expect. Zygarde howled and became cloaked in light brown Ground Type Energy, it stuck its front legs into the earth and the Type Energy suddenly flowed into the earth. Suddenly a green hexagonal design appeared below Pyroar's paws. Pyroar quickly leapt as green, hexagonal cells appeared above the spot like a shark breaching the surface of the water. Pyroar had dodged it well, but Zygarde in its 10% Form was already charging ahead.

  "Too easy, use Bite!" Suzy-Marie ordered.

  Zygarde leapt to the air quickly to meet Pyroar, and Ian smiled wickedly as he covered his ears. "Hyper Voice!"

  Pyroar took just a moment before firing off a wave of sound as loud as a fighter jet's sonic boom. The black and green wolf took the full brunt of a wall of Normal Type Energy, sending the canine shooting backwards with unreal speed as Ian's eyes closed as the horribly loud sound hit his ears. When the sound passed, Zygarde had just finished bouncing off Espeon's psychic barrier, clearly in pain.

  Suzy-Marie's jaw dropped in disbelief as her vision turned from her Zygarde to Ian and Pyroar. Don't get cocky now, it was just one hit and that thing's a Legendary. Ian caught Anabel furiously scribbling something on to her notepad on the sidelines, while the Team Skull side had erupted in jubilant cheers.

  Grimsley's advice of not using moves successively echoed in his mind. "Sometimes the reason's for rhythm, sometimes for power. Keep your opponent on their toes," Ian remembered Grimsley instructing.

  "Noble Roar while it's down!" Ian called out, covering his ears once more. It's not nearly as loud as Hyper Voice, but my ears will appreciate it later I'm sure. Pyroar wound up another blast of sound, this time much more moderate. Pyroar took a little longer to channel this move, but its entire body glowed with Normal Type Energy for a few moments before letting out its roar.

  Zygarde's 10% form struggled to get up, shaking off some obvious pain before it suddenly glowed with white Type Energy. Suzy-Marie growled angrily before yelling out: "You know what to do, Zygarde."

  Around the black and green wolf Pokemon a green aura emanated for a moment until light blue Ice Type Energy vapor filled the air. Haze? Dammit. The misty vapor then disappeared as quickly as it had appeared, and when Ian looked to its source, expecting Zygarde's 10% form to be standing tall, instead there was nothing. "Pyroar, move!"

  Suddenly a green hexagon manifested underneath Ian's proud lion and the wolf appeared, awash in light brown Ground Type Energy, smashing into Pyroar, sending the lion airborne as it wailed in pain before landing brutally on the ground.

  Suzy-Marie laughed triumphantly. "Ready to give up?"

  Ian didn't even acknowledge it, instead trying to will Pyroar up to his feet. His lion did so, clearly worse for wear though. Let's try to throw it off balance. "Ember!"

  "Dig again then!" Suzy-Marie called out.

  Pyroar fired off a small burst of fireballs at Zygarde, who was already in the ground before they would've reached the Legendary. Ian noticed a faint, green hexagonal outline streaking across the ground of the battlefield. "Pyroar, leap and-"

  Pyroar took to the sky, already winding up another attack when Ian yelled "Hyper Voice!" Zygarde appeared out of the hexagonal light awash once more in Ground Type Energy when Ian covered his ears and watched as Pyroar unleashed a crushing burst of air, blasting Zygarde off its intended path and smashing it into the dirt.

  Ian didn't smile or even want to brag, and he heard the faint cheers of his teammates. But instead he remained steadfastly focused on the battle at hand. "Let's finish it, another Hyper Voice!"

  "Zygarde, Dig away!" Suzy-Marie called out desperately. Zygarde disappeared in a flash of green light as it took the form of the hexagon on the ground once more before re-appearing on the other side of the battlefield, looking just to be in just as bad a shape as Pyroar was.

  "Wow, that's amazing!" Hau's voice called out. "Suzy-Marie, I've never seen Zygarde tested like this!"

  "Shut up!" Suzy-Marie barked in frustration.

  Tupp hollered happily. "And this ain't even Ian's best Pokemon!"

  "Tupp, I swear!" Plumeria barked, smacking Tupp's arm.

  She's probably going to try to stay at range now. One hit from Land's Wrath would do Pyroar in. She's gotta land it though.

