"We heard what happened From Nurse Joy. I'm sorry for your loss." The shopkeeper said.
"Still I should probably pay for everything Litten stole since I caught him," I exclaimed.
"No, no, it's fine. We understand Litten's hardships and don't hold it against him anymore. I couldn't imagine a life like that. Just don't do it again." The director said. to which Litten nodded.
"That's a relief," I said. "I would love to continue enjoying the festivities but yesterday was an emotional rollercoaster. Though, I might pick up lunch and dinner here." I continued.
"I don't blame you for either of those." The director replied.
Just then there was a commotion in the center.
"What's going on?" I exclaimed.
We all rushed towards the center, just in time to see a giant hole in the sky. Four beings came out of the hole. One was yellow and looked kinda like a Blaziken, there was a red one that looked like a Tauros, a pink one that looked like a Metapod evolving into Butterfree, and a blue one that kinda resembled Cloyster with the body of a Sharpedo.
"It's the Tapus," James cried out, holding Jessie and Meowth closer. Dawn hugged Piplup tight, with both Kenney and Zoey moving closer to her.
"What are they doing here? I thought they never left Alola?" The director exclaimed.
The Tapus paid no mind to the chatter as they were looking around for something. As soon as the yellow one locked eyes with me it was clear that they were looking for someone.
"Fear not, we are not here to cause trouble. We simply want to talk to Ash." The yellow one said as he and the others floated over towards me. "I believe you have only heard of us recently. I am Tapu Koko, guardian of Melemele Island."
"How did you learn about me?" I demanded to know. This was the first time a Legendary sought me out specifically, rather than them falling into my lap.
"We were told about the Shamotoi incident as well as the Kyogre incident... and let's just say that we felt the battle between Palkia and Dialga to Alola. Oh, I am Tapu Lele." The pink one introduced themselves.
"I think you forgot the more important thing. You know, the reason we came." The red one pointed out. "The name is Tapu Bulu."
"Yes, Bulu is right. My name is Tapu Fini." Continued the blue one.
Tapu Koko rapidly zoomed in on me, making Pikachu tense, before saying just for us to listen: "You have an important role to play yet to come. I apologize that we cannot say more. We can help you a fair amount but you must complete our trial." He finished before floating back a bit with the other Tapus.
"What do you…" I was cut off.
"We challenge you to a battle." Tapu Koko declared so that everyone can hear. This caused everyone to mumble to themselves.
"I would accept. It is incredibly disrespectful to deny such a request." The director whispered to me, but I could only stand there in shock.
Tapu Koko must have realized that and politely coughed to get my attention. "Apologies, this must be rather shocking." He apologized.
That snapped me out of my stunned state, rapidly a grin appeared on my face and I exclaimed with fervor: "I accept your challenge." That got the Tapus' attention. "Though, do you mind if I exchange Pokemon? Had I known I would have come prepared, the ones on me are not ready to face Legendaries."
"Of course, he has Pokemon ready to face Legendaries on standby." I heard Kenney scoff, but rather than the normal jealousy I was used to, he sounded close to hysterics.
"Take your time. We are rather famished anyway." Tapu Koko said as he flew off to the nearest Malasada stand and looked at the menu before ordering: "One Large malasada along with one Sweet, Spicy, Dry, and Sour Malasada please."
The poor waitress could only nod dumbly, as she prepared the order.
I smiled before running to the Pokemon Center and getting Professor Oak on the phone. Let's just say that I completely ignored his cheerful greeting and got into the explanation head-on. Don't judge me, I was quite eager. It's been a while since I've been this excited!
"Well, that's a first. Legendary Pokemon seeking you out." Professor Oak said over the videophone. "The Tapus at that!"
"I honestly don't know much about them," I confessed. "Other than the fact that they are the guardians of Alola."
"I don't know much, but I'll tell you what I do know. Tapu Fini is a Water/Fairy-type Legendary Pokemon, who can manipulate water. Tapu Bulu is the Grass/Fairy-type, the powerhouse of the group. Tapu Lele is the playful one and is a Psychic/Fairy-type. Not that it means anything, she's still quite a terrifying force to go against. Finally, there is Tapu Koko, the leader, and an Electric/Fairy-type. They have Misty Surge, Grassy Surge, Psychic Surge, and Electric Surge respectively as their ability. They form a terrain that is specific to those types." Professor Oak explained.
