Pokemon: Alola Journey VOL 1 - The Trials of Sarah

by Snow Nadder

In the Alola Region, Sarah attends her first day at the Pokemon School where she meets Ash, Pikachu and their friends. With her pokemon, Sarah will take on the Island Challenge along with Ash, but while doing the Island Challenge, Sarah discovers there may be more to her than meets the eye.

68. Chapter 67: Interlude 3: Sun and Moon

It was now late autumn in the Alola Region and things have gotten pretty wild for Sarah and her class when they returned to Alola from Galar. The news about the Darkest Day and Sarah's demonstration match with Leon at the Champion Cup had spread across the world and once everyone in Alola found out about their Power Rangers team being a crucial part in helping to stop the terrible event from happening, they arrived home to a hero's welcome.

Out of all of them, Sarah was given the most praise from everyone as she, Tsukumaro, Leon, Victor, Hop, and Gloria along with their Pokemon and her dragons had played a huge part in stopping Eternatus from enacting his revenge against humanity and ended Rose's plans involving him for Galar's future. Naturally, James and Nikki and their partners fretted over her and the others' safety regarding the Darkest Day incident but nevertheless.

Before the gang left for home in Alola and when the Champion Cup had ended, however, their new Galar friends gave them gifts and Galar souvenirs as thanks for the time they spent together throughout the near-two-weeks time they've spent learning and having fun while helping to save the world again with Kukui planning to send Ash's souvenirs to his mother and Mimey back in Pallet Town.

Sarah was given back the Master Ball containing Eternatus by Prof. Magnolia with a warning to supervise him at all costs to ensure he fully rehabilitates himself to the world and his hatred for humanity is fully quelled, which she accepted. Leon gratefully handed her two Pokeballs containing two fossil Pokemon that have been revived and would be needing a trainer such as her which she accepted grandly. But, the biggest surprise came from Gloria, Hop, and Victor when they gave her a Pokeball that had a star sticker courtesy of them as a farewell present until they meet again. She was told by them that it contained a Pokemon they found someone in the Isle of Armor during their research trip for their final project.

Additionally, since it was a surprise to her by them as their own way of saying "thank you" and "see you again" until their next meeting, the princess was not allowed to reveal what it is until she got home to the Alola Region. So, after her and the others' hero's welcome and the party that followed, Sarah and her family returned home and she finally decided it was time to reveal what Pokemon Gloria, Hop, and Victor had gotten her from the Isle of Armor.

Amazingly, and to her shock and surprise, the Pokemon was a giant simian resembling a mandrill or baboon with coarse black fur and pattered grey fur along its chest and belly. Its upper snout, palms, and rings around its eyes are devoid of fur and its skin is a light gray while the fur along the sides of its face angle into wing-sized crests along the sides of its eyes. The Pokemon's eyes have red sclerae, green irises, and black slitted pupils, and its teeth are pointed while its canines are visible when its mouth is closed. Finally, four large prehensile vines make up the bands on its wrists and a green streak on the back of its neck along with a spot on the soles of its feet, allowing it to shoot the vines from any mentioned part of its body. This was the Mythical Pokemon of Galar, Zarude: the Rogue Monkey Pokemon.

---

In addition, Burnet, Wicke, Faba, and Lusamine were all so impressed by Sarah managing to capture Eternatus to officially end the second Darkest Day and in gratitude for saving the world again, they offered to have Raboot, Arctozolt, and Cufant graduate early from Aether Paradise and become the newest members of her growing Pokemon family as a welcome-home present of congratulations. The four of them were also relieved to know that Stufful was doing well ever since they heard that she helped in stopping Rose and Team Eclipse Sarah got to Eternatus.

Sarah was amazed by this but then she discovered a big problem: her adopted parents' backyard is now too small to accommodate all the Pokemon she has.

This problem also extended to the dragons since they wouldn't be able to squeeze into the backyard as well without getting crushed. The growing pain of it was made apparent when the three scientists and Lusamine came to visit her and drop off Cufant, Raboot, and Arctozolt after the party and they took a look at the size of the backyard when she told them of her snag.

"Boy, it sure used to be so big when you didn't have so much Pokemon on you," commented Burnet, after being told she now has 54 Pokemon on her with 19 dragons to boot. "Makes me wonder if you're some sort of Pokemon and dragon magnet."

"It's nothing like that, Professor, but I sure wish I could figure out how to keep them in my backyard. Where do you think we can have them all live?" asked Sarah. "I don't them all squashed together here or in the house if I want to have my Pokemon play and relax with us outside their balls. There's gotta be a way for me to accommodate them without worrying about a lack of space, especially Eternatus since he's the biggest Pokemon I got right now."

Burnet nodded in agreement; it's hard enough with Sarah and her family having so many Pokemon and take care of and over fifty Pokemon and dragon mouths to feed but with her backyard being so limited in size, there's only so many creatures of both kinds that it can have before the worst happens.

But then, she gave a sly grin towards Wicke, who shared her grin as if they had already taken her major issue into account with something that they and their best technicians worked closely with Grid Battleforce's best workers ever since the Aether Foundation's Power Rangers project went into fruition after Lusamine was rescued and Team Eclipse's first attacks on Sarah became a growing pain itself.

"Funny you should mention that, Sarah. We've been planning for that since we started our ranger program and we managed to build it with Grid Battleforce's best workers while you're all learning and having fun in Galar," Wicke spoke up.

"What do you mean?" asked Sarah, confused by Wicke's words.

It wasn't until she and her family along with some of their Pokemon currently out were brought over to the left side of their house that Lusamine, Wicke, Faba, and Burnet revealed to them the secret project they and Grid Battleforce had in the works and created during the kids and Tsukumaro's Galar trip. Their friends were also brought in to see what it would be like for her and her Pokemon and the sight of it made everybody's jaws, barring those of the proud scientists and Lusamine, completely drop to the ground in absolute shock. The Pokemon seeing the project also couldn't help but gasp or be in stunned silence over what they saw before them.

"What the-?!"

"What is this?!"

"Great Galloping Ponytas!"

"Marone!"

"WHOA!"

"How did you-?!"

"No way!"

"This is amazing!"

"I can't believe you guys created this while we're in Galar!"

"Mother, what is this?!" cried everyone in pure shock and in sheer disbelief over what they saw.

Lusamine, Wicke, and Burnet had to chuckle at everyone's reactions to the completed project for Sarah. On the left side of her family's house, there was a separate large covered dome on a sturdy platform supported by a reinforced sea platform that connected it to the house by a covered hallway large enough for her, Nikki, James, Tsukumaro, and most of her Pokemon to enter the dome. Nobody knew what to make of the dome at first sight as they never expected a giant collaboration of something so colossal between Grid Battleforce and the Aether Foundation.

"Sarah, allow us to introduce you and your family to your Pokemon and dragons' new home, the Pokemon Dragon Heart Dome," presented Lusamine, gesturing to the large dome. "This is the newest extension of your home, made specifically for your Pokemon and dragons. With you catching, finding, and being given so many Pokemon and after finding those dragons, it became clear to us that they need a new and large home to live in."

"Your Pokemon would always prefer to spend time with you outside of their balls and your dragons would often find an excuse to be by your side as we've all known since your family started growing to include Pokemon such as Nebby and the Eevee Squad. But, as we watched your family grow time after time with each new Pokemon you have, it became clear that they needed a place of their own so each of them could live here while a select group of your choice can be with you depending on the time of the day, week, month, or year."

"When Rotom-Dex sent us the data involving Eternatus registered in his databanks after you captured him, we knew that he would need a new home that would accommodate his gigantic size and your home and backyard wouldn't be adequate of a place for him to stay," added Faba. "Thus, we've been planning this dome ever since we started our foundation's Power Rangers division and when we finally got to building it, we reached out to Commander Shaw and her team from Grid Battleforce to collaborate with us and make it with our technological prowess and an abundance of Morph-X energy to power it."

"We specifically designed it to house all of the Pokemon and dragons you have on you or may catch and train in the future given your stroke of luck," smiled Burnet before she, Wicke, Lusamine, and Faba went inside to go into the dome. "And, if you thought it looks crazy on the outside, just wait until you look at what we and Grid Battleforce have whipped up inside."

The others, Sarah, and her family went inside to check out the interior of the Pokemon Dragon Heart Dome and sure enough, just when they thought they'd seen everything when looking at the dome's exterior as they crossed the hallway and into the dome, its interior was just as impressive, if not, more so. Everyone screamed and gasped in shock as the dome's interior was a huge conservation area with multiple environments like Aether Paradise but made larger for Sarah's Pokemon and dragon family.

The eastern and western wings were decorated with large trees that are used for shade, the northwestern side was covered in grasslands, the southeastern spot was basically a desert area while the southwestern side was a rainforest, and finally, the northern area of the dome is a snowy tundra with all the environments connected by a larger lake at the center with a river running through the entire place and each of the areas.

There were even several feeding and grooming stations that were built and accommodated for Sarah's dragons based on the same stations created for and shown in HTTYD 2. The feeding stations were each set on an overhanging stone basin in which fish and berries would be released into and eaten for the dragons and Pokemon should they eat when they please and Sarah noticed there are smaller copper side bowls that can be used to place any fish and berries in various size portions depending on their appetites. The larger cavitate was that there was a large bowl holding several fish and berries that have been fished out, bought and made fresh from a fish market, or harvested in berry fields, raised at about 13 ft. high and large enough to fit a whole dragon in it. In addition, next to it are smaller side dish bowls on the stations' lower levels for the short and smaller Pokemon to have their meals.

The feeding stations were really impressive on their own but the grooming stations were just as well-detailed and elegant. They were each put in their own little domed, open-sided huts containing pools of water and a rotating rock wheel acting like waterwheels in a water mill. The rooves of the huts are shingled with green tiles and in those conditions, Sarah could tell that she can bathe, groom, and exfoliate her Pokemon and dragons at any time before they can choose to dry themselves up on over hot coals and allow the dragons to shed their scales.

"I...love it!" breathed Sarah, already in love with the place as her eyes twinkled at the dome's areas.

"Wow!" gasped James in amazement.

"Oh, it's wonderful!" cried Nikki, never having seen anything like the dome and its interior.

"Well, I'll be a Mankey's uncle!" added Tsukumaro, greatly impressed as a majority of Sarah's Pokemon and younger dragons rushed over to their chosen areas to play and have fun on it while the other Pokemon and dragons watched with the humans. "It's definitely similar to Aether Paradise's conservation area but I never thought this beast of a contraption could be like this. It's perfect for the princess' Pokemon and the dragons."

"Hey, maybe our Pokemon should check the place out, too!" suggested Ash.

"Yeah, Ash! They'll all probably like it just as well! We can have them play here whenever we crash at Sarah's place for another sleepover!" agreed Mallow.

"Good idea!" nodded Lana happily.

"This will be a blast! Go ahead and play, Togedemaru, Charjabug!" cried Sophocles, eagerly seeing his Pokemon join Sarah's younger and smaller family members.

"You too, Pyroar, Turtonator!" smirked Kiawe, pointing his partners to join the group and play.

"Go right ahead, everyone!" cheered Lillie, she and her friends allowing all their Pokemon to join in on the fun and take in the sights and sounds of the dome's interior for themselves.

"Looks like a couple of somebodies are enjoying themselves," remarked Nikki with a smile.