  "Zygarde, Glare!" Suzy-Marie commanded.

  "Pyroar, look away!" Ian called out quickly. Pyroar turned its head to the ground, but Ian saw Suzy-Marie's lips move again, and Zygarde switched moves. Suddenly a burst of dark blue Type Energy came from Zygarde 10% form's mouth. Dragon Breath.

  "Pyroar, dodge!" Ian called out. Pyroar's body got out of the way, but its tail had lingered just enough to get caught in a bit of Dragon Breath. Pyroar's body froze while mid-air, causing it to crash to the ground brutally. Are you kidding me? Just a hit on the tail can cause paralysis?

  "End it, Land's Wrath!" Suzy-Marie ordered.

  "Pyroar-" Ian called out in frustration as his proud lion struggled to move its legs. Suddenly green light flashed below it, and the green hexagon cells manifested, causing Ian's crippled Pyroar to wail in pain before collapsing. Damn it.

  "Yeah, I think Dragon Breath causes paralysis one hundred percent of the time in this world!" Suzy-Marie called out with honey in her voice.

  Ian remembered Tupp's fight with Vibrava and how Tupp's Golbat had taken a couple of glancing blows from Vibrava's Dragon Breath and not gotten paralyzed. More bullshit, I take it.

  "Pyroar is unable to battle, send out your next Pokemon, Ian," Craig called out.

  Ian grimaced, imagining how Sawsbuck would handle Zygarde in its 10% form, but he shook it off. Sandshrew would be good but then it would bring out Charmeleon or Riolu and she'd get the type advantage for my third Pokemon. Wartortle's better here. "Wartortle, let's go!" Ian called out as Wartortle's ball flew into the air. Wartortle manifested with an angry gurgle, glaring at the Legendary.

  Suzy-Marie scoffed. "Of course you have a water starter to counter Charmeleon. Goes to show you're just the rival after all."

  Ian's vision narrowed and Wartortle locked in as well. "Rapid Spin a little short!" Ian called out.

  Wartortle launched itself at Zygarde before withdrawing into its shell and spinning into a frenzy. "Dragon Breath!" Suzy-Marie called out. Zygarde wound up another stream of dark blue Dragon TE and fired it. The tip of Wartortle's shell hit the ground, propelling Wartortle ten to fifteen feet in the air, well over Dragon Breath's stream and Wartortle popped out of its shell having stabilized its rotation.

  "Icy Wind!" Ian roared. Wartortle already had the move channeling and fired the area of effect Ice Type attack at Zygarde, who had just finished firing off the stream of Dragon Breath. Zygarde leapt to the side but still got caught up in the quadruple-times effective move, and Zygarde tried to hold fast, but eventually wilted. I was hoping Grimsley's maneuver training for Wartortle wouldn't be a complete waste, good to see. Rapid Spin's speed boost effect is going to come in handy for whatever comes next.

  "Zygarde is unable to battle!" Craig announced, holding his hand up to Wartortle. Wartortle quickly waddled to Ian's side of the battlefield, giving a proud croak. The ASF side looked shellshocked, with Gladion, Kiawe, and Lana's mouths agape. Hau watched on with a big smile, while Anabel was already furiously scribbling more notes on her notepad.

  "Excellent job Wartortle," Ian said, allowing himself a grin for a moment. Wartortle gave another croak and locked back in.

  "Well, that wasn't half bad actually," Suzy-Marie said. "But you're not taking out the third Pokemon I caught in this world." Suzy-Marie held another Poke Ball in her hand and let it fly.

  Out came a green humanoid Pokemon with a white dress who did an elegant twirl, making its white dress rise like a tutu. Kirlia.

  "Ready? Begin!" Craig called out.

  "Water Pulse!" Ian roared.

  "Magical Leaf!" Suzy-Marie belted out.

  Kirlia twirled once more before lifting itself into the air with Psychic TE before it gave way to a vibrant green. A dozen glowing green missiles appeared around Kirlia and began streaking toward Wartortle. Wartortle had already fired off the dozens of glowing blue rings, which the green missiles seemed to effortlessly weave through.