"I think I know who to use. Pikachu, Sceptile, Feraligatr, and Charizard." I told him before Professor Oak gave a sheepish look.
"Sorry, Ash. Charizard is unavailable today. Something was going on at the Charizard Valley. It is a big event, even Bulbasaur and Primape are helping him set it up." Professor Oak apologized.
"I see. I will have to think of someone else then." I thought out loud before seeing Snorlax wander into the lab. "Hi, Snorlax." I greeted my first Normal-type Pokemon." Snorlax waved back. I then had an idea. "I think I will go with Snorlax instead," I said, which caused Snorlax to tilt his head in confusion.
"Alright, I will send them over," Oak replied.
As soon as I got the Poke Balls I rushed towards the center of the festival. I could not wait another second. Thankfully, Professor Oak had explained what was going on for me. I don't think I could have had the patience.
"I'm back! Sorry, I'm late." I apologized as Litten followed me, Pikachu was on my shoulder like always.
"It's quite alright, we just finished eating." Tapu Fini said as all four floated towards me.
"Is there a particular order you would like?" Tapu Bulu asked.
"Not really, I have a strategy for all of you so it doesn't matter," I answered.
"Of course, he was strategies against Legendaries ready." Zoey moaned, sounding similarly like Kenney there.
Litten meowed, as sat on my side. It seemed like Litten wanted to watch.
"In that case, the order will be Fini, Bulu, Lele, and myself." Tapu Koko suggested.
"Fine by me," I replied as Tapu Koko, Lele, and Bulu flew off to the side.
Thankfully, they also rose psychic walls around us. No human or Pokemon will be hurt by a stray attack. Why can't more Legendaries be this considerate? Honestly, the only ones I kind of like are Ho-Oh, Lugia, and Celebi. The Tapus are now one of my favorites too.
"Allow me to introduce myself once more. I am Tapu Fini, guardian of Poni Island and the Ruins of Hope. I particularly am not the biggest fan of battles, but I agree this is too important." Tapu Fini stated.
"I get the feeling you are not the biggest fan of humans. Understandable, you are the guardian of something called the Ruins of Hope. Ergo you must be able to do something that is both powerful and something that can be taken advantage of." I guessed.
Tapu Fini blinked in surprise. It seems like I was spot on. "Indeed. I can create water that can wash away any impurities and uncleanliness. I am pleasantly surprised you were able to make that assumption based on my introduction. While I may not like all humans, I am particularly fond of those that earn my respect. Show me that you are worthy of such respect." Tapu Fini finished as mist surrounded the battlefield.
"Feraligatr let's go," I called for my Jotoh Water-type. Feraligatr appeared and took a moment to look at the misty battlefield. "This is Misty Terrain," I explained as Feraligatr nodded.
"Let us not waste any more time." Tapu Fini said as she surrounded herself with light and charged at Feraligatr with a powerful Dazzling Gleam.
"Use Dragon Tail to dodge." Feraligatr's tail glowed green. He then slammed his tail into the ground, propelling him above Tapu Fini. Because of Misty Terrain's ability to halve Dragon-type moves, Feraligatr barely managed to get over Tapu Fini without taking any damage. You could clearly see that Feraligatr was confused. He could have easily jumped over Tapu Fini. His confusion faded and I noticed that Feraligatr seemed to realize my plan. Luckily, Tapu Fini didn't seem to know it yet. Not to mention that Feraligatr was within a good distance to attack. "Aqua Tail." Feraligatr's tail switched from green light to being covered in water. He then slammed the tail into Tapu Fini's top shell. sending the Legendary back a little.
"Impressive, using a Dragon-type move effectively in my Misty Terrain is no easy feat. But this is far from over." Tapu Fini said as she launched a barrage of Moonblasts.
"Swords Dance." Blue swords appeared around Feraligatr as he started dancing out of the way of the Moonblasts. When that didn't work Tapu Fini fired a Hydro Pump at Feraligatr. "Swords Dance." The blue swords surrounded him again as he jumped and flipped backward to dodge the Hydro Pump. Tapu Fini surrounded herself with water and charged at Feraligatr using a Waterfall. "Swords Dance." This time Feraligatr jumped over Tapu Fini.