"Let's hope Eternatus doesn't cause too much trouble now that he's mine," pondered Sarah, worriedly sending the Gigantic Pokemon (in his original form) out of the Master Ball.

"What do you want and where am I?" he questioned gently yet suspiciously.

"You're in our family's new Pokemon Dragon Heart Dome. This will be your new home from now on, Eternatus," explained Sarah. "I thought it would do you a world of good to feel at peace in Alola and Grid Battleforce and the Aether Foundation built this for us and the rest of my Pokemon and my dragons to live in so that I wouldn't have to worry about them crowding all of Alola."

Eternatus growled over the idea of being treated like a baby and a pet but restrained himself, understandably having doubts about his rehabilitation and being under Sarah's ownership and jurisdiction.

"Hmph! Well, I've no doubt this is going to be pointless of a maneuver you filthy vermin. If you think this is going to help end my loathing of all humanity, you got another thing coming," spat Eternatus with a low grunt. "If you don't want any trouble, I suggest you leave me alone and don't try to talk to me unless you have a good reason for doing so."

Faba, Burnet, and Wicke along with the others were surprised over Eternatus' blunt nature and lack of faith in Sarah fueled by his ongoing hatred for humanity as he left to brood in isolation away from everyone else but Lusamine pondered thoughtfully, thinking back to everything she had been told and what Sarah was to do now that she's Eternatus' trainer. Like Prof. Magnolia, once she was told about the princess' plan, she also had her doubts over whether or not the Gigantic Pokemon's rehabilitation was going to work.

"You're sure you going to do everything in your power to help Eternatus fully overcome his hatred for humanity, Sarah? The mental scars he has from that time ran really deep and I fear it may be a hopeless situation when we and Macro Cosmos under Leon's ownership would have no choice but to seal him away if he goes mad again," she wondered.

Sarah sighed but she kept a determined look as she watched Eternatus float over to a secluded spot in a giant-enough corner of the grasslands and bitterly curled up with his back turned against everyone.

"I'm sure, Lusamine. It won't be easy and I'm not sure what I'm gonna do if it does all become pointless... But, I'm not afraid of him and I'm not gonna quit on him now," she replied firmly. "I made a promise the moment I captured him to show him that humanity and the Pokemon have changed since then and there is now a lot more good of them than bad..."

"Well, at the moment, he probably doesn't want anything to do with you or us, sweetie," sighed Nikki sadly, feeling pity for Eternatus as he brooded in the grasslands.

"Kinda reminds me of how rough around the edges Silvally once was after you brought him home when Tapu Koko first gave you him," added James.

"I know he will change, it'll take just a considerable amount of time and patience and the occasional tough love thing. There's much more good in humanity now and he may deny it all he wants but if anything, I'm not gonna let him act like a big baby and ignore all that there is to know about the goodness of the world. But, I'll just have to be patient with him, baby steps all the way."

"Well, if that's what you think and are planning to do, then I got your back," said Ash, supporting her motives.

"That goes double for me and Tsareena!"

"Tsar, Tsar!" nodded Mallow and Tsareena.

"Me, too! Count me and Popplio in!" Lana agreed as Popplio barked happily while clapping her flippers.

"I'm game if you are," smiled Kiawe understandably along with Pyroar and Turtonator.

"Totally, as long as he doesn't rough the place up," nodded Sophocles in agreement.

"Sarah, no matter what happens, I'll make sure to help you take care of Eternatus and get him to overcome his problems," finished Lillie determinedly as Snowy nodded with a determined "Vul!".

Sarah smiled and nodded, "Thanks, guys, really appreciate it."

She then smiled as she looked at the Pokeballs containing the Fossil Pokemon Leon had given her. "But, right now, let's see who Leon decided to entrust me with," she continued, releasing the new Pokemon from their Pokeballs.

Upon release, two Dragon Type Pokemon from the Galar Region thought to be extinct appeared before the group. To everyone's surprise, the fossil Pokemon Leon had given him following his and Sarah's demonstration match at the Champion Cup were a revived Dracovish and a revived Electric Type counterpart of Arctozolt simply called a Dracozolt.

The first of the two, Dracovish, stood at about 7' 07" like Arctozolt but it has a roughly circular fish fossil's head with a red and white rounded triangular top plate that extended between its eyes, a dino fossil's tail and back legs (the former region ending abruptly at a circular cut-off and the legs being mostly green with two pink stripes and its feet having three red class), and a mostly-green neck with a red stripe running down the middle lined with three curved spikes on both sides. The Pokemon's mouth has three middle sharp teeth with round eyes having black rectangular pupils and two tins protruding from the bottom of its jaw. It did look cute at first sight.

The second of the Fossil Pokemon, Dracozolt, stood up at 5' 11" with a small yellow upper body with two long lightning bolt-shaped wings on its arms and a long neck connecting to its raptor-like head with closed eyes and a red spot on both cheeks. Its upper body was connected to the middle of its pink and green lower body wearing an orange and yellow circle around its neck with green legs and pink toes and stripes and a tail of the same color but with pink stripes and spikes.

"Dracovish, Vish, Vish!"

"Zolt? Zolt, Dracozolt!" the Fossil Pokemon squeaked, both of them taking in their new home.

"Fascinating!" observed Burnet, amazed. "A real Dracovish and Dracozolt, definitely not your run-of-the-mill Fossil Pokemon."

"No kidding! This is amazing, it's yet another chapter to humanity's efforts at discovering prehistoric Pokemon!" buzzed Rotom-Dex excitedly as he searched his Galar databanks, took photos of them, and found their entries. "Pokemon Archeology is a must-do for any Pokemon scientist!"

"Dracovish, the Fossil Pokemon. A Water and Dragon Type, its mightly legs are capable of running at speeds exceeding 40 mph but it's handicapped by its inability to breathe underwater. Powerful legs and jaws made it the apex predator of its time but overhunting of its own prey led to its own extinction."

"Dracozolt, the Fossil Pokemon. An Electric and Dragon Type, the powerful muscles found in its tail generate electricity. Compared to its lower body, the upper half is too small. In ancient times, this Pokemon was once unbeatable with its powerful lower body but went extinct after depleting all of its plant-based food sources."

"Awesome!"

"Pika!" gasped Ash and Pikachu in awe.

"Wow, those two must be really hungry back then if they were able to completely wipe out and eat all of their food sources," remarked Sophocles, fascinated as well.

"Toge, Togede!" chirped Togedemaru.

"Awwww!" the girls gushed seeing how cute the young and revived Dracovish is with its tiny flippers and big head.

"Look at that adorable big head Dracovish has!"

"And, look how tiny and cute its flippers are!" Mallow and Lana cooed as their eyes twinkled.

"Now, that's a powerhouse Pokemon with an interesting body shape," commented an impressed Kiawe, getting a humble blush from Dracozolt before it tried to show off, making him chuckle.

Nikki thought Dracovish looked cute as well but being a fan of Dragon Types, James immediately gushed over them as he and Dragonite went over to greet them. "Hello, my friends," he said to them. Dragonite cooed with a wave, showing that he meant no harm as a fellow Dragon Type.

Dracovish and Dracozolt replied in kind and they seemed to have taken well to the Dragon Type trainer as well... That is until Dracovish decided to greet him a step further with a loving chomp to the head. "Draco...!" it cooed from having a new friend.

"Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow! Take it easy! I know you like me but I'm not a fish, ow! Let go, stop-OW!" squealed James, trying to prying himself out of Dracovish's mouth until he did so but ended up screaming in a panic as the baby-like Fossil Pokemon chased him around the dome while everyone else (barring Faba) laughed at him.

"Oh dear, looks like little Dracovish's already taken a shine to Poor James!" laughed Wicke.

"I think he must've thought his head was like a catfish!" sniggered Burnet, unable to help herself.

"Come on, dear, you love Dragon Types so why not endear yourself to that little guy?" cackled Nikki. "Your running away hurts you more than it hurts Dracovish!"

"I DON'T SEE THE HUMOR!" snapped James angrily before he noticed Dracovish coming closer as it happily chomped and he screamed again before dashing off, trying to lose the Fossil Pokemon as it continued to run after him making everyone laugh harder.

Of course, Dracovish didn't extend its quirky affection to just James 'cause when it found some of the gang's Pokemon including Pikachu, Togedemaru, Pyroar, and Popplio, it cried happily and wanted to chomp them to say "Hi" but like with James, it got panicked screams from them and they also scrambled with James to get away from it while Ash, Kiawe, Lana, and Sophocles became alarmed and tried to stop the little Fossil Pokemon before it does anything wrong.

All the while, the others continued to laugh but Eternatus only gave a small peak at the madness happening from his resting place before he huffed and went back to sleep, his back still turned.

"Hmph, imbeciles..." he grumbled quietly before he dozed off.

---

But, the Pokemon Dragon Heart Dome wasn't the only thing that changed in the Alola Region regarding Sarah and her family; after getting a full report on the successful capture of Eternatus and hearing the ranger teams' successful handling of the second Darkest Day right down to Sarah's ownership of him, Nate and his friends back at Grid Battleforce went to work on developing new gifts for Sarah to give her and her friends an extra leg-up against Team Eclipse should they have their eyes on Eternatus eventually and to congratulate her on capturing him.

With the successful collaboration between both Grid Battleforce and the Aether Foundation, the boy genius and his team began developing more projects for the Ultra Rescue Rangers as well as their own.

One of those projects is a new gift to Sarah involving her own motorcycle; apparently, the scientists at GB had taken a keen interest in learning about Nebby given that he's not just a Pokemon but an Ultra Beast during their previous visit to Coral Harbor's Power Rangers HQ following her and the gang's first misadventure with Solar and the Ultra Rescue and Beast Morphers teams' first meeting.

When they noticed how battered up Solar had become following the second Darkest Day, Nate, Devon, and the other BM rangers asked if they could borrow the lion Beast Bot for a while and got to work on rebuilding and upgrading him by infusing him with Nebby's DNA and Morph-X to make give him a motorcycle mode known as the Beast-X Solar Rider, just for his partner. Sarah was surprised when she was brought back to Grid Battleforce a few days later and Solar showed her what he now looked like in his new motorcycle mode in a similar way as to how Cruise would operate in his own motorcycle mode but with much more advanced features that truly made him as the strongest and most versatile Beast Bot between him, Jax, Steel, Cruise, and Smash (though he thankfully didn't let his rebuild and features go into his head).

"Wow, Nate, you really went to town with him," she gasped in surprise after he revealed his new form and she took it in. "He looks great!"

"Glad you like it 'cause we have made new improvements to him that'll prove really handy for you," replied Nate proudly as he showed her Solar's new features.

"We designed his new motorcycle form based on Nebby and not only have we rebuilt him with that form in mind, but we've also taken the liberty of giving him a brand new Sky Mode that makes him into a hovercycle so he can traverse from land, sea, and air at all times. And, with Winter and Shadow's help when we asked them to come along for Solar's improvements, we've made an invisibility feature called Silent Mode for evasive maneuvers whenever you're both in the heat of battle."

"What do you think, Sarah? I'm, like, turbo-charged thanks to Nate!" put in Solar excitedly. "I feel like I can finally do anything with Nebby, Shadow, and Winter's DNA in me!"

"Looks like you'll be an even bigger help now that you're put back together and are ready for more."

"You bet! Though, I would say... Although it's nice, it's sometimes a bit much for something like a hero's treatment of this scale..."

