Ash's Story (Part 6: Unova)

Chapter 58: Undella Reunion

Undella Town did not feel like the road had stopped.

The sea kept moving beside us, bright under the afternoon light, while Reversal Mountain stood behind us with heat still clinging to my clothes. After ghosts, volcano stone, and Meloetta's song, the sound of waves should have made me relax.

It did not quite manage that.

Cynthia walked ahead with the Lunar Wing wrapped carefully in her bag. She had not forgotten the girl from Strange House, and neither had I. Some promises followed quietly, even when the road changed scenery.

A man in a neat suit waited near the beach road beside a polished black car. He bowed the moment he saw Cynthia.

"Lady Cynthia," he said. "I am glad you arrived safely."

Cynthia smiled. "Everyone, this is Jarvis. He helps care for my villa when I am away."

Jarvis bowed to us too, calm enough that even our enormous traveling group did not seem to surprise him. "The villa is ready. Refreshments have been prepared."

Iris brightened. "Refreshments sound great."

Golly studied the car, then Jarvis. "How many people can safely ride?"

Jarvis answered without hesitation. "The second vehicle is behind the corner, miss."

Cilan placed a hand over his heart. "A butler who anticipates party size. Elegant service with a practical finish."

Before we could leave, a familiar voice cut across the street.

"Ash!" Hugh shouted from across the street.

Hugh walked toward us with his usual storm in his eyes. He looked like the ocean breeze had tried to soften him and failed.

"Hugh, you are here too," I said.

"Let's see how well we have raised our Pokémon," Hugh said, already reaching for a Poké Ball.

I looked at Alice. She nodded once.

"All right," I said. "Three on three."

Jarvis stepped back with professional calm. "I will inform the villa that there may be a short delay."

Hugh sent out Unfezant first. I chose Magnezone, because I was not in the mood to underestimate him.

Unfezant struck with speed, diving through the sea wind like Skyla's Gym had followed us to Undella. Magnezone took one hit, adjusted, and caught the next approach with Thunderbolt. Hugh's Unfezant fell, but not easily.

Hugh's second Pokémon was Bouffalant. It hit the sand with a heavy snort and charged before Hugh finished the command.

I sent out Lucario. The battle became force against focus. Bouffalant's power was real, but Lucario moved around it, striking with Bone Rush when the charge passed and Aura Sphere when distance opened. Hugh grinned when Bouffalant nearly caught Lucario's side.

"Good!" Hugh shouted. "That's the kind of strength we need!"

Lucario's meaning came steady beneath the rush. "His anger is pointed at an old wound."

"I know," I whispered under my breath.

Lucario ended the match with one clean Aura Sphere after Bouffalant overcommitted.

Hugh's final Pokémon was Samurott. Seeing it made my own Samurott's Poké Ball shake, probably offended by the idea of being compared.

I chose Serperior for the final match.

Hugh's Samurott attacked with direct water force, blades flashing with every step. Serperior moved like a ribbon over the sand, dodging, binding space with vines, and striking only when Hugh's commands pulled Samurott too far forward.