  Wartortle withdrew into its shell promptly as the streaking leaves passed through its shell, causing the sheltering turtle to groan with pain as it took the super effective hit. Kirlia on the other hand was knocked back a little as each ring collided with it, its cries of pain getting louder until Water Pulse had finally ended. Kirlia gave Wartortle an angry look.

  It doesn't look too hurt. But Kirlia's physical Defense is significantly lower than its Special Defense. Trying to go blow for blow with Special Attacks will doom Wartortle. Luckily after Rapid Spin we've got the Speed advantage. "Alright Wartortle, Bite!" Wartortle launched itself at its foe with unnatural agility, and Kirlia glowed with Psychic TE but was too slow for the turtle with dark energy covering its jaws. Wartortle snapped its jaws onto Kirlia's torso, causing a shriek of pain from the humanoid Pokemon. There we go!

  After Wartortle had released Kirlia, the Psychic-Fairy Pokemon suddenly glowed with dark pink Psychic TE once more and disappeared, re-appearing right behind Wartortle silently as bright pink TE engulfed its upper body. A pair of bright pink, translucent lips appeared and struck Wartortle on the back of its head, locking on for a couple seconds before an obnoxiously loud kissing sound with a moan hit Ian's ears and the lips retreated back to Kirlia, seemingly rejuvenating it. Draining Kiss? Dammit.

  "Wartortle, Rapid Spin!" Wartortle didn't even need to turn around as it withdrew in its shell and began spinning. Launching itself at Kirlia quickly, smacking into the fragile Psychic-Fairy Pokemon. Wartortle's spinning shell ricocheted off Kirlia and he stuck the landing with a triumphant croak. I wonder how you're gonna react when you evolve into Blastoise and can't do this anymore?

  Kirlia Teleported back to Suzy-Marie's side, a bit worse for wear on her body. "Okay Kirlia, Calm Mind!"

  "Bite!" Ian commanded. Wartortle launched itself at the glowing Kirlia, but moments before Wartortle was slated to make contact, Calm Mind's channel ended and it Teleported away once more, this time close to Ian on the opposite side of the field.

  "Great, now Magical Leaf!" Suzy-Marie ordered. It took a couple seconds for Kirlia to manifest more glowing green missiles, but it did so, and Wartortle took to its shell again as Magical Leaf passed through Wartortle's shell once more, leaving Wartortle struggling to stand when it did re-emerge from its shell. Stupid perfect accuracy move. Not sure how many Wartortle will be able to take. Seems like Rapid Spin's the only thing working right now.

  "Rapid Spin!" Wartortle went back to spinning, and Kirlia was delayed a little longer before it glowed with Psychic TE and started to float before Wartortle crashed into it once more, even faster than before. Rapid Spin's speed boosts are really stacking up nicely. Kirlia channeling Type Energy to launch moves at Wartortle are going to take too long at this point.

  Kirlia moaned with pain as it struggled to stand back up. Wartortle gave an excited, gurgle of a growl as it kept its focus on Kirlia. "Bite!"

  "Magical Leaf!" Suzy-Marie yelled.

  Wartortle launched forward, taking Kirlia's torso into its Dark TE-coated mouth. Kirlia yelped in pain, but the green missiles of Magical Leaf still manifested through the pain, and they swarmed on to Wartortle. Wartortle released its jaws from Kirlia, being sent backwards and onto its back. I don't think Wartortle can take another one of those…

  "Now Kirlia, Life Dew while it's down!" Suzy-Marie called out, an arrogance clear in her voice. Kirlia manifested light blue TE around itself and all of the wounds Wartortle had inflicted seemed to disappear, its skin now as fair as it had been before. Shit. "A trainer that actually cares about their Pokemon would surrender this round," Suzy-Marie taunted.

  Ian understood the morality of Suzy-Marie's point, and during training sessions with Tupp and Grimsley this was often the point the Pokemon's trainer would recall them, but the boiling blood in his veins, full of his own pride and anger didn't allow for that. Ian's scowl darkened.