Before she could change course, I gave my command. "Rock Slide." Feraligatr summoned a ring of large rocks and launched them upward above Tapu Fini. He did that a few times and then there was a large number of rocks falling onto Tapu Fini from above. Tapu Fini was guarded against most of the damage by hiding in her shell, but it still hurt. When the move ended Tapu Fini opened her shell to see that Feraligatr had used an Aqua Jet to close the distance and was now within striking range.
The Rock Slide distraction worked as planned! I cheered mentally.
"Metal Claw!" Feraligatr's claws glowed silver and elongated. Tapu Fini didn't have enough time to close her shell as Feraligatr hit her with the powered-up move. sending her hurtling towards the ground and landing with a harsh thud sending dust everywhere.
"Great job Feraligatr!" I told my Pokemon. Feraligatr did a celebration dance, but not for long. As once the dust settled, Tapu Fini was rising from the ground. She looked rather rough but still able to fight.
Their nervousness turned into shock when Tapu Fini closed her eyes and said: "I concede defeat. I don't think I can take another hit like that." Tapu Fini added clearly hiding her true intentions yet.
"That's fine I guess." I knew there was something deeper going on, but it was better to play dumb for the moment.
"You far exceeded my expectations. Without a type advantage either. You have earned my respect." Tapu Fini said.
I nodded in thanks. "Thank you. It means a lot hearing it from you."
"I do hope that you can continue this trend." Tapu Fini finished as she switched places with Tapu Bulu. The mist died down as I recalled Feraligatr.
"I guess I follow the same formalities. As you heard my name is Tapu Bulu. I am the guardian of Ula'Ula Island and the Ruins of Abundance. There's not much else to it than that." Tapu Bulu finished his introduction.
"Interesting. I think one of the vendors told me that you can manipulate the flora. That is a rather impressive ability." I commented.
"Thank you." Tapu Bulu thanked me before becoming more serious. "Now let's not waste any more time. I am excited to see what you come up with against me." Tapu Bulu said as the area was enveloped in a green aura.
"Sceptile. I choose you." With a toss of a Poke Ball, the grass starter from Hoenn appeared. "Whenever you are ready," I told him, as Sceptile tensed. Tapu Bulu's bell glowed green and then he charged at Sceptile with Wood Hammer. "Agility." Sceptile moved quickly out of the way as the powerful move slammed into the ground where Sceptile once stood.
The crater left scared me. If Sceptile had been there...
Tapu Bulu tried the same move a couple more times but Sceptile always got out of the way. I then decided it was time for the offensive: "Leaf Blade."
At my order, Sceptile's arm blades glowed green and he then managed to land a hit on the Legendary, sending him back. Tapu Bulu shook himself off and proceeded to use Dazzling Gleam. "Leaf Blade again!" Sceptile's Leaf Blade collided with Tapu Bulu's Dazzling Gleam. Though, Tapu Bulu managed to overpower the Leaf Blade and sent Sceptile back. Luckily, he landed on his feet and was relatively unharmed. Tapu Bulu then looked around and floated over to a nearby tree and uprooted it, wielding it like a club.
"What move is that?" Dawn asked.
"I… don't think that is a move… I think Tapu Bulu is just using his strength now." The director responded.
"Incredible," Dawn muttered.
Not for us Dawn! I exclaimed in my head nervously but did not show it. Sceptile needed me focused.
"You know what to do Sceptile," I told him, receiving a nod from him.
Tapu Bulu swung the large tree at Sceptile, who then proceeded to jump and grab onto the tree as Tapu Bulu swung. Tapu Bulu then looked at the tree to see that Sceptile was climbing it up and was already close enough to attack. But it was already too late.
"Now let's use that new move: Cross Poison!" Sceptile's blades grew and turned purple. He then slashed Tapu Bulu with the poisonous blades in an X formation. This did send Tapu Bulu back, slamming him on the ground. Tapu Bulu got back up, but he was heavily damaged and poisoned. "Are you ok, Tapu Bulu?" I asked him, as I rapidly rummaged through my bag.
"I will be fine. though I give in. I don't think I can battle much more in this state." Tapu Bulu said in a more strained voice. Ash produced a peacha berry from his bag and walked up to the guardian.
"Here. This will help with the poison." I gave the berry to Tapu Bulu.
"Thank you." Tapu Bulu said as he closed in his shell and ate it. When Tapu Bulu emerged his poison was gone. "It isn't often I see someone take time to heal the opponent. You have both strength and kindness in your heart." Tapu Bulu said and put a hoof gently over my heart.
