After parting ways with Korrina at Geosenge town, our heroes continue on their journey to Shalour City. The late-morning sun slanted through the forest canopy, dappling the path ahead in shifting patches of gold. Ash and his friends slowed their pace when a soft rustle reached their ears. Ahead, in a small clearing, a Sentret, Pachirisu, and Patrat were working together beneath a berry tree.
Sentret, balanced carefully on its springy tail, shook loose the ripe fruit. Pachirisu darted forward with lightning speed to scoop up the fallen berries in its tiny paws, while Patrat organized them into a tidy pile. Their rhythm was seamless, almost like a well-practiced dance.
Serena smiled. "They're working so hard together."
"They really are," Clemont agreed, adjusting his glasses.
Ash grinned, but kept his voice down. "We shouldn't bother them. Let's keep moving."
The group quietly left the clearing, careful not to disturb the trio. But they hadn't gone far when a shrill cry split the air, followed by a thunderous roar.
"That sounded like trouble!" Bonnie gasped.
They spun around and raced back. The clearing that had been so peaceful moments ago was now chaos: a massive Ursaring had barged in, towering over the smaller Pokémon. With a guttural growl, it swiped a huge claw through the berry pile, scattering fruit in all directions. Sentret squeaked in terror, Pachirisu's fur bristled, and Patrat tried bravely to stand its ground, but Ursaring's eyes glinted with menace.
"Pikachu, let's help them out!" Ash called, pointing toward the scene.
"Pika!" Pikachu leapt from his shoulder, electricity sparking across his cheeks.
But before Pikachu could make a move, a sharp cry echoed overhead. Something blurred across the canopy—a figure soaring gracefully from branch to branch until it landed high atop a tree.
A Hawlucha.
Its striking silhouette was framed against the sunlight, wings flared, body poised like a champion entering the ring. And atop its face rested a brilliantly colored mask.
Ash's eyes lit up, already pulling out his Pokédex. The device buzzed to life, rattling off Hawlucha's details as Ash stared in awe.
With a dramatic flourish, Hawlucha removed its mask, revealing its true fierce gaze. Then, without hesitation, it dove.
"Lucha!"
The impact was immediate. Hawlucha slammed into Ursaring with a bone-rattling Karate Chop, forcing the bear-like Pokémon to stagger backward. Ursaring roared in rage and retaliated with a swipe, but Hawlucha nimbly leapt aside and countered with a dazzling High Jump Kick that knocked Ursaring flat onto its back.
"Whoa!" Ash's eyes shone. "That was incredible!"
Serena clasped her hands. "It's so strong, and graceful!"
"Talk about a dramatic entrance," Clemont murmured, half in awe, half in analysis.
Victorious, Hawlucha bounded up the nearest tree and struck a bold, victorious pose, chest out and wings spread wide.
A man stepped into the clearing just then, his voice calm but knowing. "That's Hawlucha's signature."
The group turned as he approached, tall and broad-shouldered, a ranger's satchel slung across his chest.
"Who are you?" Ash asked.
"Name's Keaton," the man replied. "I watch over these woods." He glanced upward at Hawlucha, a faint smile on his face. "Hawlucha always does its victory pose before launching into its finishing move."
As if on cue, Hawlucha leapt from the tree, wings angled, body spinning into its signature attack.
But Ursaring, still groaning on the ground, rolled aside at the last second. Hawlucha hit earth with a crash, sending up a plume of dirt and dust. It lay dazed, wings twitching. Ursaring, fury rekindled, seized a massive boulder with its claws and raised it high above its head.
"Hawlucha!" Serena cried.
Ash darted forward, throwing his arm out. "Not this time! Pikachu, Iron Tail!"
Pikachu's tail gleamed silver as it leapt high and struck the boulder. The stone split apart with a sharp crack, fragments flying. Several chunks slammed into Ursaring, making it stagger before it turned tail and lumbered back into the forest with a furious roar.
Ash hurried to Hawlucha's side, kneeling beside the dazed fighter. "You okay?" he asked gently, reaching out. Hawlucha blinked up at him, shook itself, then pushed Ash's hand away, not unkindly, but with proud independence. With a leap, it retreated to the trees once more, vanishing into the canopy.