  Wartortle gave a guttural battle cry as it began to glow with Water TE. Wait what? That's not the light of evolution- Ian gasped as the realization hit him. It's Torrent, Wartortle's ability! No wonder I haven't seen it yet, I don't let Wartortle get to this point, or it gets knocked out. "Wartortle, Water-"

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  Wartortle's loud, gurgling battling cry seemed to drown Ian out, and Wartortle launched itself forward, its tail aglow in Water Type Energy. Kirlia began to glow with Psychic TE, but Wartortle spun its tail around and slammed into Kirlia's body with a crack! Kirlia was sent flying like a cannon ball, smashing into the battlefield's barrier wall, causing cracks to form in the barrier. Wartortle gave a fierce, gurgling battle cry as it puffed out its chest. Holy shit Wartortle, that Aqua Tail was AMAZING!

  "How do ya like them apples?" Ian called out angrily.

  Suzy Marie's spectators went deadly quiet, with Craig forgetting he was the ref for a good five seconds before raising his hand and declaring Kirlia unable to battle. Suzy-Marie recalled Kirlia, with Ian noticing his adversary's body shaking slightly. I think she just realized she might actually lose this. Suzy-Marie reached for her Poke Ball belt slowly, eyeing him suspiciously as she did before shifting focus to the Poke Ball she'd selected.

  "Suzy-Marie, is something wrong?" Craig asked, unable to hide a slight grin. "It's been ten seconds since Kirlia was KO'd."

  "Just thinking…" Suzy-Marie said nervously. "Okay Ian. Not gonna lie, I'm impressed."

  Ian didn't respond to the flattery, keeping his intense focus on Suzy-Marie and Wartortle. Here comes Riolu. With all of Wartortle's built up Speed, we should be able to land a good hit or two.

  "But you don't stand a chance against this!" Suzy-Marie called out, tossing her Poke Ball into the air. Out manifested a jackal, but not the jackal Ian was expecting. Riolu already evolved? Before his Wartortle adorned in the light of Torrent's Water Type Energy stood an anthropomorphic jackal with black and blue fur with a tan, furry torso. Ian exhaled, still trying to keep his laser focus on the battle, but still a bit blown away by Suzy-Marie's team. And this isn't even including the shiny starter. Ian noticed a dark red Z-Crystal around Lucario's neck and sighed. A Fighting Type Z-Crystal? That's not good.

  "Alright Wartortle, let's give 'em all we got!" He encouraged. Wartortle gave an affirmative croak.

  "Ready?" Craig asked, and upon seeing nods from Ian and Suzy-Marie put his hands up. "Begin!"

  "Lucario Aura Sphere!" Suzy-Marie called out.

  "Water Pulse, then Protect!" Ian called out. Wartortle's Speed edge from the continuous Rapid Spins showed as Wartortle fired off a Water Pulse with lightning quick efficiency, and before Lucario's glowing Aura Sphere had even left its palms, Wartortle had taken on Protect's shroud of white.

  Lucario was blasted backward, leaving its feet as Water Pulse's power, boosted by Torrent, struck it with a fierceness. Aura Sphere collided with Wartortle with a loud, luminous explosion, but when Ian opened his eyes from the blast, Wartortle croaked a taunt. We're not out of the woods yet bud.

  "Aqua Tail!"

  "Extreme Speed!" Suzy-Marie called out.

  Wartortle launched into action, tail beginning to glow with Water TE, but Lucario had already vanished and before Ian could comprehend where the mystical karate jackal had appeared, it had already struck Wartortle brutally, knocking it out of its Aqua Tail channel. Wartortle was sent flying, barely retreating into its shell before crashing into the psychic barrier surrounding the battlefield. Shit.

  Wartortle got out, a little unsteady in its stance. "Aura Sphere!" Suzy-Marie called out.

  "Protect!" Ian called out. Wartortle's protective white shroud took over once more as Aura Sphere collided again. But Ian didn't hear Suzy-Marie's next command as the jackal appeared right as the shroud dissipated, smacking Wartortle once more with another Extreme Speed.

  "Wartortle is unable to battle!" Craig called out.

  "Amazing job bud," Ian said under his breath as he recalled Wartortle's fallen form. Ian sighed as he put Wartortle's Poke Ball back on its magnetic belt slot, and he tensed as he realized he had to make a decision. Sawsbuck or Sandshrew?

  "Oh, you ain't ready for what comes next!" Tupp called out excitedly.

