Chapter 19

" Thunderbolt! " 

The moment Ash finished speaking, Pikachu launched a powerful lightning bolt at Lucario who stared at the incoming attack and nimbly dodged the attack by taking a step back and turning backward to the left, allowing the attack to fly past him. 

Ash's eyes narrowed from the display. Korrina didn't say a word but she had a calm smile on her face. Lucario is the Aura Pokemon and he's already met a Lucaio thought could communicate with its trainer through the use of aura. 

The thunderbolt continued on to hit the wall but Lucario jumped into action, rushing directly to be in front of Pikachu with a power-up-punch ready to strike the electric rodent. As his fist came down towards Pikachu, a white glow covered Pikachu as he disappeared from view while Lucario struck the ground. 

" Pikachu, Tag Lucario! Use Iron Tail. " Ash yelled, while a large bang echoed through the gymnasium. Spider webs formed on the ground from the impact but that didn't stop Pikachu who came in close, swinging his tail right at Lucario's torso. 

" Tag us? What are you planning? " Korrina asked with a grin. 

Lucario nimbly moved out of the way and slammed its fist into Pikachu's face, slamming him onto the ground. Pikachu bounced against the ground like a stone skipping on the water before poofing out of existence. 

The sound of birds chirping caught the attention of everyone in the gym as electricity spread across the battlefield. 

' Electric terrain. ' Korrina thought. 

Electric Terrain is an electric-type move that creates an electric field that causes all Pokemon that are touching the field to not fall asleep and boosts the power of Electric-type moves. With the entire field covered in electricity, it was time for Pikachu to Tag Lucario. 

An electric current runs through Lucario's body, causing him to spasm for a moment. The muscles in his body tense up as Korrina's eyes widen. 

" Protect! " Korrina called out as Pikachu launched a powered-up Thunderbolt right at Lucario who managed to use Protect to block the attack.

' So she is communicating to Lucario through Aura. This will be a bit tricky but nothing we can't handle. ' Ash thought with a smirk. ' Though I'm glad all that training paid off, if we weren't able to paralyze Lucario, his speed would have been a problem, and considering how easily it could dodge attacks in the beginning, this is perfect. '

Korrina is strong, Ash knew that. Mega Lucario is way too much for his Pokemon to handle except for Pikachu, who could at least have the slightest chance of winning if things played correctly. It's what he would have done if he didn't have a new goal to reach. If he wanted to even stand a chance against him, he would need to change. 

Looking through the moves Pikachu could learn, Electric Terrain stood out. Its effects fit Ash's requirements and Pikachu began to train. After successfully learning Electric Terrain, they began experimenting with the effects. Ash and Pikachu discovered that due to the fact the battlefield is covered in electricity, it could hide other electric-type moves from the opponent as long as the power of the attack is equal to or lesser than the presence of the Electric Terrain.

In summation, Lucario wouldn't be able to detect the Thunderwave Pikachu sent out as it traveled across the field, because the Electric Terrain acted as a cover! 

' They planned this out ahead of time. Lucario's speed is a massive advantage, especially in Mega form. The paralysis has cut that speed significantly and there might be times when he will be unable to move. ' Korrina thought. 

" Volt Switch. " Ash called out. 

Korrina's eyes narrowed while Lucaio braced himself, taking the Volt Switch head-on. Pikachu left the battlefield, landing next to Ash who sent out Hawlucha onto the field. Hawlucha didn't waste a second, rushing towards Lucario in an instant, using Aerial Ace to speed up and slam a High Jump Kick straight into Lucario's jawline. 

The strength from the blow left Lucario rattled while being slammed into the wall. Korrina grits her teeth in frustration. 

' He planned that too! ' Korrina thought. ' He prob... No he definitely knows that I'm communicating to Lucario using aura. He's sharp enough to figure that out. It's more likely though that he told Hawlucha to use this exact move at this exact moment before the battle began. 

I can't give Lucario instructions in time if I don't even have a clue of what's to come since I'm reacting to whatever he's throwing at me right now. If Lucario wasn't paralyzed, he would have been able to at least react to it to block or barely dodge! '

" Swords Dance. " Ash called out. 

' Crap. Lucario, can you use Extreme Speed to compensate? ' Korrina thought desperately. Lucario understood her thoughts by reading her aura, her desire seeping into the aura she was giving off. Lucario sent her a wave of aura to answer her question. Korrina took a deep breath as Lucario got up from the ground and got back onto the battlefield while Hawlucha finished using Swords Dance. 

The two Pokemon stared at each other before Lucario dashed toward Hawlucha using Extreme Speed. Hawlucha swerved his head, dodging the punch headed to his face, and stepped inside Lucario's personal space. Hawlucha's hand was covered in a swirling aura, all heading to the center of his fist.