Ash stood, eyes burning with excitement. "That Hawlucha was amazing..."
Beside him, Keaton folded his arms. "You're interested in it, eh? Hawlucha's always been the forest's champion. Strong, proud, and a little stubborn. But..." He glanced at Ash, as if measuring him. "There's more to it than you saw today."
"Please!" Ash leaned in eagerly. "Tell us more!"
[Line Break]
Keaton led the group through winding trails until the forest opened into a small clearing. Nestled at its center stood a rustic log cabin, smoke curling lazily from the chimney. The smell of woodfire and pine lingered in the air.
Inside, warmth wrapped around them like a blanket. The crackling fireplace cast a soft glow across the cabin's walls, lined with maps of the forest and bundles of herbs hanging to dry. Keaton poured steaming cups of a herbal brew into simple wooden mugs and set them on the table.
"Here," he said, sliding one toward Ash. "It'll take the chill off."
"Thanks," Ash replied, wrapping his hands around the mug. Pikachu hopped onto the table and sniffed curiously at the steam before sneezing and bouncing back into Ash's lap.
Once everyone was settled, they formally introduced themselves. Ash's voice was as eager as ever when he told Keaton about his dream of becoming a Pokémon Master. Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie followed, their introductions polite and genuine.
Keaton nodded thoughtfully. "You've got quite the group here." He took a slow sip of his drink before continuing, his gaze turning toward the window that looked out into the forest. "Hawlucha wasn't always the champion you saw today. When it first arrived, this forest was home to many strong Fighting-types. Machoke, Hitmonlee, even Primeape."
Bonnie leaned forward, wide-eyed. "That sounds like a lot of tough Pokémon!"
Keaton smiled faintly. "It was. But Hawlucha... it challenged them all. One by one, it defeated each of them in battle. Fair fights, always. That's how it earned the name we call it now: the Forest Champion."
Ash's eyes shone, the words striking something deep inside him. "So it's not just strong, but it's respected."
"That's right," Keaton said, setting down his mug. "But even champions have their flaws. Hawlucha's pride is both its greatest strength and its greatest weakness."
A brief silence followed as the group absorbed his words. The fire popped, sending a small shower of sparks into the air.
Finally, Keaton rose from his chair. "Would you like to see for yourselves? Hawlucha has a place where it trains. If you're interested, I'll take you there."
Ash shot up to his feet without hesitation. "Of course! Let's go!"
Serena and Clemont exchanged a smile at his enthusiasm, and Bonnie bounced to her feet beside Dedenne.
Keaton chuckled softly, pulling on his heavy cloak. "Then follow me. You'll understand Hawlucha a little better once you've seen where it hones its strength."
And with that, they stepped back into the cool forest air, ready to discover the heart of the Forest Champion's domain.
[Line Break]
Keaton led the group along a winding path until the trees parted to reveal a clearing carved by a tall, thundering waterfall. Mist danced in the sunlight, scattering tiny rainbows across the glistening rocks.
There, poised at the very edge of a stone outcrop, stood Hawlucha. It spread its wings dramatically, striking its signature pose before launching skyward. With a fierce cry, it tucked in its body and dove, slamming into the ground in a practiced attempt at its finishing move.
"That's incredible," Serena whispered, eyes wide.
Ash, however, stepped forward eagerly, his grin stretching from ear to ear. "Hey, Hawlucha!" he called. The Pokémon turned, sharp eyes narrowing curiously.
"I'm Ash, from Pallet Town," he said, pumping his fist with determination. "That move you were trying—that's Flying Press, right? If you're trying to perfect it, let me help!"
Serena blinked in disbelief. "Ash... are you saying you want it to use the move on you?"
Clemont pushed his glasses up nervously. "Ash, this sounds... scientifically reckless."
But Ash was already dragging a heavy log into place. "It's fine! Pikachu and I train like this all the time. Right, buddy?"
"Pika pika!" Pikachu chirped, though his ears flicked with mild unease.
Hawlucha cocked its head, then leapt into the air with a mighty cry, wings spread wide in its trademark flourish. It tucked in, diving fast—Flying Press! Ash braced behind the log, only to roll away at the last second. Hawlucha struck the wood with bone-shaking force, splintering it slightly but missing Ash completely.