"Are you kidding? Of course, you deserve these upgrades just as we had with our own after that madness, kid! You're a hero, too!" argued Jax excitedly. "You and Sarah are two of those that are bonkers enough to stick it to that dragon and give it a thrashing before she captured it!"

"He's right, you were also badly damaged from all those hits you've taken and there's only so much the technicians at Macro Cosmos can do with your advanced hardware and being a little fried in some areas. I think," added Cruise, nodding in agreement.

"Yeah, hoot-hoot!" agreed Smash. "I can't imagine myself taking so much punishment for some time and against a giant-sized Pokemon like Eternatus of all things!"

"Yeah, I'm impressed! With all this cool new gadgetry fitted, Solar's going to be quite the powerhouse! Maybe as strong as I am!" put in Steel, impressed.

"Let's say he's one of the best on Sarah's team thus far and the strongest and most versatile Beast Bot yet, Steel. We've also added new Gripper Claws to give him extra traction on rougher terrain and a matching backpack with other surprises and gadgets to give her and Alola's people a helping hand," smiled Nate as he directed them to a power pack attached to the back end of Solar's Motorcycle Mode. "And, to give him an improved fighting touch for self-defense, we've given him a power boost similar to the fireballs used by the Beast-X King Zord."

"Wow..." breathed Sarah in complete awe, still taking in everything Nate and the others build into Solar with his new body. "Nate, you're a mad genius."

"It's the least we could do," smiled the gold ranger.

"You fought hard against Eternatus as well as Rose and Team Eclipse," said Devon, smiling at her. "And, when they least expect it, they paid the price."

"Speaking of Rose, I wonder how Leon's getting on with his search for him and Oleana after he took over as Chairman?" Ravi asked, wondering about the whereabouts of the disgraced former Macro Cosmos chairman.

"Hopefully, they couldn't have gone far within or out of Galar. We'll know Leon will do everything in his power to extend a search warrant for him asking everyone to a sharp eye out for them," reassured Zoey before she smiled at Sarah and Solar. "But, if he shows up in Alola, you'll have the means to find him."

"Yeah, and I think I'm gonna need every single upgrade possible if we run into that freak again," agreed Solar.

"And, with what's next in store for all of us with Lothor and Team Eclipse getting more powerful by the minute, it's only fitting that we prepare you for the worst in the best way we can courtesy of Nate and our best technical agents," added Commander Shaw, smiling as she handed Sarah a box in Solar's colors.

"What is it?" Sarah asked as she took the box and opened it to reveal her personal weapons specially modeled after the Ranger Gun and Thunder Slinger from Kyoryu Sentai Zyuranger.

"Your new Beast-X King and Solgaleo Blasters. These are your personal combo weapons inspired by Solar and Nebby, a sidearm gun and power slingshot that can combine into one weapon or used separately depending on the kind of firepower you need against your foes. Not as clumsy or random as a pair of normal guns used by careless and dangerous people who flout them around and more sophisticated and fine-tuned for someone of a more trained and civilized age," explained Nate as she observed them.

"Cool, these could come in handy," admitted Sarah, greatly impressed by what she was given in addition to Solar's new body and the improvements that came with it.

She smiled at her fellow Power Rangers, thankful that she and her friends were able to have great allies and friends in them and their entire team. "Thanks, Nate, guys. I don't know what we would do without you if the Aether Foundation and Grid Battleforce hadn't partnered up for something like this."

"Aww, no sweat! Just doing what we always do as rangers!" reassured Steel as he gave her a side-hug.

"We would've done the same we had crossed paths with you earlier if Evox ever targeted any of the Pokemon regions when we were starting out," smiled Ravi.

"It's our duty as rangers, Beast Bots, and especially friends to help each out of a jam. Not only have we've been useful to each other but we've also been through a lot in a short time and gotten much stronger because of that," added Jax.

"Our lives really could've turned out differently had the Power Rangers Ultra Rescue never came into being and we're glad things turned out the way they did when Team Eclipse made their move," said Devon kindly.

Sarah could only smile as Solar nuzzled her, she was very glad to have such great friends in the Power Rangers Beast Morphers and something told her that the partnership between Grid Battleforce and the Aether Foundation was something that would last a long, long time.

With Solar rebuilt and made with those new mods and her new weapons, the little princess thought it was time to try out everything she and Solar had been given. In the battle simulator at any given and available moments, they and the others have put him to his new paces and with his improvements, he completely smoked the competition and proved himself to be a much more reliable, durable, and combat-ready robot in any and all terrains, battle conditions, and any opponent to the point when he was deemed exceptional in his markings for his performance. The once-timid Beast Bot could only holler and roar excitedly; he had been through a rough rebuild given his previous condition but he's now ready for more.

---

In addition, during her resumed private lessons with Tskumaro and the Swords of Justice at Zeraora's floral field and occasionally at the Pokemon Dragon Heart Dome, she had managed to uncover additional secrets to the Moon Shield aside from the force field she used a few times before.

While the force field was its first function, Tsukumaro explained to and showed her that it can also be used as a grappling gun for easily traversing mountain territory with a grappling hook and a practically indestructible rope that he once made back in his previous time that can support her entire weight. The Moon Shield is also revealed to work as a crossbow with both sides splitting apart to form a composite bow and can shoot magic arrows and darts and would act as a secondary bow to her Beast-X King Ultra Bow (which Nate had also built another one to have as his own weapon).

To add to that, the Moon Shield is discovered to be used and behave like a boomerang similar to Lillie's Beast-X Defender to strike her foes with long-range attacks. As with the Sun Sword, she felt it to be alive for some reason and would respond only when she's in great danger and the enhanced metal coating on it makes it durable to anything including intense heat without melting and falling apart.

One surprising feature she discovered was that while the shield is in Crossbow Mode, it can combine with the Beast-X King Ultra Bow so both weapons combined would be a double crossbow to allow for much more precise shooting and powerful blasts when needed, especially for a finisher. She didn't know when such a feature would be really useful but she couldn't wait to try it out against Team Eclipse.

To compound her discoveries about her family's second heirloom and her new gifts, the Beast Morphers rangers offered to create new armor for her dragons, to which she gratefully accepted. She'd have to wait until they were done and tested before they could be officially deployed but she knew it would all be worth it.

---

As for Zeraora, Zorua, and the Swords of Justice, when they were introduced to Raboot, Dracozolt and Arctozolt (whom both got on like soul brothers despite being two different Types apart from Dragon), Cufant, Zarude, and Dracovish, they were glad to know that Sarah was now back to her old self again and no longer plagued by fear and self-doubt as she once was following her Galar 'vacation'.

They warmed up to the five Galar newbies well although Dracovish (now made out to be a male) made too good of a first impression when he said "Hello" by happily biting on Keldeo's horn, much to the Colt Pokemon's shock and discomfort.

"OW! Hey, cut it out! My horn's not your toothpick! ARGH! Get off, will ya?! I already lost it once when it got chopped off one time! That's not a chew toy-OW! Quit it! Let g-OWCH!" he screamed in pain, trying his hardest to wrestle the newborn Fossil Pokemon off as he whined.

The others sweatdropped from seeing how "affectionate" Dracovish can be but while Cobalion seemed to be indifferent as he eyed the Fossil Pokemon and Virizion could only watch in concern for Keldeo, Terrakion had to chuckle as he saw their former student panicking from the pain he felt from Dracovish's bite.

Raboot shook his head as he groaned at the baby Fossil Pokemon and Cufant trumpeted worriedly at Dracovish to stop and let go of Keldeo while he didn't hear him, Arctozolt and Dracozolt nodded to each other to take matters into their own hands as they managed to forcibly pry Dracovish off of the Colt Pokemon and top him. That is until he then set his sights on Zorua and happily bit her tail in greeting, making her panic as she screamed and flailed around to get him off while Dracozolt and Arctozolt groaned in exasperation and chase after her to get him to let go again.

"Ow, ow, ow, OWCH! Let go of me, you prehistoric trout!" screamed Zorua as she waved her tail hard to make him let go but to no avail. "I'm not the Teething Toy Pokemon, OW! HELP! Get him off me!"

Zorua looked so ridiculous in her panicking with Dracovish still holding on to her tail and Arctozolt and Dracozolt still chasing after her to pry him off as she continued to run and scream in pain, Zeraora couldn't help but start to chuckle from her misfortune until she heard him laughing.

"MASTER, GET HIM OFF ME!" she squealed to him, completely annoyed. "MASTER! STOP LAUGHING AND GET HIM OFF ME!"

When everyone finally got the prehistoric fish Pokemon to let go and end Zorua's suffering (to which he realized his mistake genuinely apologized to her and Keldeo for), they discovered from their training sessions that despite being young for their sizes, the five Galar Pokemon were capable of being formidable fighters.

Arctozolt was a slow learner compared to the other four as his anatomy made him much less mobile on land and made learning combat a complete chore for him. But, by taking his training slow and easy and with a bit of patience and the occasional helping hand from everybody, the Electric/Ice Fossil Pokemon able to get a fuller grasp on his fighting skills and his growing ability to walk and run on land, which he was very grateful for.

---

Since then, in two weeks' time, Halloween had come and gone and a brush of Thanksgiving filled the air with everyone as the Alola Region celebrated an event that pays tribute to all things coffee. But, for Sarah and her friends, that was the last thing on their minds as they, Prof. Kukui, Principal Oak, Nikki, James, Tsukumaro, and Prof. Burnet were at the Pokemon School as they were shown footage that Rotom-Dex took during the final moments of Sarah, Gloria, Hop, and Victor's duel against Eternatus.

From the footage he provided, they were shown the Moon Shield's force field and Nebula's evolution to Lunala, the fusion of Nebby and Nebula's Solganium Z and Lunalium Z to form the new Z-Fusion Crystal, and the Searing Maelstrom Eclipse Blazer used to finish off Eternatus before his capture with the Master Ball.

For today's class regarding Z-Crystals and Z-Power Crystals, there was one mystery from the final battle at Hammerlocke that everyone has had yet to unravel and that is the matter regarding the Z-Fusion Crystal from Nebby and Nebula's Z-Power Crystals, something that had never been done before in the history of Pokemon.

"Incredible!" admired Kukui in amazement as he looked at the video replay. "A Z-Fusion Crystal, as Sarah puts it, from Nebby's Solganium Z and Nebula's Lunalium Z with a move combining Searing Sunraze Smash and Moonraze Maelstrom."

"That's something I've never known for any two Z-Crystals to even do," put in Burnet, also carefully watching the video replay. "This is a first that has never before been attempted nor seen in all my years as a Pokemon Professor. It's amazing that Nebula and Nebby's crystals were capable of doing such a thing but what I don't get is how it was even possible."

"And, the fact that the fusion was only temporary with the combined powers of Lunala and Solgaleo present at once only adds fuel to the Embers of mystery and intrigue makes it all the more fascinating. As long as both Legendary Pokemon are together at any given time, their combined powers will bring forth the Z-Fusion Crystal shown here and unleash a new power unlike any other held by a Z-Crystal or a Z-Power Crystal."

"A truly Magnemite discovery, shall I say," agreed Principal Oak in thought.

"So, what does that mean?" asked Lana curiously.

"Well, we're not exactly sure and we don't have all the answers yet but in the meantime, I believe Sarah has just discovered and created a new Z-Power Crystal and a new Z-Move!" answered Kukui, to the delight of Ash and the others.

"A new Z-Power Crystal and a new Z-Move?!" gasped Ash in amazement.