  "Tupp, I'm fucking serious," Plumeria spat quietly as she smacked Tupp once more. Ian grimaced, looking at Suzy-Marie and her Lucario. His adversary had gotten her cocky smile back, and Lucario finished up its Naruto-run back to Suzy-Marie's side of the battlefield and took a martial arts stance.

  Ian turned to Anabel and the other ASF side and realized all of them were staring at him intensely, hands close to their Poke Ball belts. They didn't even cheer when she won. Something's really off here. Ian turned back to the Team Skull side, where Plumeria had her hands folded, almost begging and shaking her head. But Ian noticed the knowing, amused smirk on Colress' face and felt a bone-chilling shiver hit him. This is really fishy, too fishy.

  "Hey Ian, you gonna use a grass type? Or you gonna use something else?" Suzy-Marie said. Ian noticed her stealing a glance at Anabel.

  Ian turned back to Colress, who chuckled even louder.

  "Uh… Ian, I hate to say it, but are you going to make a decision?" Craig asked morosely.

  Everywhere he looked there seemed to be red flags. He then took one more look at Plumeria and mouthed: "you owe me." Ian then reached past his Heal Ball and went for his Premier Ball, sending out his Alolan-Sandshrew.

  "What? A four-times weak Pokemon?" Suzy-Marie asked, clearly disappointed. "I thought you'd have more pride than that."

  Ian shrugged. You wouldn't understand. "Don't underestimate her, you haven't seen what she can do against Alphas!" Ian justified.

  Suzy-Marie grunted. "Whatever."

  "Are we ready?" Craig asked, a hint of disappointment in his voice.

  Ian nodded, and Craig called out "Begin!"

  "I'll humor you, for a bit," Suzy-Marie said. "Lucario, Force Palm!"

  "Snowscape!" Ian called out.

  Lucario dashed forward, its arms stretching out behind it. Sandshrew's arms were crossed, glowing with light blue Ice Type Energy until she stretched them out, causing the area within a fifteen foot radius from its spot to become frosted. Sandshrew's body began to glow with traces of Ice TE as it suddenly slid to the side, letting Lucario slip on the frozen area.

  "Very funny," Suzy-Marie called out. "Have an Aura Sphere for your troubles then!"

  "Dig!" Ian commanded. By the time Lucario had launched the glowing homing attack, Sandshrew was already underground and safe from the eventual small explosion. Suzy-Marie gasped as Ian assumed she realized this was still a losable fight. You gave me an inch.

  "Lucario, get out of the frost!" Suzy-Marie commanded. Lucario quickly turned around began dashing, only for Sandshrew to blast out of the ground cloaked in Ground Type Energy as it barreled into Lucario with a smack. Lucario yelped in pain as it crashed to the ground, with Sandshrew taking a moment to point and laugh its squeaky taunt to its adversary before returning underground, making Ian smirk. Interesting use of your time re-gathering energy for another Dig.

  "Lucario, Extreme Speed out of there!" Suzy-Marie called out. Lucario lit up with Normal Type Energy and turned into a flash of speeding light. Sandshrew was a second late as it burst forth from the ground into the air, realizing its target was a couple dozen feet away. Aw shit.

  "Aura Sphere!" Suzy-Marie ordered coldly. Lucario put its hands together and did a light jump like it was winding up for a cricket throw before launching the glowing orb of blue. Sandshrew was milliseconds from landing when the orb collided with Sandshrew, sending her bouncing off the ground as she got out of Snowscape's range, with Sandshrew finally coming to a stop on its belly, only a small whimper escaped its mouth.

  "Uh…" Craig said nervously as he readied his arms to signal Sandshrew's defeat, but Sandshrew gave a loud, angry squeak before its arms began pushing its body back up. How the hell are you still conscious after THAT?

  "Really? Pokemon-Amie powers?" Suzy-Marie called out bitterly.

  "Like you don't have any bullshit luck on your side," Ian complained bitterly. "Sandshrew, Dig if you can!" Sandshrew nodded, strained but was underground within moments. If we can land a crit or something, we might be able to take Lucario out.

  "Lucario, open your mind!" Suzy-Marie called out. "Sense where it's going to attack and then use-"

  "Now!" Ian called out urgently. Gotta beat whatever aura bullshit is coming.