"Not bad! Let's go again!" Ash encouraged, his eyes sparkling.
Hawlucha repeated the move once, twice, thrice—but no matter how precise its form, Ash dodged or redirected each attempt. Frustration flashed in the Pokémon's eyes, its cry sharp as it landed, wings tense with irritation.
On the fourth attempt, Ash's attention slipped. A leaf drifted lazily down in front of him, spinning as it caught the wind. His gaze sharpened. That spin... it makes it faster. It's like the spinning dd back in Sinnoh.
His mind clicked into place. "Hawlucha!" Ash called out, pointing upward. "I've got it! Your battling style is awesome! You don't change that! But when you dive, start spinning. It'll make you faster, and your opponent won't see it coming!"
Hawlucha's eyes gleamed with recognition. It spread its wings again, preparing to test the new idea. Serena rushed to Ash's side after his last tumble, worry creasing her brow.
"Ash, are you okay?"
He laughed, brushing dirt off his jacket. "I'm fine. Trust me, this'll work."
Hawlucha crouched, wings raised, body tensing with anticipation as it prepared to launch itself into the air. The mist from the falls swirled dramatically around it—
—and then the ground shook.
A low, guttural roar rumbled from the trees, silencing the clearing. From the shadows stepped a towering figure: a Machamp, its four arms crossed over its chest, eyes locked on Hawlucha. The Forest Champion froze mid-pose, its expression sharpening.
"Machamp..." Keaton muttered gravely, his hand tightening on his staff. "It's back."
Ash looked from the newcomer to Hawlucha. He didn't know what was about to happen, but the tension crackling in the air told him one thing. This wasn't just a battle. This was a challenge.
[Line Break]
The roar echoed across the clearing, and the group turned as Ursaring lumbered back into view. This time it wasn't alone. At its side strode a hulking Conkeldurr, concrete pillars dragging furrows through the dirt, and behind them—larger, more imposing than both—was Machamp. Its four arms flexed as it stepped into the mist, the air itself seeming to ripple with its presence.
Keaton's expression hardened. "So it's true... Machamp has returned. It used to be the Forest Champion, long before Hawlucha. But when Hawlucha defeated it, Machamp vanished into the mountains to train. Looks like it's ready to reclaim its title."
Ash clenched his fists, his eyes fixed on the standoff. "So it's a battle for who really deserves to be the champion of this forest..."
Hawlucha's gaze sharpened, feathers bristling with intensity. It spread its wings in its proud, dramatic pose and leapt toward Machamp without hesitation. With a fierce cry, it struck with a flurry of Karate Chops, each blow aimed with precision and pride.
Machamp didn't move. It stood like a mountain, chest forward, arms crossed, letting every strike land without so much as a flinch. Dust rose from the ground with each impact, but Machamp's expression never changed.
"Why isn't it fighting back?" Serena whispered, holding her hands to her chest.
Keaton's eyes narrowed. "It's sizing Hawlucha up. Testing its strength... and its heart."
Hawlucha's cries grew louder as it redoubled its assault, feathers flashing in the light. But suddenly, before it could launch its next attack, Ursaring charged from the side with a furious roar. Conkeldurr followed, swinging one of its massive pillars down.
"Not fair!" Bonnie cried out, stamping her foot.
The two bullies slammed Hawlucha to the ground, pinning it beneath their combined strength. Hawlucha struggled, its wings thrashing, but Conkeldurr pressed its pillar harder, forcing the proud fighter down.
Ash started forward. "Hawlucha!"
But before he could move another step, Machamp's eyes flared with anger. With a speed that belied its size, the four-armed titan lunged. One mighty arm grabbed Ursaring by the scruff, the other two caught Conkeldurr's wrists, and with a devastating twist, Machamp hurled both Pokémon aside.
"Ma-CHAMP!" it roared, slamming its fists into the earth. The ground shook, sending the two bullies tumbling unconscious into the dust.
The group fell silent. Even Ash could only stare, Pikachu's ears twitching at the sheer force of the display.