"That's amazing!"

"Can you really do that?!"

"Man, you're good at this whole Z-Crystal thing!"

"I've never known or read this in any of my books!"

"Me neither, this is too good to be true!" gasped the others in awe.

"That new Z-Move was the finest I've seen from everything you've done. Your mother and father would've been very proud, Princess," smiled Tsukumaro, feeling a sense of pride for his goddaughter.

Sarah just blushed as everyone sung their praise for her and even Rotom-Dex couldn't help but become ecstatic. "And, you know what? This puts us at a huge advantage point over Team Eclipse! With Nebby and Lunala's combined power from the new Eclipsium Z, Lothor won't know what hit 'im!" he cheered.

"Team Eclipse is sure in trouble with your new power at hand!" agreed Kiawe with a smirk.

"Even Dusknoir and Darkrai should watch their backs now that we have that power to ourselves and Nebula as a Lunala," nodded Sophocles.

"They're gonna be sorry," smirked Lana.

"And, with your new Pokemon and Eternatus, you'll be sure to beat them in no time!" added Ash excitedly.

"Pikachu!"

"Pika, Pi, Pi," put in Pikachu and Blitz.

But then, Tsukumaro looked grim as he listened in on the gang's words and became thoughtful. "I wouldn't be too sure of that," he warned darkly.

"What do you mean?" puzzled Mallow, confused.

"Eternatus has a long road ahead of him and he doesn't trust us yet despite Silvally having been the first one to open up about his own dark past to him. Not only that, as we speak, Lothor and his forces are also working twice as hard to strike back. Even if we manage to take down two or three of the Seven Sins, four or five of them left would still be too many. There's no guarantee if we can keep them at bay if we let our guard down even for one second when they appear or should they get the drop on us."

"He's right, guys. Dusknoir took us and our Pokemon down without even trying while we were protecting Kartana," nodded Lillie, recalling the incident with the 6th Ultra Pillar.

"Oh yeah. And, did you still get the power of Lothor's Darkrai? That crazy Pokemon was no slouch, either," sighed Sophocles admittingly, remembering their very first encounter with Lothor.

"And, until we uncover more about that new power the more times it's been used in dire situations, we're basically going blind here. That power could potentially fall into the wrong hands if we're not careful," agreed Kukui grimly with a nod. "So, until then, we must not tell anyone else about it."

"Yeah..." sighed Ash before he turned to Sarah with one question in mind. "Speaking of Eternatus, how's his rehabilitation going?"

"Slow and grating as expected. But, as I said, baby steps," answered the princess. "This is all still new to him and I did rub salt into his mental wounds by capturing him back at Galar but hopefully, he'll come out of his hatred for humanity."

"Sounds like you got your work cut out already," mused a concerned Lana.

"Yeah, but it would be worth it in the end. Eternatus deserved more than what he was given 3000 years ago and I intend to see it through no matter what he thinks."

Mallow, however, wasn't so sure as she said, "But, he seems adamant on wanting absolutely nothing to do with you after capturing him. He made it clear that his rehabilitation you've planned for him is going to be a lost cause. Don't you think it's a bit premature to say you'll get through to him eventually when you haven't even gone far into it yet?"

"It's better than nothing and besides, I've had the same transition with Silvally when he came into my life after Tapu Koko gave me him. He never trusted anybody but himself after what went on in that lab under Faba's creation at Aether Paradise's basement levels and it was only until I came into the picture that he started to open up to me and understanding what's grinding his gears."

"But, Silvally's somewhat of an easy picking for you when you made that connection with him. How would Eternatus be the same or any different with his hatred for humanity running deep in him for the last 3000 years?" questioned Sophocles skeptically. "You can't be sure if he'll even be a nice guy if you finally win him over!"

"It's not like we have much to go on. I feel this is the only way we're going to get through to him and if he's not giving us a choice, then neither should we with him. I'll have us continue on with his rehabilitation as planned but we must be very careful not to antagonize him. We need to be sure he can fully trust us and we can be sure that he'll be our friend. My real mom and dad never turned their backs on anybody in need of help, I'm not going to let them down now by doing just that."

"Well, if that's how you feel, Sarah... I guess there's no stopping you, you have our support," smiled Burnet knowingly.

Everyone else nodded in agreement; like mother and father, like daughter, Sarah truly was a spitting image of Queen Delilah and King Doug. It was clear she had accepted her destined role as the Sun Princess and their royal child much easier and they were ready to do what they can as a friend, even if it meant enduring Eternatus' jabs and lack of faith in humanity and them in his rehabilitation. But, their discussion didn't go unnoticed as they hoped for Team Skull's Tupp, Zipp, and Rapp (who had been laying low following the incident with Sarah before the gang's real-life work experience lessons) had sneaked back into Melemele Island and were eavesdropping on them. The three grunts and their crew had heard about the gang's return from Galar and were sent by Plumeria and Guzma to see what they were up to since making it back.

Intrigued by the mention of Eternatus and the new Eclipsium Z-Fusion Crystal, the trio nodded and they quickly made their way back to Po Town where they eventually told their superior and big-sister figure everything they've heard. Guzma was impressed by what he was told and thought hard over the news that the Darkest Day's not just an event but also the original official moniker of a dark Pokemon.

"Hmm... How interesting. Eternatus was actually the real Darkest Day but he's also now under the princess' ownership?" he mused.

"That's right! And, out of that battle still being raved even after it ended, she was chatting with her meddling posse about actually rehabilitating that monster after capturing it!" nodded Zipp.

"She also discovered and created an unknown Z-Power Crystal known as a Z-Fusion Crystal by combining her Solgaleo and her new Lunala's Solganium Z and Lunalium Z to form what she and her friends dubbed as the Eclipsium Z," added Rapp.

"We've also got a fascinating tippet that you guys want to hear!" agreed Tupp with one interesting thing they eavesdropped their rivals on. "When Sarah captured Eternatus, she didn't just catch with a regular Pokeball or Ultra Ball, she caught it with a Master Ball given to her by one of her Galar friends."

Guzma and Plumeria gasped in shock at the mention of the Master Ball. "What, the Master Ball?! The rarest of Pokeballs that was discontinued after Giovanni and his forces tried to force the Silph Co. to fork the few that were developed and the plans to make them and failed?" gawked Plumeria.

Tupp nodded in confirmation, "That's right, so what'll we do?"

"I see, so one of the few Master Balls still existing in the world landed in Sarah's hands and she was able to catch Eternatus without fail," mused Guzma thoughtfully, rubbing his chin. "Hmm, this could work out nicely for me. If we can snag ourselves that Master Ball and take the Pokemon for ourselves, we'll have a powerhouse with us or we can make millions out of any buyer wanting to get their hands on such a Pokemon."

"Yeah, hold your horses, boss. That dragon's a loose cannon unless you haven't figured it out, he has a beef with humanity. Won't he go aggro if you should even try to tame him?" replied Rapp skeptically.

"Hmph, you underestimate me, kid. I have a thing with Pokemon and my treatment of them's better than that snot-nosed royal brat and Kukui can ever handle," he retorted smugly.

"And, how do you suppose we go about dealing with him?" asked Plumeria, doubtfully.

"We're just going to pay that little squirt a visit and if she doesn't want to make a trade, I'm sure we can coaxer her to giving up that humongous ticking bombshell with wings. Just another go-high-pay-high scheme in the life of Team Skull and soon, once that dragon's in our grasp and Kukui goes through with his Alola League, I'll use her own Pokemon back at her to wipe her out and prove to my old friend I'm still the best..."

---

Later, when school was finally out for the day, Sarah and her friends, joined by Tsukumaro, Kukui, and Burnet, were all gathered with their Pokemon on the beach near the Pokemon School. Right now, under Kukui's after-school suggestion to have Ash, Mallow, Kiawe, Sophocles, Lana, and Lillie along with their partners brush up on their own battling, Sarah was duking it out with Ash and Kiawe with the two of them using Pikachu and Turtonator to double-team against Ching Wan to know, attack, and defend against his Single-Strike Style. Lana, Lillie, Sophocles, and Mallow were all waiting on the sidelines for their turn to go against one of Sarah's other Pokemon.

This included Zarude (who had taken a keen liking to his new trainer after he was shown the ropes around Alola and was carefully watching the duel), Charmander and Ching Wan (both of them meditating behind Sarah as she watched Ching Wan fight his training match), the rest of her family nearby and Nebby and Nebula, both of which were sunbathing as they observed the ongoing spectacle between the three Pokemon with their human mother and Solar sitting with them.

The only one who didn't seem to pay attention was Eternatus who was coaxed into coming to join them after school and was resting in the fields separating him and the gang as it was large enough to hold him. He was still brooding over what had happened to him and didn't trust his new family to join them. This obviously disappointed Sarah as she watched him but she didn't dwell on it and continued to watch Ching Wan training.

Most of her Pokemon and all the dragons in her possession loved the Pokemon Dragon Heart Dome so much that some of them couldn't find it in themselves to leave the newest extension of their home so, amusingly, Sarah had no choice but to leave them to become further comfortable in their new living quarters. However, she did manage to bring in several Pokemon with her including Eternatus despite it starting to become a chore to convince him to join her for a little fresh air with his trust issues.

"Pikachu, Iron Tail, let's go!"

"Turtonator, use Dragon Tail!" screamed Ash and Kiawe to their partners, hoping to crack Ching Wan like an egg.

The two Pokemon charged forward and tried to swing hard at the adult Wushu Pokemon from the top and bottom but once he saw them in his sights, he smirked before he shifted himself to block both attacks from an upper block and grabbing Pikachu's tail and a lower block using his left leg in a Drop Stance before he shifted and grabbed Turtonator's tail in a left leg Front Stance.

"Pika?!"

"AH!"

"Tur?!"

"No way!" the two trainers and their Fire Type and Electric Type partners gasped.

"Is that all you got?" scoffed Ching Wan as he slammed both Pikachu and Turtonator back to back three times like slapping two ping pong rackets together before he struck them hard with his leopard-like speed.

"Wow, Ching Wan's really letting himself go as a real tiger and a real leopard should," Mallow said, impressed.

"He's so powerful, so cool!" gasped Lana with awe.

"The power and speed from the Tiger and Leopard Styles to create the Single-Strike Style from the Tower of Darkness, I've never known that to be recorded in any history books I've read before," put in Lillie, fascinated with Ching Wan's fighting.

"All that training he and Hashimoto received from Master Mustard really honed him into a true fighting machine," added Sophocles, recording Ching Wan through a video camera. "He's making battling look so easy the way he's fighting!"

"Well, Single-Style Urshifu to believe in the 1-Hit KO strategy and he's got a lot of power and speed to boot should he choose to end it already," noted Rotom-Dex, taking pictures. "And, it looks like he's gauging them before he makes the final blow. Probably wants to make it a poetic victory with a possible fakeout, I think."

"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"

"Use Flamethrower, Turtonator, now!"

Wanting to beat Ching Wan no matter what they do now, Ash and Kiawe had Pikachu and Turtonator use Flamethrower and Thunderbolt to burn and shock him but Ching Wan just crossed his arms to endure and block both attacks despite getting a few shocks and burns from them.

"Ching Wan, split 'em up!" called Sarah, commencing his next move.

Nodding to his new trainer/master/mother, Ching Wan charged forward and forced Pikachu back before he made Turtonator focus on him before he used Brick Break in a Hammer Arm to wear the Blast Turtle Pokemon down. When Pikachu tried to use Iron Tail again, the Wushu Pokemon blocked him and did the same to the Kanto Mouse Pokemon.