  "Rasengan!" Suzy-Marie called out, making Ian involuntarily roll his eyes.

  Sandshrew came out of the ground more slowly, partially because of fatigue but also the lack of Snowscape, and Lucario used the time to channel an Aura Sphere, but instead of firing it, the glowing blue orb stayed in Lucario's hand as Lucario directed the orb to Sandshrew. The moment Sandshrew made contact with the orb his bully of a Pokemon was sent careening across the battlefield, smacking into the Snowscape lifelessly. "Sandshrew is unable to battle! Lucario and Suzy-Marie win the match!"

  A small cheer came from the ASF spectators, and Ian noticed Colress softly clapping. His fellow Team Skull members seemed a bit letdown except for Plumeria, who looked about as neutral as she normally would. That's her way of smiling.

  Ian grimaced, reaching for his Premier Ball and recalling Sandshrew. "Great job. That was one hell of an effort," he told Sandshrew's ball before putting it back in his Poke Ball belt.

  "Okay you two, come up and shake hands!" Craig said, waving them both to the middle of the battlefield. Suzy-Marie's smile turned to a frown as she made eye contact with him.

  Ian took a deep breath before making his way over slowly on account of remnants of Sandshrew's Snowscape still scattered across the battlefield. When Ian got to the middle ground, Suzy-Marie's frown had only gotten bigger and her arms were folded.

  "Good match," Ian offered.

  Suzy-Marie curled her lip defiantly. "I don't even get to feel good about that because of the type mismatch at the end," Suzy-Marie complained, causing Ian to snort involuntarily.

  "Come on now Suzy-" Craig said.

  "Suzy-Marie," she corrected.

  "Suzy Marie," Craig said, no longer trying to hide his annoyance. "Your Pokemon did very well, you should be proud." Suzy-Marie sighed but seemed to accept Craig's reasoning.

  "Even if Lucario had some trouble with Sandshrew," Ian said with a grin, enjoying Suzy-Marie's annoyance.

  "Sandshrew only got to use Snowscape because I didn't want to end it with Aura Sphere in one turn," Suzy-Marie said, a whine drifting into her voice.

  Craig scoffed. "Suzy-"

  "They don't teach you to be humble in victory?" Ian fired back.

  Suzy-Marie scoffed.

  "You decided to play with your food. That's okay, but what am I supposed to do, tell my partners to just roll over anyways?" Ian demanded.

  Suzy-Marie swallowed her tongue, and Anabel cleared her voice to draw Ian's attention. "Only three weeks you say?" Anabel asked.

  Ian nodded.

  "I've only seen veteran trainers push her to that point," Anabel said. "If you continue to improve at the rate you're going, you'll be a fearsome trainer."

  Ian cracked a smile. "Thanks."

  Plumeria and Team Skull joined the sudden meetup in the middle, standing behind Craig.

  "I hope we never meet as adversaries," Anabel said sincerely, offering her hand.

  Ian shook it. "Same."

  Hau then stepped up to Ian with a big smile. "That was an amazing battle. I've never seen a Wartortle used like that!" He said excitedly as he offered his hand as well. I shook two ASF members' hands before Suzy-Marie even offered hers. What a bitch.

  "Thanks, we did a lot of work on that," Ian said, a growing pride in his voice. Hau gave him a big smile before turning over to Suzy-Marie

  "Great fight as always," Hau congratulated. "I wonder if it inspired you to write another song?"

  Suzy-Marie laughed nervously. "Yeah, maybe…"

  Hau continued on cheerfully. "I know everyone at the open mic nights like hearing 'Love Story' and 'You Belong With Me' but …" Hau's voice trailed off as Ian saw panic come into Suzy-Marie's eyes.

  When Ian realized what she was panicking about, he let out a loud laugh. She's playing Taylor Swift songs and saying they're her own. I shouldn't be surprised. Suzy-Marie put her hands together, her eyes pleading for him to not say anything more. Ian grimaced, but relented. Be humble in victory.

  Suzy-Marie mouthed "thank you" before returning her attention to what Hau was saying and Gladion forced himself into the conversation. Ian was formally introduced to Kiawe and Lana, who both praised his battling skills. When the two got interested in speaking to the rest of Team Skull, Plumeria took the opportunity to take him by the shoulder and guided him away from the group a little bit.