Machamp stooped, lifting Ursaring and Conkeldurr's limp forms—one under each arm. Its expression softened ever so slightly as it turned back to Hawlucha, who was pushing itself shakily to its feet.
The two locked eyes. No words were exchanged, but the meaning was clear. Their fight wasn't finished—not here, not yet.
With a final nod, Machamp carried the fainted bullies off into the forest, its silhouette fading into the mist.
Hawlucha stood tall once more, wings spread in defiance despite the scratches marring its body. The fire in its eyes hadn't dimmed, it had only grown stronger.
[Line Break]
The mist still clung to the air after Machamp's departure, but the tension in the clearing hadn't lifted. Hawlucha stood tall on a rock, chest puffed out in its proud victory pose, but its eyes lingered on Ash and Pikachu.
Ash stepped forward, fists clenched with determination. "Hawlucha, you're incredible. The way you fought to protect this forest, the way you never gave up. I'd be honored if you joined my team."
Hawlucha's wings spread wide, and with a sharp cry, it leaned into a battle-ready stance.
Serena gasped softly. "It's... challenging him."
Ash grinned. "Heh, I get it. You won't just join any Trainer. You need to test me first. Alright, let's do this! Froakie, I choose you!"
Froakie leapt forward, landing lightly on the grass, eyes narrowing at its new opponent.
"Let's start strong! Froakie, Water Pulse!"
A sphere of rippling water shot from Froakie's hands. Hawlucha dodged gracefully, wings slicing through the air, before soaring forward with a High Jump Kick.
"Double Team, let's go!" Ash called.
Illusions of Froakie blinked into existence, scattering in all directions. Hawlucha's kick cut through nothing but air, forcing it to twist mid-flight and land hard.
"Now, Bubble!"
A spray of bubbles filled the air, bursting against Hawlucha's wings and chest. The Fighting-type staggered, shaking them off, and launched into another blinding High Jump Kick. Froakie barely dodged, springing high into the air.
"Grab it!" Ash shouted.
Froakie lunged, arms outstretched, but Hawlucha twisted at the last moment. Froakie sailed past, landing with a splash in the stream at the base of the clearing.
"Froakie, don't give up! Jump out with Double Team!"
Froakie burst from the water, scattering more shimmering clones around the battlefield. They all charged in unison, and Ash pointed. "Go in for Pound!"
Hawlucha's eyes locked on the real Froakie. With a powerful kick of its legs, it shot forward, slicing through the illusions. Its body twisted midair into a perfect spiral, the newly honed Flying Press.
"Froakie, counter with Pound!" Ash cried.
The two collided in a thunderous impact. Froakie's fist drove forward just as Hawlucha slammed down with its spinning strike. The force shook the ground, throwing up dust and scattering leaves into the air.
When the dust settled, both Pokémon lay on the ground, unmoving.
Ash ran forward, dropping to his knees beside Froakie. "You were amazing," he said softly, returning his Pokémon to its Poké Ball. He looked up at Hawlucha, who stirred, slowly rising back onto one knee.
Ash smiled. "And you... you've perfected Flying Press. That was awesome, Hawlucha."
Hawlucha's eyes shone with pride. It gave one final pose, chest out and wings spread, before stepping toward Ash.
But before the decision could be made, the forest rustled again. Machamp returned, looming at the edge of the clearing.
Serena and Clemont tensed, but Keaton stepped forward calmly. "Don't worry. Machamp only came to watch." He turned to Hawlucha, his voice gentle. "This forest will be fine, even without you here. If your heart tells you to go with Ash, then go."
Hawlucha froze, glancing between Keaton, the forest behind it, and Ash standing tall with Pikachu at his side. With a proud cry, Hawlucha tapped Ash's Poké Ball.
Click.
Ash held the ball close to his chest, beaming. "Welcome to the team, Hawlucha! I promise, we'll give you all the battles you could ever want."
Keaton gave a small smile, his weathered face softening. "Treat him well, Ash. He'll grow stronger with you than he ever could alone."
The group waved goodbye as the caretaker disappeared into the trees. Ash looked down at the Poké Ball in his hand, his grin wide and determined. Another partner, another friend. His journey had grown even brighter.
AS THE JOURNEY CONTINUES!
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