"Pikachu!"

"Turtonator, get up!" cried Ash and Kiawe, still stunned over Ching Wan's abilities and martial prowess letting him get the drop on him as their partners regrouped.

"Now, you'll see why my brothers before me and I who climbed up and conquered the Tower of Darkness are known as the Single-Strike Style Wushu Pokemon, Urshifu!" declared Ching Wan as he got back into his signature battle stance and is ready to pounce on them like a tiger or leopard getting ready for the kill.

Sarah saw his opportune moment to strike and took advantage of it as her family watched. "Okay, Ching Wan! Use Wicked Blow!"

"OSU!" saluted Ching Wan as he charged up his Dark Type power and blasted forward, throwing a hard right punch at his opponents.

The latter tried to block Ching Wan using his back spikes but even though they exploded after he punched, he was hit hard and ended up crashing into Pikachu as he screamed in a total panic.

"PIKA-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-PI-!" squealed a terrified Pikachu before he was squashed hard by Turtonator as the poor Blast Turtle Pokemon groaned in defeat with swirls for eyes, both of them unable to continue battling when Ash's partner also gave muffled, defeated groans.

"Pikachu!"

"Turtonator!" screamed Kiawe and Ash before they slumped down in defeat. "Aw, man..."

"YEAH! Bro - 1, Pikachu and Turtonator - 0!" cheered Hashimoto, jumping up and down and hollering for his older brother.

"That's Wicked Blow for ya, never let our Dark Type brothers down before," smiled Ching Wan, flexing his right hand's fingers before he winked at Hashimoto.

"Looks like Ching Wan's won this round, boys," chuckled Burnet to Ash and Kiawe as they helped Pikachu and Turtonator recover. "Never underestimate the martial arts mastery of a Single-Strike or Rapid-Strike Style Urshifu."

"Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! I guess we can call it for Ching Wan's training, he's already gotten himself a seasoned battling streak ahead of him," agreed Kukui, laughing in amusement from what he saw as Ching Wan retired to the sidelines to meditate.

But, just as one of the others as about to take a turn to take on Sarah's next Pokemon after Ching Wan finished his sparring round with Pikachu and Turtonator, the sound of motorcycles can be heard approaching the group. Everyone turned and saw five people from Team Skull approaching the Pokemon School in a rush before Tupp, Rapp, and Zipp hollered out for Kukui and Sarah as they looked around for the two.

"Come out, Kukui, Princess! We got business to deal with you bozos!" demanded Tupp.

Sarah sighed, exasperated from Team Skull's return and thinking they're after Dusk and Luna's parents again. "Oh, boy... Here we go again," she groaned.

"Team Skull!" gasped Kukui before he and Burnet nodded and they turned to the others and their Pokemon. "You all wait here on the beach."

"Wait? But-" Ash said before he was cut off by Sarah shaking her head at him.

She didn't want the others to be involved if Team Skull wanted to see her and Kukui about something as they nodded and went to see the three grunt leaders and figure out what they wanted with Burnet following just in case. What neither of them and the others realized is that along the way to Melemele Island, Tupp, Zipp, and Rapp had informed them about Kukui's plans to start up a Pokemon League in Alola which further perked Guzma's interest as he decided to pick this as the best opportunity to reunite with his former friend and start to settle his past grudge with him.

"I don't know what business you think you have with us but school's already out for the day and my class is having a few sparring rounds with a few of Sarah's new Pokemon," began Kukui as they approached them. "You'll have to wait until we're done."

"You and the princess don't get it, do you?" began Guzma, getting their attention and seeing him leaning against one of the school's buildings with Plumeria beside him.

Kukui gasped, he hadn't seen his former friend in a while and he never knew what happened to him since the moment they somehow separated. "Hey, Guzma," he gasped, slowly growing angst as he glared at him, the Team Skull leader returning a devious smirk.

"Guzma..." Sarah growled lowly, giving him a glare as Tupp, Rapp, and Zipp taunted them.

"What are you doing here?!" demanded Ash, shocking Sarah and Kukui as they saw that their class and friends had joined them and glaring darkly at Team Skull, much to their chagrin as they groaned.

"What are you all doing?" Sarah hissed at her friends.

She had originally planned to resolve things diplomatically and peacefully with her renewed confidence in herself with Team Skull and figure out why Tupp, Zipp, Rapp, Plumeria, and Guzma would still have a beef with her besides the Lycaroc Brothers' parents but this wasn't what she wanted. But, she's also surprised to find that Kukui knew Guzma himself. Was there something about them she's missing?

Plumeria just smirked as she took in the sight of everyone gathered to find out what's going on behind Kukui and Sarah's backs. "Good, you can all be witness to this special match and the rematch of the year between Boss and Kukui and the princess," she announced, much to the Alola professor's surprise as he turned to Guzma again.

Then, the Team Skull admin looked over Sarah's Pokemon and was intrigued to find Nebula, Hashimoto, Zarude, and Ching Wan along with the rest of her Galar Pokemon with everyone else. She even took note of Star who was silently glaring at her and Guzma, ready to step in if needed.

"So, I see you've brought in new arrivals to the party, girlfriend?" she questioned with a sneer.

"Yeah, so what? You got a beef with them, Plumeria?" replied Sarah, not wanting to give her any ideas.

"Just a thought. Hmm..." the admin then noticed something off like Sarah was missing someone from her party. "Where's your great big dragon who nearly decimated the Galar Region?"

"He's in the field over there on the left side. Good luck trying to get to him, he wants nothing to do with all of us right now. Try anything stupid and he'll blast ya to Timbuktu with his Eternabeam, literally."

Guzma, Plumeria, Zipp, Rapp, and Tupp looked towards the dozing Gigantic Pokemon who still had his back turned towards everyone and not giving a care about anything or anyone in the world.

"Hmm, you call that giant a Pokemon?" Guzma sneered with a smirk, scratching his chin before shrugging as he turned back to Sarah and Kukui. "Nope, I'll deal with him later. I presume you had a pleasant time having fun and frolicking around at Galar?"

"I did, all while learning along the way and saving both the world and Eternatus. But, I digress. Why do you want to battle me and Prof. Kukui? What's your beef with him and why come back just to challenge him and me, too?"

"It's more than just battling, Princess. You two are finished!" growled Guzma, causing Kukui and Ash to gasp.

"See, I'm sick and tired of all these old Alola island customs of Island Challenges and Grand Trials and I get why you want to replace them with something new, Kukui. But, unfortunately for you, I won't be allowing any Pokemon League to be included here because the strongest Pokemon Trainer is already a done deal!"

"That's right! Boss Guzma is already the strongest trainer!" cheered Zipp before he sneered at Sarah. "And, I bet he'll crush you for sure just as he nearly did when you stole those Lycanroc from us, pretty girl!"

"Then, why not just join the league? I like to see you prove you're the strongest at something other than talking. But, you'll have to go through Sarah first if you want to claim that position. She's already proven she's the strongest trainer in my class and when the time comes, why not challenge her once the Pokemon League commences?" retorted Kukui, currently not in the mood to hear Guzma rant about the Pokemon League and being the strongest trainer.

"I'm not gonna do that because I'm not interested. And, even if that snot-nosed runt were to prove that she is the strongest trainer, who's to say she didn't get through it all just by sheer dumb luck and weak and phony sentiments like love and trust? In this game, only the fittest survive in Pokemon battling while emotions and feelings play no part in winning or losing in being the strongest. Either you cancel the league and get the princess to surrender her strongest and best Pokemon to us or I'm canceling you!"

"You're not canceling anyone, Guzma. As for my Pokemon, I'd rather choke and die on bleach rather than hand over that right to you," scoffed Sarah defiantly as she glared harder at the Team Skull leader. "Didn't I clobber you and your goonies numerous times and proved how much you're way out of your depth compared to my friends and I? Who's to say my history with you won't repeat itself this time? And, why would you trample on Prof. Kukui's dream when it could be great for us all?"

"'Oi, I knew I'd have to come out here again and teach you two a lesson," sniffed an annoyed Guzma, making Kukui grit his teeth in frustration at him.

"You never change, Guzma," he snarled, pissing off Tupp, Rapp, and Zipp over his snark.

"Hey! That's 'Mr. Guzma' to you!" snapped Tupp while Rapp and Zipp nodded in agreement before he turned to Sarah.

"And, believe it or not, Princess, we only want to take Eternatus off of you to lighten your weight. We all know how he felt towards humans when we heard you're having it rough with that turd already with his lingering hate for humanity. Why don't you make it easy on yourself and surrender him to Team Skull right now?"

"HA, you guys really think I would be stupid enough to trust you guys with a Pokemon like him? Eternatus doesn't trust anybody apart from me but only by a hair and I made a promise to get him to see the good in all of humanity and he's my responsibility so beg me to hand him over all you want, I'm not giving him up. My compassion and love for him will see me through and I'll make sure that he's deserving of a home and people and Pokemon to call family. If you want him that badly, you're gonna have to take him from me."

While everyone's spat with Guzma and Team Skull was going on, Eternatus perked up when he heard himself being mentioned and listened in on Sarah's words. While he found her display of defense amusing, if not, cringeworthy, he just scoffed with his lingering hatred from humanity's treatment of him as he shifted himself in his resting place and continued to doze off. He was still sure that he would eventually be a lost cause and she would leave him alone.

"So, it's the old game of Make or Break It with Old Eternatus, huh?" laughed Tupp before he sneered at her again. "Yeah, right! Good luck with that!"

"He's out of your league with those wimpy sentiments of yours on hand!" mocked Rapp.

"We'll take good care of him once we wrench your Master Ball holding him from you!" snarked Zipp.

At that moment, Ash stepped forward as he planned to defend Sarah and Kukui himself despite him having not completed all four Grand Trials yet in the Island Challenge along with Sarah. He knew he would be gambling a lot on this but he knew he had to do something about it and he wasn't going to take Guzma threatening to beat them and shut down Kukui's dream of an Alola Pokemon League lying down.

"You want a Pokemon battle? I'll give you want," he offered, glaring at Guzma as the grunt leaders snarled at him.

"This conversation's for grown-ups!" snapped Zipp.

"So, butt out of this, squirt!" agreed Rapp.

But then, Guzma looked at Ash's Z-Power Ring from Hala and he became intrigued as he looked down at Ash. "Wait, you can use Z-Moves?" he questioned curiously at the Kanto Trainer.

"Uh-huh, I made it through three Grand Trials, too! And, right now, Sarah and I are training to take on our fourth one at Poni Island in due time!"

"He's got the same stink as Kukui but compared to Sarah, he's completely out of his league with her," he sneered thoughtfully as he glared at Ash before he smirked from the circumstances before him. "I can see that like Sarah, you're the worst of the bunch, kid. And, I like that, it's a deal! But, only if you and the princess can both come at me together, I'll take you both!"

"Ash, wait a second!"

"What are you doing?!" called Kukui and Sarah, shocked by what Ash had done.

"Hold it, Ash! I can't agree with this, you don't know what you're doing!" nodded Burnet, glaring at Ash in disapproval.

"Let me do this, Professors, Sarah," rebutted Ash, not wanting to stand by and let Guzma's nonsense continue.