Lucario recognized and dodged the move immediately. Korrina pursed her lips upon seeing Hawlucha use Drain punch. Ash smiled upon seeing that look thinking to himself, ' Using Extreme Speed continuously will drain you of stamina the more you use it, and right now, you really need it. Hawlucha is actually faster than Mega Lucario and with that paralysis condition... '

' Dammit, he got me!! ' Korrina thought in frustration, Lucario had a frustrated expression on his face glaring at Hawlucha who was deadly focused on staring at Lucario. ' He's got me figured out! What can I still... '

' Ah screw it, let's just make this a slugfest! ' Korrina thought and Lucario picked up on that, immediately using Swords Dance. ' Go win this Lucario! '

" Hawlucha. " Ash called out. Hawlucha glanced at him and Ash made a thumbs down with his hand, smirking at Hawlucha. Hawlucha smirked and made a thumbs up, having gotten the message. 

Win by Knockout!

Hawlucha walked up to Lucario and the two stopped once they stood in front of each other. Lucario towered over Hawlucha, standing at 4 feet 3 inches in its mega form while Hawlucha stood at 2 feet 7 inches. Lucario raised his hands, placing them in front of his face, and coated his hands in steel-type energy to use Meteor Mash. Hawlucha raised his hands, left-hand front right hand back leaving his face open, and coated his hands in fighting-type energy to use Drain Punch.

Lightly bounced on his toes, Hawlucha watched Lucario who stared back. Both fighters were focused, waiting to see who would make the first move. Hawlucha took the initiative rushing in with a strong and fast left jab. The force from the jab rattled Lucario's arms, pushing him back a few feet. 

But having no time to rest Lucario raised his guard when he saw Hawlucha close in on him. Hawlucha landed a left jab, hook, and rear hook combo in rapid succession, which Lucaro blocked well but the second wave came immediately after. Hawlucha threw a jab, a hook, and then an uppercut into Lucario's block, getting Lcuario off the ground. 

Lucario grunted but held on, a soft orange glow wrapped around his entire body and no energy focused on his fists. When Lucario came down, Hawlucha jumped up to land a left roundhouse kick to Lucario's head which was blocked but was followed a right roundhouse kick to Lucario's head which was blocked. 

Still, in the air, Hawlucha used a punt kick, making Lucario lift his guard upward exposing his torso. Landing on the ground, Hawlucha dashed in and slammed his left fist into Lucario's stomach. Lucario was blasted back, spitting out some saliva but had the mental fortitude to slam his feet into the ground, skidding to a halt. 

Lucario took in deep breaths, the heavy blows from Hawlucha were taking their toll. The damage was raking up but he was still in the match. He hasn't been knocked out yet. Hawlucha calmly closed the distance, his eyes narrowing on Lucario. 

Lucario was on the edge but he had enough in the tank for one more attack. He needs to connect with this counter punch and send all the damage he took back at Hawlucha with twice the force! 

Bringing his arms down, swinging them side to side, Lucario tensed up before rushing at Hawlucha with the orange aura still wrapped around him. Lucario spun around to build momentum before launching his right leg out to hit Hawlucha's head. Hawlucha dodged, ducking uneath the strike, and went forward while Lucario kept going carried by momentum. 

Lucario immediately rushed Hawlucha throwing a strike at him which Halwucha blocked and then blocked the next strike before kicking Lucario in the shin. Lucario fell to a knee as Hawlucha grabbed his face and landed a High Jump Kick right into Lucaio's nose before punching him in the face. 

Stepping back Hawlucha gave Lucario some room to raise his head and then kicked him in the face with his left leg. Lucario turns a full 180 degrees, falling to the floor. 

" Lucario! " Korrina called out to her partner who was still kicking. Lucario's red eyes were still alive, he wasn't done yet. He got to his knees ready to get back up and keep fighting. Hswlucha watched as Lucario got up with shaky legs. Getting his stance, Hawlucha watched as Lucario got into his stance. 

Left leg forward, right leg back. Arms to the side, upper body leaning forward. Lucario's face was fully exposed. One hit by Hawlucha would be enough. Lucario's eyes were forced slowly on Hawlucha, his right arm tense, his legs muscles stressed ready to explode into action. This was his final move and it was time to attack with Counter. 

Hawlucha stood at the ready, observing the cornered Lucario. Hawlucha released his grip on his left hand which Lucario locked onto. In an instant, Lucario launched forward at incredible speed, his right hand aimed straight at Halwucha's face. With all the damage done to Lucario by Halwucha, the energy he stored up gathered in his fist and will be released at double the power, will knock out Hawlucha!! 

If it landed.

Hawlucha caught Lucario's punch with his left hand! A soft blue-green aura was wrapped around his hand. Hawlucha had used Protect, effectively canceling Lucario's last move with no damage taken. Hawlucha raised his right hand and in the blink of an eye, slammed his fist into Lucario's face. Lucario was knocked onto his back and returned to his regular form. 

" Lucario is unable to battler! Gym Leader Korrina has no more Pokemon to battle with! This means the victor is Ash Ketchum!! " Clemont announced. 

Ash smiled while walking up to Hawlucha. Hawlucha looked towards him and jumped to give him a high five. Pikachu held his fist to Hawlucha who fist-bumbed with him. 

" 3rd badge down and it was one of the smoothest victories we had ever. " Ash said to Pikachu who let out a shout of agreement. 