  "Ian, I can't say thank you enough," Plumeria whispered. "I know you wanted to win, but you put aside what you wanted on behalf of us, on behalf of Po Town," Plumeria explained sincerely. She then put her hand in between them, raising just her pinky. "I will not forget this."

  "You're welcome," Ian said with an annoyed sigh as his hand met hers and they intertwined their pinkies.

  Plumeria nodded. "Okay, we should get going soon then-"

  "Uh, Ian, Plumeria?" Suzy-Marie asked nervously as she approached them.

  "What?" Plumeria said, a hint of anger in her voice.

  "Could I talk to Ian for a bit?" Suzy-Marie asked. Is that… humility in her voice?

  "Fine, but we gotta get going soon," Plumeria said with a grunt, leaving Ian alone with Suzy-Marie.

  "Good match," Suzy-Marie said, offering her hand, which Ian eyed suspiciously for a moment before shaking it. Behind Suzy-Marie's shoulder, Ian noticed Gladion watching closely. Ian nudged his head in a subtle acknowledgement for the likely cause of Suzy-Marie's newfound humility. "And thanks for not spilling the beans about the songs."

  "You're welcome. I wouldn't want to ruin your future record deals," he joked.

  "Wait, did Hau tell about the scout coming to the open mic night?" Suzy-Marie asked.

  Ian scoffed. "It was a joke."

  "Oh… sorry," Suzy-Marie said uncomfortably. "So with that said, Gladion kinda explained how he's seen me treating you and he basically said it's like rubbing it in your face, all of these good things that have happened to me. I think I've been kinda projecting the Ian that cheated on me onto you, and for that I'm sorry. I'll try to keep it in check if we ever meet again."

  At least someone has awareness in this relationship. "Apology accepted," Ian said, stealing a glance at Gladion. "He seems like a very good guy."

  "He is," Suzy-Marie said. "I didn't mean it to brag-"

  "I got it," Ian said.

  "You know, I don't know Lillie's type, but I can put in a good word for you. She's really sweet," Suzy-Marie offered.

  Ian shook his head as he chuckled. "Thanks but no thanks. I got a lot on my plate back in Po Town."

  "You've got a girlfriend?" Suzy-Marie asked, and recoiled after seeing his instant grimace. "Any prospects at least?"

  Ian rolled his eyes. "No. Well, maybe…" Ian paused.

  "Okay, I just thought it'd be cute, the Aether princess and the prince of Po Town-"

  "You really don't have to keep calling me that," Ian said.

  "Okay, sorry. But who's the prospect?" Suzy-Marie asked.

  "Mina, the Fairy Trial Captain," Ian answered.

  "She's in Po Town?"

  Ian nodded. "Yeah. Her and Sophocles are back there."

  "So that's where they are," Suzy-Marie said. "Colonel Molayne seems so stressed all the time, I was hoping to get Sophocles with him…"

  "Nice," Ian paused. "Is this all you wanted to talk about? Plumeria wants to get moving."

  "Oh yeah, yeah, we should probably talk about a few things…" Suzy-Marie said, wracking her brain.

  "Zy-doge," Ian croaked.

  Suzy-Marie smiled nervously. "Yeah, I saw the Zygarde Cube and asked if I could have it and they just gave it to me. Have you seen any Zygarde Cells around?"

  "Quite a few actually," Ian said.

  "Good... So the Ultra Rift, any idea what it is? Is it Nebby?" Suzy-Marie asked.

  "No idea," Ian said. "I haven't heard anything about Nebby, so it could be that."

  "Okay, just Aether doesn't know about Nebby, so I figured I'd ask," Suzy-Marie said. "Any other 'meta thing' to talk about?"

  Ian shrugged. "Besides how cringe 'Rasengan' is?"

  "Oh yeah…" Suzy-Marie said with a nervous smile as she touched her hair, making Ian focus on the Rainbow Badge hair accessory. "It was a funny little thing when I came up with it, but when someone else from our world hears it, it's… yeah, cringe is probably the right word."

  "Whatever you want to call it," Ian said, hinting it was time to end things.

  "Okay so, good luck in Po Town," Suzy-Marie said. "I hope Mina makes you happy."