Blitz and Pikachu and their humans shared hard glares as they looked at one another for a short time. Ash and Pikachu wanted to help fight Guzma and stop him from making a mockery out of Kukui's dream and keep them from Sarah but Blitz and the princess were having none of it since they wanted Sarah and Kukui to settle things with him.

The trio and Blitz could see that Ash and Pikachu weren't going to back down and with great reluctance and an aggravated sigh from Sarah and an annoyed facepalm from Blitz, they agreed to have him help them. It wasn't what Sarah and Kukui wanted given how Ash had immediately escalated the situation and raised tensions between them and Team Skull but they had no choice and they truly admired the Kanto trainer's loyalty and care for them and his trust in them.

"All right then, but I'm going to be the referee for this Double Battle!" agreed Kukui at last.

"Just watch your backs and don't show your fear towards him," finished Burnet adamantly, making the two trainers nod at her only request.

Guzma sneered with delight; he may not be able to put an end to Kukui's dream right now and beat him but to take on Sarah again with Ash joining her for a Double Battle would be a good start. Especially since, in his mind, it would give him a headstart in trashing Alola's island traditions in Grand Trials and Island Challenges amongst several things that he was disgusted about.

"He-he-he-he-he! I'm glad you'd see things my way," he snarled with a smirk. "I'm gonna destroy you two but first, I'm going to destroy everything you care about!"

"What does that mean?" Ash snarled back, not taking the insult well as he and Pikachu seethed.

"Ash is good, very good. Not as much as Sarah, mind you, but he's much stronger than you'd care to think," warned Kukui.

Guzma just continued to smirk and taunted Kukui saying, "Hmph! What makes you think he can prove to be a challenge like the princess?" His low expectations of Ash grinded Kukui's gears as he snarled back as well along with the others as they didn't take kindly to Guzma's mockery of their Kanto friend.

"Ash, make sure you and Sarah win this!" encouraged Kiawe.

"We will, don't you worry!" replied Ash confidently but Sarah just looked at her family, particularly at Star. The two of them nodded, knowing what they have to do now.

As Guzma and Sarah and Ash took their places between Kukui, being the referee for the match while the others and Burnet stood on the sidelines to watch, tensions were still running high as all three trainers prepared to give it their all as they selected their chosen Pokemon.

"Pikachu? Okay, you're up!" said Ash, allowing his partner to take the field.

"Ready, Star? Let's go!" commanded Sarah, allowing her Shiny Lucario to take the field and get into a battle stance.

"Bring it, Goggle Head!" dared the Aura Pokemon.

"Get ready for these, Princess!" quipped Guzma sending out his Golisopod and Masquerain.

Ever since his first loss with Sarah over a year ago and his recent humiliation, the Team Skull leader and his team have been working night and day, training hard to make sure that things between them and Sarah and her family would be far different from their first encounter with them on their little rescue mission. Sarah eyed Golisopod and Masquerain carefully as they gave determined glares at her and Star, she could tell that they're much more battle-ready and they're both in a much different class this time.

"Who's that Pokemon?" gasped Ash, his eyes fixated on Golisopod having never seen him before.

Rotom-Dex quickly picked up the file on the Horn Scale Pokemon as he buzzed to Ash, "Golisopod, the Hard Scale Pokemon. A Water and Bug Type, the shell on its body is as hard as a diamond. Its most powerful weapons are its claws which can extend and retract at will. Electric attacks are Super Effective on Water Types and that means Pikachu and Star will have the advantage!"

"Not so fast, Rotom-Dex, don't count your chickens," warned Sarah, continuing to eye Guzma's Pokemon suspiciously. "I sense something different about them, they look like they've been training hard since I've beaten him with my Lion's Courage from my Lion DNA. And, if I know Guzma, he and his Pokemon have a score to settle with me personally since we didn't get to truly battle before."

She then turned to Ash, warning him as she said, "Ash, don't get too cocky. Type advantages don't rule the game alone; we need to think with a clear mind and be prepared for what he, Golisopod, and Masquerain have in store for us. Follow my lead and don't try anything crazy unless the situation calls for it."

Ash nodded in confirmation; he wanted to start things off to give himself, Sarah, Pikachu, and Star an edge and clinch the match in their favor. But, given that Sarah previously fought with the Team Skull leader before and knows how he thinks and works, he wasn't about to take any chances and agreed to follow her every lead whenever possible.

"And now, begin!" declared Kukui, starting the match.

"Use First Impression and Bug Buzz," smirked Guzma, having the first attack and causing Ash to hesitate as he gasped.

"Star, Ash, look out!" cried Sarah, allowing her Aura Pokemon to use her Aura to track down Golisopod and to try and block out Masquerain's Bug Buzz despite wincing from the high-pitched buzzing.

"...There!" gasped Star before she dodged to the left in a roll and watched helplessly as Pikachu was unlucky to get away in time before he was hit.

"Pikachu-AH?!" gawked Ash in shock as Pikachu got his footing back but he was startled by being blind-sighted so early on. "What was that move?"

"That was First Impression," smirked Plumeria as she explained. "There isn't a Pokemon in the world that can dodge that."

"Ash, that's the same attack he and Guzma used on me when I battled with him. It's a speed attack that always moves first and Guzma's already gotten you tied up with that trap of his. Remember, we have to take him together. You watch carefully and circle him while we wear him down and find his-"

"Grr, use Iron Tail!" blurted out Ash, wanting payback for the surprise attack from First Impression and forgetting about teamwork.

This shocked Star as she watched Pikachu start to use Iron Tail on Golisopod. "No! Pikachu, NO!" she cried.

But, it was too late; with a "Chu...PIKA!", Pikachu managed to hit his Iron Tail attack on the Hard Scale Pokemon but he was deflected back as Golisopod put his prior training to good use and forced his tiny opponent off of him. This worried the others and Burnet as they could only watch Ash already acting on impulse and forgetting his trust in Sarah to lead them through.

"It's like Iron Tail didn't even do a thing!" observed Sophocles worriedly.

"And, what's that kid doing? He's not doing a Single Battle and here he is, charging headfirst at that diamond bug and forgetting that he and Pikachu are supposed to fight with Sarah and Star!" added Ching Wan in disbelief.

"This is bad, the match just started and Ash is already becoming reckless here," grumbled Burnet with a frustrated grunt. "*Come on, Ash! Remember, you can't beat Guzma without a little teamwork. Trust Sarah as well as yourself!*"

"Ash, what are you doing?!" barked Sarah, trying to keep herself calm as she watched out for the two Bug Types' next moves. "We have to work together, we can't let our emotions get the better of us. Guzma's just going to keep doing this until he breaks us and we can't let that happen! Trust me, they're tougher than they look now!"

Ash groaned, quickly realizing his mistake and sharpening himself up. "Right, sorry," he replied, keeping a determined glare on Guzma and his Pokemon.

"Now, use Pin Missle and a Bug Buzz-Hidden Power Combo!" continued Guzma, allowing Golisopod to fire Pin Missile and Masquerain to use a Combo on both Star and Pikachu.

"Ash, defense!"

"Pikachu, use Electroweb!" bellowed Sarah and Ash, the Kanto duo finally getting their act together and allowing Pikachu to block Pin Missle with Electroweb.

"Hope this makes up for going bananas for a little bit and leaving ya in the dust," Ash winked at Sarah.

"Thanks, Ash! Keep your guard up, Star! Use your Aura and then Vaccum Wave!" cried the Princess, directing her next plan of attack for Star.

"*Got it!*" nodded Star as she continued to block out Bug Buzz to the best of her Aura's abilities despite her continued wincing.

Then, she dashed at Golisopod and increased the use of her Aura to zip around him before he noticed her sending Vaccum Wave and he was forced to block it. But, just when he looked like he was taking the pain, the Horn Scale Pokemon gave off something of a laugh before he split his crossed arms apart and broke the Vaccum Wave.

This shocked Ash and Rotom-Dex but Sarah just snarled; her hunch about Guzma's Pokemon was right on the dot, despite Star's improved abilities and her newfound power during the events of the Second Darkest Day, Guzma and his Pokemon had been training hard and now, they were more than ready for her.

"That Vaccum Wave from Star should've been Super Effective!" Rotom-Dex freaked, completely flabbergasted.

"Well, Guzma, color me impressed. I see you have been training hard since our last encounter and you finally proved you're now on the same level as me but in your own way, right?" Sarah questioned, not taking her glare off of Guzma.

"You know it. And, guess what, after all that hard work we've put in ever since you humiliated Team Skull and I for the last time, my team and I will now officially be the best and the strongest trainer and Pokemon in all of Alola!" boasted Guzma with a smirk. "You've gotten stronger since your Galar trip, Princess, but I thought you and your Kanto boomie would've taught your mangy old mutt and mouse new tricks by now."

"Okay, let me get this straight, Goggle Head. Firstly, I'm a wolf, not a dog," spat Star, not finding his jab funny at all which widened his taunting smirk. "And, secondly, old? Ouch!"

"Heh! Yeah, yeah, keep telling yourself that."

"Let's show him how hard we've trained, Sarah!" put in Ash, wanting to use a Z-Move.

"Okay, but make sure you use the right Z-Move for Golisopod while we deal with Masquerain," she agreed, having Star distract her Bug Type foe.

"All right, let's do it, buddy!" nodded Ash as he prepared and Pikachu prepared to use the Steel Type Z-Move, Corkscrew Crash, having a Steelium Z on him and already on his Z-Power Ring.

Performing the movements for the Steel Type Z-Move, Ash transferred his Z-Power to Pikachu as they prepared to try and end this between Golisopod and give them an edge in their Double Battle with Sarah. They were starting to feel like they could have a chance to end the Water/Bug Dual Type before they help Star with the stronger Eyeball Pokemon and the others could feel it, too.

"It's a Z-Move!"

"Go get 'im, Ash!" cheered Lana and Mallow.

"Here it comes, guys! Corkscrew Crash is the exact same Z-Move Sarah and Nebby used to help Gladion and I save Mother from Nihilego many months ago when she was in the Ultra Dimension!" smirked Lillie, seeing Pikachu use Corkscrew Crash.

"But, this time, Guzma is going to be feeling the pain once it pierces Golisopod's armor!" agreed Sophocles.

"Don't get your hopes up too high, my friends!" warned Calyrex as he glared at Golisopod from his spot atop of Glastrier and saw Guzma's smirk. "That smirk from that scoundrel's face hasn't faded, he knows that Z-Move is coming!"

Calyrex was right; as he watched the Z-Move being used, Guzma didn't panic or gawk in shock, he just stood there and continued to smirk. He didn't need to do anything as he watched Golisopod, battle-hardened from his and his team's intense training and stronger than ever, use his arm guards to block Corkscrew Crash and completely nullify it. This shocked the others and Burnet as they couldn't believe what they had seen, especially Ash as he wasn't prepared for such a defensive maneuver.

"AH!" gasped the Kanto trainer in shock.

"How'd they do that?!" cried Kiawe, aghast.

"Golisopod blocked must've used his arm covers to block Corkscrew Crash and redirect it to cancel it!" growled Burnet, frustrated.

"Use Liquidation! Masquerain, Bug Buzz at close range, then Air Slash!"

Golisopod roared in agreement as he conjured up a water sword from his right arm and swiftly lashed out at Pikachu, sending him tumbling back to Ash and Sarah. As for Star, Masquerain was able to finally have Star fully flinch from using Bug Buzz at close range to overpower her Aura considerably before she unleashed her Flying Type move to force her back as well.

