The Champion's Path (Pokémon Sword and Shield x OC) [HIATUS]

Chapter 10 - Ash and Yuma's 1st Battle

Some time ago, Ash was practicing with Go. In the middle of Pikachu and Hibunny's match, a Hihidaruma Go caught while they were on Unova provoked Hibunny to use a fire type move. When Go's partner tried to use Ember, only a small particle of fire came out, leaving Hibunny depressed. Hihidaruma kept teasing Hibunny, only for it to become more frustrated, determined to demonstrate that he also can use fire type moves.

After a while, they encountered Team Rocket's hideout, when they were after a Pelipper. Go and Hibunny were ready to battle them, but when Go told his partner to dodge and use Double Kick, the rabbit-like Pokémon didn't listen and instead used Ember, or at least tried to, because this was no different from earlier. Hibunny got knocked out by his opponent's water type move.

After Team Rocket was sent flying by Pikachu's attack, Go rushed to his fire type Pokémon, concerned about him. The boy asked his partner why he disobeyed him, and Hibunny immediately tries to use his Ember, not getting his trainer's recognition. They have an argument about this and the Pokémon runs away, saddened by Go's non-supportive attitude. Yuma was annoyed with the fact that Go didn't understand his partner's feelings.

When Hibunny thought they weren't watching him, he continues to try using the fire type move, to no avail. Annoyed, he stomps his legs on the ground consecutively and kicks a little rock. Seeing it, Go realizes the rock was incandescent.

Hibunny goes somewhere else, until he clashes with Team Rocket, again. Go and others arrived. This time, Go tells Hibunny there is a way for him to use a fire attack. Trusting his trainer, Hibunny nods at him. The boy says to use Lightning Speed on the same spot. Smoke starts to appear under Hibunny's feet, and next was fire. Go throws a rock to his Pokémon and orders him to kick it. When Hibunny saw what he just did, he yells loudly in victory.

It was at that moment that he started to evolve into a Rabbifoot, mesmerizing Go. The newly evolved Pokémon used Ember and made Team Rocket fly out, leaving our heroes alone. But when Go was praising Rabbifoot, the fire type simply ignored him and walked, leaving everyone confused.

(A/N) Sorry for this, but I had to include it in the story, for Rabbifoot development, and I didn't want to make an entire chapter about it, so this one may be a little longer than usual

Cerise Institute

Ash: Over 10 000? There are that many participants!? Now I'm fired up!

Yuma: *nods* They're not called the Pokémon World Championships for nothing!

Go: They're insanely popular!

Ash: That's fine. The more rivals, the more excitement!

Ren: And more people are joining in. Everyone starts out in the Normal Class, huh?

Cerise: Everyone shares the same starting line. Your momentum greatly depends on whether you win or lose your 1st battle. The 1st one is vital.

Yuma: So it seems... *looks at Ash*

Ash: *nods* Let's do this, Pikachu!

Go: *confused* What will you do?

Ash: There's only one thing to do. If I wanna battle Mr. Leon, then first of all I gotta enter the Super Class! For that, I need to win!

Not only Ash gets excited, but Pikachu and Gengar as well.

Ren: It looks like the best way to rapidly climb the ranks-

Yuma: Is to fight someone ranked much higher than yourself!

Go: Basically, strong trainers...?

Ash: I wonder if there are any participating trainers nearby... As strong as I can find!