1. Ash's Story (Part 9: Alola)

Chapter 31: The Flailing and the Fleeing

Morning light spilled across Route 8 as we left the Aether Base behind, and the road looked rougher than it had the night before. The sea wind carried the smell of salt over the cliffs, while broken stones, tall grass, and old tire tracks made the path feel half wild and half built.

Snowy rested in Lillie's arms with her ears relaxed, and I was glad to see her breathing easily again. Lillie still checked on her every few minutes, but Snowy nudged her wrist with a soft, steady look, its meaning clear, "I am all right now."

"That is good enough for me," Lillie whispered, smiling as she stroked Snowy's fur. "But I am still going to be careful with you today."

Trenor walked near the front with Mudbray, studying the ground instead of rushing ahead. Selene kept Popplio close and let Grubbin ride on her shoulder, while Nate sketched the cliffs in a small notebook. Rosa watched the road with Liepard beside her, pretending she was only bored.

Kiawe had stayed with us since the volcano trial, saying Route 8 had enough rough ground to deserve an Akala guide. Mallow and Sophocles had met us near the base that morning, both eager to walk part of the road before Mallow led us toward Lush Jungle.

A rustle came from the grass beside the road, and Pikachu's ears lifted at once. Lillie slowed, I raised one hand, and a round pink-and-black Pokémon toddled into view with both arms spread wide.

The little Pokémon stared at us with shining eyes. Its body looked soft enough to hug, and even Rosa's carefully cool expression cracked when it tilted its head. Lillie pressed both hands to her cheeks, but she did not rush forward.

"It is adorable," Lillie said quietly. "But I remember what Professor Burnet told us. Cute Pokémon can still be dangerous if they feel scared."

The little Pokémon gave a tiny stomp, waving both arms as if warning us not to come closer. Pikachu stayed at my side instead of startling it, and Stufful's eyes flicked from Pikachu to Snowy to Mudbray.

Rotom floated closer, careful to keep distance. Its screen blinked as it scanned the Pokémon, and the shared record chimed softly.

Pokédex Entry Updated — Ash and Lillie's Shared Alola Record

Stufful, the Flailing Pokémon. Normal/Fighting type. Despite its adorable appearance, its powerful flailing can knock even trained adults sprawling.

Stufful took the chime as a challenge. It stamped again, then charged with a surprising burst of speed. I barely had time to move before it swung both arms in a wild circle, knocking loose stones away from the path.

"Pikachu, dodge back," I called. "Do not hit too hard. It is scared, not mean."

Pikachu sprang away, and Stufful spun with another flailing swing. The force was stronger than its size suggested. It clipped a fallen branch, sent it tumbling into the road, and made Sophocles yelp as Togedemaru rolled behind his legs.

Mallow crouched with her hands open. "There are tracks everywhere. Maybe it got separated from someone, or maybe the road crews scared it."

Lillie looked at me and nodded. "Ash, if we battle it, we need to show it that we can handle its strength without hurting it."

"I know," I said. "Mudbray, will you help us keep the ground steady?"

Mudbray stepped forward from our side of the team, snorting once before lowering its head. Stufful charged again, but Mudbray dug its hooves into the dirt and met the rush with a controlled shoulder block, stopping the little Pokémon without throwing it backward.

Stufful blinked, surprised that someone had held firm. Then it twisted and swung both arms in a dark, sweeping arc. Mudbray braced as the blow passed over its shoulder, and the air around Stufful flashed with rough dark energy.