"Pikachu!"

"You okay, Star?!" gasped Ash and Sarah.

"Pika, Pika!" nodded Pikachu, wanting to continue fighting as all bets are off.

"I'm all right, Mom! But, we need a new plan, I can only go so far with my Aura protecting me!" suggested Star.

"All right, use a Bone Rush-Dragon Pulse Combo! The rest is up to you!"

Summoning her Energy Bone again while charging her Dragon Type energy, the Shiny Lucario charged at Masquerain again and the two began to clash for a few minutes as they traded blows. Naturally, Masquerain was resistant to Ground Type attacks but Star didn't care, Bone Rush was meant to be a feint as she prepared to use Dragon Pulse and a follow-up attack of her choice once the Bug/Flying Dual Type was worn out.

"Use Quick Attack!" Ash called, sending Pikachu to charge at the Hard Scale Pokemon with a speed attack.

"Use Poison Jab!" ordered Guzma as Golisopod charged up his right arm's stingers and punched at Pikachu.

Hearing the Poison Type attacked shocked Sarah as she looked towards her foes and Pikachu charging at them but then became horrified from what she was seeing, realizing too late that Ash had fallen into Guzma's trap again.

"Ash, no, wait! Pull Pikachu back or have him dodge, it's a trap!" she called, making Ash realize his mistake as Pikachu soon ended up getting poisoned as he felt himself getting weaker as he laid on his back in pain before he tried to get up and keep fighting.

"Pikachu's been poisoned by Golisopod!" cried Rotom-Dex in horror.

"Hang in there, Pikachu!" encouraged Ash, wanting Pikachu to fight on as well despite his being handicapped. "Use Iron Tail!"

"Pin Missile!" scoffed Guzma, with Golisopod shooting down the weakened Electric Type and making the girls barring Sarah cringe in horror.

"PIKACHU!" shouted a shocked Ash, not wanting Pikachu to lose. "You all right?!"

"Ash, control yourself! This is just what Guzma wants, we need a new plan of attack! Now that Pikachu's been handicapped, he could die out if the battle drags on!" said Sarah, trying to get Ash to pull himself together. "I know how badly you want to beat him but we need to have Pikachu conserve his energy. He's already losing a ton of it by the minute and he can't hold out much longer if he's hit with Poison Jab again."

"Sorry to rain on your upcoming victory parade, Princess, but Golisopod crushes and crushes and never missed a beat no matter what his opponents and their Pokemon do to counter him!" mocked Tupp smugly.

"Yeah, 'cause Boss Guzma is his trainer and he and Masquerain are far different now after all the training they've had!" agreed Zipp along with Rapp who nodded proudly.

"Ash, we'll take the front and you come in as the main course but conserve Pikachu's energy as you do so," Sarah advised, devising a new plan. "If we're going to have a chance at beating those two, we have to get through or around Golisopod's armor while keeping an eye out for Masquerain should she play defense while making sure Pikachu is strong enough to continue before he collapses."

"But, Sarah-!" Ash tried to argue.

"Trust me, you and Pikachu are on a time limit after he was poisoned. If you're down and out, Star and I will take over, don't put the battle and winning over your partner's health. You have to take care of Pikachu and be more considerate of his condition no matter what happens. I know, I had to learn that over and over again until it finally sank in me, recently."

"...Okay," nodded Ash reluctantly before they went all out.

"Star, run towards Golisopod and don't stop!"

"Pikachu, use Quick Attack!" the two trainers shouted quickly.

"Right!" agreed Star, summoning Bone Rush and charging forward while using her Aura to run faster with Pikachu following behind with Quick Attack.

"What a waste," scoffed Guzma, thinking he has the battle in the bag. "Poison Jab and Bug Buzz!"

Golisopod tried to punch Star and poison her while increasing the poison's effect on Pikachu while Masquerain buzzed again to distract them but the Shiny Lucario sensed his movements and she used her Bone Rush to pole vault over the Hard Scale Pokemon. This left Pikachu to dodge and finally land Quick Attack on his belly while Star twisted herself and got up close to the Eyeball Pokemon before she used Fire Punch as payback.

"All right!" cheered Ash but his victory proved to be premature because while Golisopod did feel the hit, he wasn't fully pushed back as Pikachu was still poisoned and his attack power was cut in half.

Masquerain also proved to much more resilient this time for while she was burned from Fire Punch, she was able to use Air Cutter and force Star back while she used Bone Rush to stop herself as she skidded back towards Ash and her human mother.

"Okay, you're definitely strong against that crazy burn that should've whomped you big time, I'll give you that," she admitted, a little impressed.

"Mas, Masquer," buzzed Masquerain with a hint of a smirk before she noticed Pikachu becoming weaker and weaker from Golisopod's Poison Jab despite managing to stand again.

She scoffed at the Kanto Mouse Pokemon and then buzzed to Golisopod to leave what they see as a weakling high and dry and end the match, seeing no point in battling Pikachu until he and Ash proved to be more of a challenge just as Star and Sarah had proven. Seeing the results of the match before him, Golisopod and Pikachu stared at each other and he agreed with both of them returning to their balls. Guzma was confused but he immediately understood as he shrugged with a smirk as he sighed from how pathetic he thought Ash and Pikachu were.

Ash and Pikachu were confused by this but Sarah and Star had a feeling that Guzma and his Pokemon were gauging them when Golisopod and Masquerain decided to pull out while they still can. If they didn't see Pikachu as a challenge after having been poisoned and was now ready to crack at any moment, then she had to admit that she was impressed by their honor, if they and Guzma had any.

"Golisopod and Masquerain think that compared to the princess and her Lucario, you two are so weak that they wouldn't even bother to continue fighting," he snarked to the Kanto trainer.

"What?!" snarled Ash, gnashing his teeth with fury for being demeaned by him.

"Come on back, Star, they've made their choice," replied Sarah, seeing no point in battling Guzma anymore.

"Yeah, I can tell they lost interest in the match after seeing how weak Pikachu has become," nodded Star, keeping a suspicious eye on Guzma.

Kukui, however, was not impressed by what he saw as a forfeit as he glared at Guzma. "So, then you're forfeiting?" he questioned suspiciously.

Guzma just scoffed, "I don't care about a battle that I know I can win. The princess - maybe after a while but with this wimp beside her, I doubt he'll last another second."

"You never know who'll win until it's all over!" spat Ash, wanting to continue but Guzma isn't having it as he rejoined Plumeria.

"Don't be a jerk, you already know you've been beaten. If you don't believe me, ask your Pokemon or the princess. She knows what I'm talking about having noticed it earlier."

Ash snarled dangerously, looking to continue his and Sarah's fight with Guzma but Sarah stopped him as she held his left shoulder and directed him to Pikachu, who was no longer able to continue battling. The poison from Poison Jab had officially run its course and was about ready to kill him as he finally passed out, alerting the Kanto trainer to his already worn-out partner as he rushed over to him.

"Pikachu!" he cried worriedly, seeing what Sarah and Guzma know.

"Ash!" called Kiawe, throwing him a Pecha Berry and allowing Pikachu to eat it to be rid of the poison he recklessly didn't get rid of.

"Neigh!" cried Ponyta, galloping to Star and using Heal Pulse to heal Star's wounds as her family joined her.

"Thanks, Ponyta," smiled the Aura Pokemon, appreciating the little Unique Horn Pokemon's help.

"Well, I guess you and your Pokemon really have grown stronger in the time since our last meeting and your first defeat after I first infiltrated Po Town, Guzma," scoffed Sarah, seeing how smug from what he put her, Ash, Star, and Pikachu through. "Still think you're going to be the strongest after me after you shut down Prof. Kuki's Pokemon League dream?"

"Heh, that's right. I guess even little Dopey's precious Z-Moves can't have any effect on Golisopod and you're smart enough to call off the shots when you know it'll be pointless given how much of a corner I backed you two and your Pokemon into."

"So, why don't you just dump Old Kukui and join Team Skull, already? And, since you decided there was no point in battling us, how about you dump Eternatus with us and we'll take him off your back, Princess?" snarked Plumeria.

"Never! No way!" snapped Ash defiantly.

"Nah, good luck prying him off me when I still have my promise to keep and his anger to quell," scoffed Sarah again as she crossed her arms and glared suspiciously at them. "I can tell you're already having your eyes on a lot of dough to make off of him if you take him to the black market. At least, I'm smart enough to know when to pick my battles and this battle isn't one of them."

"Ha! If this is the best of whatever Pokemon trainers that your Pokemon League can dish out, I'll stand to pick out and destroy them with all the eyes of the Alola region upon me," declared Guzma to Kukui just as Tupp, Rapp, and Zipp cheered him on.

"So, you're gonna run away once again," sneered Kukui, coming forward. "The same way you ran from the Kahunas in the Island Challenge?"

Guzma narrowed his eyes at Kukui, the professor's words being some sort of a trigger as to what had happened between them as they stared each other down. Plumeria, on the other hand, looked a little surprised at her leader. She never thought Guzma, of all people she met in her life prior to joining Team Skull, would even dare to run away no matter what. Was there also something about him she's missing? What was going on between him and Kukui? What would've made him run away from the Kahunas in the Island Challenge?

After a while, Guzma scoffed again as if his internal struggle was quick and pointless. "That was close and really funny, actually. You almost fooled me into thinking you can have me playing the game by your rules," he spat as he continued to scoff, unimpressed.

"I came here to destroy you and the princess and take Eternatus for ourselves but the kid spoiled the party by interfering in our deal. We'll be back, Princess, but don't worry. We won't do anything funny to your dragon, not as far as I can tell. Besides, I'm a man of my word. Since your little friend and his mouse crashed the party, I'll let you two and Kukui go free, for now. Take it slow..."

And, with that, Guzma, Plumeria, Tupp, Rapp, and Zipp left for Ula'Ula Island to return to Po Town, leaving everyone else worried, snarling with anger at them, or even suspicious about what Guzma was trying to pull. Sarah's eyes narrowed suspiciously; it wasn't like Guzma and Team Skull to go back on their word and just let her go free with her Pokemon untouched and she was intrigued that he was able to call off their need for Eternatus until when they next feel like it. She was also further surprised to know that Kukui and Guzma knew each other considering the banter between them and that they once took on the Island Challenge together before something caused a fallout between them at that time. What is she missing? Were they once old friends before all this? What caused Guzma to be who he is now?

She may not think highly of him and Team Skull after everything they put her and her friends through but now, she was starting to notice something different about him after Kukui spoke his last words to him before he left. What made Kukui and Guzma become enemies if they were once friends in their youth? What she didn't know, however, is that Guzma would actually be somebody who's been through a rough childhood and life growing up, and when their last encounters finally commence, she will soon discover the person the Team Skull leader truly is.

That night, everyone had returned to their homes as Sarah and her family were all fast asleep. With the extra space given to them by the Pokemon Dragon Heart Dome, her Pokemon and Dragons have a place within her home to call their own and they wouldn't stay cramped up in her house or the backyard when they sleep at night. It was a whole new relief and blessing for them and they reveled in it as they slept.

Sarah tried to get some sleep as she, Hashimoto, Blitz, Charmander, Solar, Ponyta, Wooloo, Oshawott, Snivy, Tepig, Scorch, Raboot, Cufant, and Stufful slept with her in her room. But, the abrupt end of her latest battle with Guzma along with Ash left her with more questions as she was wide awake thinking about the Team Skull leader, questioning who he really is after Kukui spat at him for running away from a battle. Was there more to the gruff punk man than she was initially led to believe from her own experiences with them? What happened to him and Kukui when they were friends? Why did he decide to let her and Eternatus go and just quit to return to Po Town, just like that? What was Guzma really on about?

