Chapter 132: A Free Ride

Muk is notoriously difficult to teach Body Slam, but Ash’s Muk had mastered it, and it was one of its signature moves.

However, just as Muk surged forward, cloaked in Normal-type energy to deliver the blow, it suddenly found that a Cofagrigus had taken the place beneath it! Muk passed straight through the body of the "Cofagrigus," its Normal-type energy and physical form failing to make any contact at all.

Simultaneously, Kingler’s claw shimmered with a blade of condensed Water-type energy, the entire limb resembling a giant pair of blue-glowing shears. The effect of Razor Shell is to form a blade out of water energy; because it typically manifests on shells or carapaces, it earned its name. Used by Kingler, however, it was more like a "shell shear." Seeing its target suddenly transform into a Cofagrigus, Kingler was startled, but there was no turning back. With a sharp "clang," the shell shear clamped down on the Cofagrigus.

Kingler didn't inflict much damage; Water-type moves aren't super effective against Cofagrigus, and the Pokémon possessed high physical defense, further bolstered by Reflect. Instead, the Cofagrigus seized the opportunity to open its lid, extending bandages to bind Kingler’s claw! This was the effect of its ability, and until Kingler could break free, its own ability would be nullified.

But that was no longer important. At the critical moment, Coffin had used a masterful Switcheroo to swap places with Rhydon, safely tanking the Razor Shell and ignoring the Body Slam to protect the output-focused Rhydon. Had they been hit by the super-effective Water-type Razor Shell and Muk’s signature Body Slam simultaneously, Rhydon might not have held up.

But now, Rhydon—having been swapped to safety and avoiding the attacks—was ready. With a heavy stomp, the familiar massive rocks came crashing down. The Cofagrigus weathered the assault, and Kingler and Muk lost their final chance to turn the tide. Another Rock Slide buried them, rendering both of Ash’s Pokémon unable to battle.

"Kingler and Muk are unable to battle! Ash, please send out another Pokémon... or forfeit," Professor Cerise prompted.

Ash was down to his Charizard, which was not in peak condition and refused to obey him; releasing it now wouldn't change the outcome. After a moment of hesitation, Ash raised his hand to signal his surrender. If it had been Pikachu or another obedient Pokémon, he would have fought to the end, but Charizard would only charge recklessly and get hurt for nothing.

"Arm wins!" Professor Cerise announced.

Goh grumbled on the sidelines, clearly dissatisfied, muttering about "cheap tricks" and how "nobody would like that kind of style." Brock walked over, patted Ash on the shoulder as he pulled his cap low, and said, "If this were a formal tournament, you'd still have the singles matches!"

Well, a "slim" chance. In a formal tournament, Arm would have eight points from the doubles match, and Ash would have two points for knocking out Exeggutor. If Ash swept the singles, he could earn nine points for a total of eleven. He would need to "shut out" Arm entirely to win 11-8. If Arm defeated even one of his Pokémon, the score would become 11-11, resulting in a draw, and under the rules, the winner of the doubles match would take the overall victory.

Arm mentally reviewed the battle, feeling everything had gone according to plan, and decided to write a detailed log that evening. Just then, the field was flooded with a brilliant white light. Rhydon, having just finished off its opponents, was glowing with the light of evolution. Within the radiance, its silhouette shifted from a quadruped to the upright, bipedal stance of a Tyrannosaurus-like creature. When the light faded, it had evolved into Rhydon—or rather, Rhyperior.

Ash, who had been dejected by his loss, instantly regained his enthusiasm upon seeing the evolution; he didn't need any comfort at all. Professor Cerise invited Arm to stay for dinner, and Arm didn't stand on ceremony, contacting Misty to let her know not to wait for him. During dinner, the Professor brought up the "haunting" incidents, mentioning that while Gengar and Clefable were boarded there, he would have them help out, and he wanted to clear this with Arm first. It seemed the Professor didn't intend to house them in the Cerise Park—the enclosed habitat outside the lab—but rather inside the building. As Ghost and Fairy-type Pokémon, Gengar and Clefable preferred the interior to the wild, especially since a "little one" was waiting for them there.

When it was time to return to the Pokémon Center after dinner, Arm awkwardly realized one thing: he no longer had a Rhydon to ride! The evolved Rhyperior was far too large and bulky for that. Since the laboratory was located on the outskirts of the city, hailing a cab wasn't easy. Seeing Arm reach for a Poké Ball only to put it away again, Professor Cerise kindly offered, "It’s getting late, and there’s plenty of room in my lab..."

The laboratory was attached to the Professor's home, so there was no shortage of guest rooms. However, Arm shook his head, saying, "Thank you for the hospitality, but it's still early; I won't impose." It was only just past dusk.

"Ren, why don't you take Arm back to the Pokémon Center on your way?" The Professor didn't press the issue.

In the end, Arm hitched a ride with Ren. Ren was the Professor’s assistant, whose perpetually messy blonde hair gave him a somewhat disheveled air. "I didn't realize you lived so far away," Arm remarked halfway through the drive.

"Oh... I usually stay at the lab," Ren replied, then added, fearing Arm might feel guilty for being a burden, "I just have some things to deliver to Guchi High School for the Professor, so it's on the way back to the city."

"High school?" Arm asked, surprised. "Does Professor Cerise have other children?"

"No... well, not exactly." Ren, realizing his explanation was becoming convoluted, stammered, "They’re children of relatives, I suppose."

"I see." Arm clearly didn't intend to pry further.

When they arrived at Guchi High School, Arm helped Ren unload the items—two large suitcases. "Wait, Guchi isn't a boarding school, is it?" Arm wondered aloud. If these weren't for school use, wouldn't it be easier to deliver them home?

"Ah... well... haha," Ren laughed awkwardly. Suddenly, he seemed to spot someone in the crowd of students leaving for the day and hurried over. "Yohei, over here... where is Hanado?"

Arm: ...