' Wonder if this is how he felt when he won like this for the first time? ' Ash thought, clenching his fist in pure satisfaction and bliss from this victory. 

" Congrats. " Korrina said, stopping in front of Ash. Holding out her hand, Korrina held the Rumble badge for Ash to take. Taking the badge, Ash placed the badge in his badge case before shaking Korrina's hand. 

" You decided to follow his footsteps... " Korrina stated once the handshake was over. 

" Yeah, I did. Though I have a long way to go. " Ash smirked, " After all, Atsumu can do this without any pre-match preparation. " 

" Yeah, I know. " Korrina said. 

" Has he challenged you yet? " Ash asked. 

" He wanted an advanced circuit match but I'm not qualified for that. Grandpa was, but he's currently on leave. " Korrina said solemnly. 

" He'll come back, though it will take a lot of time. " Ash said. 

" Maybe... On a side note, I need to up my training. " Korrina said. 

" if you need a training partner, give me a call. I'll help out if I'm close by. " Ash said. 

" I'll hold you to that. " Korrina answered with a smirk on her face. 

...

Landing in Hoenn, Atsumu and Alain were greeted with the vast difference in the climate. It was currently Summer, Kalos was warm but it was manageable. Summer in Alola was hot and citizens needed to wear lots of sunscreen during this period of time. But the heat in Hoenn surpassed the heat in Kalos and Alola combined! 

" Why is it so hot?! " Alain asked, already covered in sweat from the heat. Atsum was fairing a little better than Alain but was sweating far more than usual. 

" Don't know, but can't complain too much right now. We have a meeting in a few minutes with Devon Corporation. There President is waiting for us. " Atsumu said walking with him to the black limousine that waited outside, their driver holding out a card with their names on it. 

" They'll at least have an AC right? " Alain asked. 

" Even if they do, it won't do us any good when we work in the field. So just suck it up and deal with it. It's best if we adapt to this. " Atsumu said, packing their luggage in the trunk. Getting in the car, the driver made a call before starting the engine and started to drive.

At Devon Corporation, Joseph Stone sat in his chair working through some paperwork. His eyes glanced up when his son, the current champion of Hoenn, Steven walked in alongside his secretary. 

" Sir, we got a call from the driver we sent to the airport. He's picked up Mr. Atsumu and Mr. Alain, they will be here shortly. " His secretary informed. 

" Please guide them to the meeting room once they arrive and then come get me. " Joseph said. 

" Yes sir. " The secretary responded before walking out of Joseph's office.

" So they've finally arrived. " Steven commented. 

" Indeed. " Joseph states with a smile, " Are you excited? "

" Very much so. It was quite a surprise when I heard that Lysandre had gotten a partner after everything he'd done by himself... so It'll be interesting to talk and get to know the man who became his partner. " Steven said with a smile. 

" That is true, but the youngling who's accompanying him is also quite impressive. From what Lysandre mentioned when he had our talk, he said to not underestimate Mr.Alain. He can handle himself against whatever happens on this expedition. " Joseph said.

" Is that so? How can he back that up? " Steven asked, curiosity brimming in his eyes. 

" He managed to defeat 10 Mega Evolved Pokemon in a row without extensive healing in between rounds. His final opponent was Malva of the elite 4. " Joseph revealed. 

" Well now, that's impressive. " Steven grinned, " This is becoming more exciting by the minute. "

...

Holding a burger in one hand and taking bites every now and so, a girl with chin-length black hair wearing a ragged cloak walked around inside the Sky Pillar, staring at the walls around her. 

" Everything has been out of wack... " She muttered to herself. A Whismer rubbed his head against her leg, to which she smiled and started to pet him. 

" Thanks Aster. " She said. Finishing her burger and wiping her hands, she took out her phone and opened a recently bookmarked tab. The article described a discovery made by the Devon Corporation, talking about detecting a huge energy signature located in the region. They decided to partner up with Lysandre Labs to find and examine whatever is emitting the signature in the first place. 

' It's time. I need to destroy the meteor. ' The girl thought while looking up at the murals on the walls. 

It showed a stone hovering in the center, Groudon and Kyogre heading towards it. Once they reached it, they transformed into a different form and began to battle out, leaving nothing but destruction from their battle. But they were stopped by Rayquaza, reverting back to normal, and headed their separate ways. 

' That's what happened so long ago and now, the same things going to happen. It would have been better if the rock was destroyed but it's still here! Why?! ' The girl thought in frustration. biting her lip and then clicking her tongue. ' I need to destroy that stupid rock the moment it's found! ' 

...

Located in Rustburo City the large, towering headquarters of the Devon Corporation and a black limousine strolled up to the entrance. Coming out of the Lumosine, Atsumu and Alain stared at the front entrance where their eyes landed on a man with light steel blue hair wearing a suit and tie with a specialized pin on his left side pocket. The pin had a stone on it which was recognizable for both Atsumu and Alain, it was a keystone. 

" Greetings, welcome to Devon Corporations, it's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Steven Stone. "

_________________________________________________________________

Sup everyone.

It's been a long time. Sorry for the super late update, the semester that I had just completed was extremely difficult. 

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