---

"What happened between Professor Kukui and Team Skull's Guzma and will the Alolan Pokémon League actually get its start?"

---

Back at Po Town, the entire group was resting while Zipp, Tupp, and Rapp were playing cards and Plumeria was fiddling around with her phone but Guzma wasn't with them, still in his room brooding over Kukui's words.

"Hey, Big Sis, where's Guzma?" asked Tupp, after losing another game.

"He's in his room trying to figure out how to destroy more stuff and approach the matter with Eternatus more tactically," she responded.

"Ha! That's the boss for ya!" boasted Zipp, still having faith in Guzma.

Of course, that's what Plumeria told them. Guzma was in his room but he was still brooding over Kukui's words to him about running away. Although he had gotten used to Sarah's words, even if they still grate him whenever he has to hear them, Kukui's final words to him had hit him the hardest. He seethed as he punched the wall behind his couch, trying his hardest to block out and deny that he'd been running away from anything in his life.

"Damn you, Kukui, Princess..." he cursed, still fuming. "You and that brat gave me a victory but you and Kukui stole my resolve in turn! I want it back...!"

---

"...As the journey continues."

---

Sarah's Team:

1. Pikachu

Moves - Thundershock, Tackle, Thunderpunch, Double Team, Thunderbolt, Electroweb

2. Lycanroc (Dusk Form)

Moves - Rock Throw, Bite, Tackle, Rock Slide, Protect, Accelarock, Outrage

3. Lycanroc (Midnight Form)

Moves - Rock Throw, Bite, Tackle, Protect, Rock Slide, Outrage, Counter, Accelarock

4. Silvally

Moves - Crush Claw, Air Slash, Hyper Beam, Swords Dance, Dragon Claw, Multi Attack, Tri Attack

5. Mudsdale

Moves - High Horsepower, Double Kick, Mud Slap, Bulldoze, Iron Head

6. Wooloo

Moves - Wild Charge, Tackle, Electro Ball, Volt Tackle

7. Ponyta (Galar Form)

Moves - Dazzling Gleam, Moonblast, High Horsepower, Heal Pulse, Psybeam

8. Meowth (Alola Form)

Moves - Thunderbolt, Scratch, Iron Tail, Dark Pulse

9. Brionne

Moves - Pound, Water Gun, Icy Wind, Bubblebeam, Aqua Jet

10. Milotic

Moves - Dragon Pulse, Ice Beam, Twister, Mirror Coat

11. Ampharos (Shiny)

Moves - Thunderbolt, Confuse Ray, Power Gem, Signal Beam, Discharge, Iron Tail, Thunderpunch, Dragon Pulse

12. Sylveon

Moves - Tackle, Tail Whip, Copycat, Shadow Ball, Light Screen

13. Goodra

Moves - Water Gun, Protect, Tackle, Dragon Breath, Dragon Pulse, Rain Dance, Aqua Tail

14. Noctowl

Moves - Wing Attack, Foresight, Air Slash, Confusion

15. Meowstic (Male)

Moves - Helping Hand, Psyshock, Light Screen, Future Sight, Dark Pulse

16. Meowstic (Female)

Moves - Heal Pulse, Psyshock, Dark Pulse, Future Sight

17. Snivy

Moves - Vine Whip, Leaf Storm, Twister, Leaf Blade

18. Oshawott

Moves - Water Gun, Razor Shell, Icy Wind, Iron Tail

19. Tepig

Moves - Flamethrower, Flame Charge, Solar Beam, Rock Tomb

20. Vulpix (Alola Form)

Moves - Protect, Powder Snow, Ice Beam, Iron Tail, Aurora Beam

21. Dragonite

Moves - Dragon Rage, Iron Tail, Ice Beam, Hyper Beam, Dragon Rush, Dragon Claw

22. Hydreigon

Moves - Fire Fang, Thunder Fang, Wing Attack, Flash Cannon, Dragon Rush, Tri Attack

23. Flygon

Moves - Crunch, Dig, Rock Slide, Steel Wing, Dragon Rush, Dragon Claw

24. Solgaleo (aka Nebby)

Moves - Sunsteel Strike, Focus Blast, Teleport, Flamethrower, Wild Charge, Cosmic Power

25. Lucario (Shiny)

Moves - Fire Punch, Thunder Punch, Aura Sphere, Dig, Vacuum Wave, Shadow Claw, Focus Blast, Dragon Pulse, Bone Rush

26. Poipole

Moves - Venoshock, Fury Attack, Peck, Iron Tail

27. Mimikyu

Moves - Shadow Claw, Drain Punch, Wood Hammer, Psychic, Mimic

28. Umbreon (Shiny)

Moves - Dark Pulse, Psychic, Moonlight, Shadow Ball, Iron Tail, Flash

29. Jolteon

Moves - Thunder Fang, Thunderbolt, Double Kick, Shadow Ball, Pin Missile

30. Vaporeon

Moves - Water Gun, Swift, Iron Tail, Shadow Ball, Dive

31. Flareon

Moves - Fire Fang, Flamethrower, Double Edge, Shadow Ball, Ember

32. Espeon

Moves - Psychic, Psybeam, Iron Tail, Shadow Ball, Light Screen

33. Leafeon

Moves - Synthesis, Energy Ball, Solar Blade, Shadow Ball, Leaf Storm

34. Glaceon

Moves - Shadow Ball, Ice Fang, Icy Wind, Ice Shard, Iron Tail

35. Eevee

Moves - Helping Hand, Protect, Dig, Double Edge, Swift, Tail Whip

36. Skitty

Moves - Doubleslap, Ice Beam, Iron Tail, Copycat, Double-Edge, Play Rough

37. Braviary

Moves - Superpower, Sky Attack, Brave Bird, Close Combat, Steel Wing, Aerial Ace

38. Absol (Shiny)

Moves - Night Slash, Psycho Cut, Shadow Claw, Hyper Beam, Flamethrower, Shadow Ball

39. Houndoom (Shiny)

Moves - Thunder Fang, Solar Beam, Sludge Bomb, Flamethrower, Crunch, Stone Edge

40. Latias (Shiny)

Moves - Safeguard, Psychic, Mist Ball, Dragon Pulse, Steel Wing, Recover

41. Latios (Shiny)

Moves - Steel Wing, Psychic, Giga Impact, Dragon Pulse, Luster Purge, Charge Beam

42. Salamance (Shiny)

Moves - Incinerate, Hydro Pump, Dragon Tail, Dragon Rush, Protect, Steel Wing

43. Rapidash (Galar Region)

Moves - Psycho Cut, Mystical Fire, Megahorn, High Horsepower, Heal Pulse

44. Yamper

Moves - Wild Charge, Fire Fang, Play Rough, Double Edge, Dig

45. Scorbunny

Moves - Quick Attack, Double Kick, Flame Charge, Ember, Headbutt

46. Stufful

Moves - Force Palm, Ice Punch, Thunderpunch, Focus Punch, Brick Break

47. Calyrex

Moves - Psychic, Magical Leaf, Agility, Pound, Solarbeam

Calyrex (Ice Rider)

Moves - Psychic, Headbutt, Mist, High Horsepower, Icicle Crash, Double Kick, Glacial Lance

Calyrex (Shadow Rider)

Moves - Psychic, Shadow Ball, Dark Pulse, Agility, Phantom Force, Double Kick, Astral Barrage

48. Glastrier

Moves - Headbutt, Thrash, High Horsepower, Mist, Icicle Crash, Double Kick

49. Spectrier

Moves - Shadow Ball, Dark Pulse, Calm Mind, Agility, Phantom Force, Double Kick

50. Lunala (aka Nebula)

Moves - Teleport, Magic Coat, Moongeist Beam, Psychic, Phantom Force, Safeguard, Moonlight

51. Charmeleon

Moves - Ember, Fire Spin, Dragon Rush, Metal Claw, Flamethrower, Dragon Claw

52. Kubfu (aka Hashimoto)

Moves - Counter, Aerial Ace, Fire Punch, Thunderpunch, Ice Punch

53. Urshifu (Single Strike Style) (aka Ching Wan)

Moves - Brick Break, Revenge, Fire Punch, Thunderpunch, Ice Punch, Wicked Blow

54. Eternatus

Moves - Dragon Pulse, Dynamax Cannon, Recover, Enternabeam, Cross Poison

55. Arctozolt

Moves - Freeze-Dry, Discharge, Ancient Power, Bolt Beak, Charge, Hydro Pump

56. Raboot

Moves - Ember, Counter, Double Kick, Electro Ball, Acrobatics, Reversal

57. Cufant

Moves - Iron Head, Play Rough, High Horsepower, Superpower, Iron Defense, Rock Tomb

58. Dracovish

Moves - Hydro Pump, Dragon Pulse, Ice Fang, Dragon Rush, Earthquake, Fishious Rend

59. Dracozolt

Moves - Pluck, Dragon Tail, Bolt Beak, Discharge, Dragon Claw, Dragon Rush

60. Zarude

Moves - Jungle Healing, Close Combat, Darkest Lariat, Solar Blade, Vine Whip, Power Whip

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Sarah's Dragon Companions:

1. Winter - Light Fury (F)

2. Shadow - Night Fury (M)

3. Skystorm - Deadly Nadder (F)

4. Mist and Spark - Titan Wing Hideous Zippleback (M)

5. Inferno - Singetail (M)

6. Sunflare - Monstrous Nightmare (F)

7. Starfire - Stormcutter (F)

8. Silver - Razorwhip (F)

9. Venom - Triple Stryke (M)

10. Camo - Titan Wing Dramillion (M)

11-15. His pack of five - Dramillions (3 F and 2 M)

Yellow Dramillions: Mimic - F, Violet - F, Sunflower - F

Red Dramillions: Ocean - M, Tidal - M

16. Melody - Death Song (M)

17. Echo - Slithersong (F)

18. Twilight - Deathgripper (F)

19. Dawn - Deathgripper (M)

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Sarah's Pokemon Gems (Original):

1. Cresselia

Moves - Psychic, Moonlight, Moonblast, Magic Coat, Psycho Cut, Protect

2. Giratina (Origin/Altered Form)

Moves - Shadow Force, Dragon Pulse, Aura Sphere, Will-O-Wisp, Dragon Claw, Iron Tail

3. Rayquaza

Moves - Draco Meteor, Hyper Beam, Dragon Rush, Dragon Claw, Dragon Ascent, Twister

4. Zacian (Hero of Many Battles/Crowned Sword)

Moves - Iron Head/Behemoth Blade, Metal Claw, Sacred Sword, Wild Charge, Solar Blade, Swords Dance

5. Zamazenta (Hero of Many Battles/Crowned Shield)

Moves - Iron Head/Behemoth Bash, Metal Claw, Close Combat, Dazzling Gleam, Focus Blast, Iron Defense

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Sarah's Pokemon Gems (Non-Original)

1. Dialga

Moves - Roar of Time, Flash Cannon, Draco Meteor, Dragon Claw, Aura Sphere, Protect

2. Palkia

Moves - Spacial Rend, Hyper Beam, Dragon Claw, Fire Blast, Aura Sphere, Protect