  Ian shrugged again. "We'll see. And good luck to you too."

  "Thanks," Suzy-Marie said, turning to Gladion who gave a proud nod.

  "Finally!" Plumeria barked, storming over to Ian. "I wanna get going-"

  "Oh my apologies, Plumeria…" Colress' creepy voice interjected. "...but since it appears we are parting ways, may I steal Ian for a couple minutes?"

  Plumeria growled with frustration. "Fine, but don't go too far."

  "You have my gratitude, Plumeria," Colress said, taking his arm around Ian's shoulder and leading him a short bit away from the group. "It was smart you didn't reveal Sawsbuck to them."

  "Really?" Ian asked.

  "I overheard Major Anabel at lunch explaining their plans to capture you if you had any Pokemon deemed a serious threat," Colress said. "And I do think Sawsbuck would've fit the bill."

  Ian gulped, realizing how casually Colress had dropped the fact they would've come under attack with just a different use of Pokemon. "That's pretty crazy… Would you have stepped in to help?"

  Colress shook his head. "I must apologize, but I would've been selfish and stayed out of the scuffle unless you or Sawsbuck had the potential to die."

  Ian rolled his eyes. "At least you're honest."

  "Yes…" Colress said before dropping his voice. "In that battle though, I heard a focused anger I recognized all too well. The anger of a man who's struggled and fought for every inch of the metaphorical race only to face someone born a step away from the finish line. It's something I overcame when I was your age as well."

  Ian nodded, but Colress halted their walk as he looked intensely into Ian's eyes. "Harness that focused anger of yours, cultivate it, and one day you will even the score with that spoiled brat," Colress said, a chilling brutality in his voice. "And for when that day comes…" The scientist then reached into his coat and pulled out a distinct ball that Ian recognized immediately. It was dark blue with light blue circles going around it, with four slightly yellow protrusions coming out of it. That's a Beast Ball!

  "You do recognize it, I figured you would," Colress said with a sinister snicker. "Yes, this is a Beast Ball." Colress then pushed it against Ian's chest. "It's yours now."

  Ian gulped. "Thank you sir…"

  "I don't think they exist in this world, and I wouldn't recommend you sell it," Colress said as he reached into his coat once more, this time pulling out his omnitron and swiping through it before presenting the screen to Ian. Ian froze as he saw what was pictured on the screen: a floating purple, dark blue, and black puffball with two appendages sticking out of its head. A Cosmog. Ian felt a bead of sweat drip down his forehead as his heart began to pound. "This is called a Cosmog. There's supposed to be one in this world, although when frightened it can Teleport or even create an Ultra Wormhole to another one," Colress said, swiping to the next image on the omintron's screen, which showed a silver orb with a vibrant glow. "This is called the Master Orb," Colress said, excitement creeping into his voice. "This will bend any Pokemon to the user's will, even a Legendary, " Colress explained. "It can only do that for three Pokemon however, and two of its uses have already been spent…" Colress then brought Ian in closer, an almost euphoric smile on his sinister face. "Bring Cosmog or the Master Orb to me with its last use intact, and I will reward you beyond your wildest dreams Ian."

  Ian gulped. He definitely didn't accidentally pop up here. He's from the rift. "What was the first thing again?" Ian asked nervously.

  "Cosmog," Colress said, honey in his voice.

  Ian took one last look and nodded, hoping to appear compliant. "Gotcha sir."

  Colress chuckled wickedly. "Very good then Ian," the sinister scientist said, his grin becoming more menacing with each passing moment. "I will be rooting for you." Colress then released Ian from his hold and walked back to the ASF trainers hauntingly.

  Ian felt a shiver down his spine as he watched, and his heartbeat drummed incredibly quickly. What the fuck is he? Is it some evil Aether Foundation or Rainbow Rocket or Team Plasma? Maybe something else entirely… When Colress got close to his destination, he stretched his arm out in such a way Ian thought he was putting it around Suzy-Marie. "Oh shit…" Ian said under his breath. Too late to tell her.

  "Hey, prince of Po Town!" Selene teased as she jogged over to Ian. "We're going-" Selene gasped as Ian faced her. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

  Ian shivered. "Honestly, I wish I had."