"Thanks, Tapu Bulu. Though Sceptile did all the work. I just gave you a berry." I told him sheepishly. Tapu Bulu nodded in acknowledgment and floated back a bit.
"That in itself is a strength," said Tapu Bulu and floated away, switching places with Tapu Lele. In turn, I recalled Sceptile.
"That was fun to watch. Anyway, I am Tapu Lele, guardian of the Ruins of Life and Akala Island." What a horrendous name. I shivered internally. Ruins of Life... who does that?! "Let's have a fun battle." Tapu Lele said as the battlefield gains the Psychic Terrain
"Fun-loving and straight to the point. I like your style." I told her as Tapu Lele giggled. "Snorlax you are up." The large Pokemon appeared in front of the Legendary.
"Here goes." Tapu Lele then let out a bunch of purple orbs which she launched at Snorlax as a Psyshock.
"Flamethrower." Snorlax launched a Flamethrower from his mouth but it got overpowered by the Psyshock which sent Snorlax back a bit.
"You alright Snorlax?" I asked him and received a nod in return. "You aren't taking any chances are you?" I asked.
"Nope." Tapu Lele responded before hitting the ground sending a shock wave that enveloped Snorlax. Pink lightning erupted from under Snorlax as Nature's Madness landed. This move knocked Snorlax down.
"Snorlax!" I yelled worriedly. Luckily, Snorlax was soon on his feet. He shook himself off and got ready to go again. I thought for a moment before getting an idea.
"I see that sparkle in your eye." Tapu Lele commented.
"Snorlax, jump as high as you can and surround the field with Thunderbolt." Snorlax jumped so high it surprised everyone.
Snorlax shouldn't jump that high. But this one is my Snorlax!
He then unleashed a thunderbolt but instead of hitting Tapu Lele, Snorlax used the move around the Legendary kicking up the debris and obscuring Tapu Lele's view.
"Body Slam!" As soon as the smoke cleared Snorlax was hurtling towards Tapu Lele attempting to flatten the Psychic-type. Tapu Lele used Psychic just as Snorlax was inches from slamming into her and suspending Snorlax in the air.
"Is that the best you can do?" Tapu Lele asked.
"Nope but I have you right where I want you. Hyper Beam." I commanded with a smirk. Tapu Lele's eyes widened as she saw Snorlax's position. His face was only a meter away from her face as the move charged.
Before Snorlax fully charged she turned her head to face me and said: "Well played."
"Thank you," Ash replied to her compliment.
Tapu Lele was then hit on the face by a full-powered close-range Hyper Beam. That sent back and landed her on the ground nearby. A moment later she was up again.
"That was a lot of fun." Tapu Lele told us.
"Don't tell me you are giving up too," I complained.
"Yeah, you can probably tell by now that these battles are a test of not only you but your Pokemon," Lele replied.
"Lele! We weren't supposed to tell him that until AFTER my battle!" Tapu Koko yelled.
"To be fair, I already guessed that after battling Tapu Fini. My pokemon may be strong, but there is no way they can win against Legendaries that easily," I responded.
"At least I didn't tell him…" Tapu Lele was interrupted.
"LELE!" Tapu Koko, Bulu, and Fini all yelled.
"Sorry," Lele said. Rapidly switching places with Tapu Koko.
"My apologies about that." Tapu Koko apologized. I just nodded and Tapu Koko continued. "I am Tapu Koko, guardian of the Ruins of Conflict and Melemele Island. You are almost done. Now to test your skill with me." Tapu Koko said as forming an Electric Terrain around us.
"Pikachu let's go!" Pikachu jumped off my shoulder onto the battlefield.
This was the most intense fight of them all. Pikachu's Electro Web stopped Tapu Koko's Nature's Madness, Thunderbolt neutralized Discharge, and Iron Tail countered Dazzling Gleam. It was such an intense fight that the Electric Terrain dissipated and Tapu Koko had to make another one just to keep the battle interesting.
"I haven't had this much fun in a battle in a long time." Tapu Koko said. Both he and Pikachu were damaged, but the battle was not over yet.
"Been a while since we had a challenge like this too," I replied excitedly with Pikachu agreeing.
"But it is time to decide the victor," Tapu Koko said.
"I couldn't agree more." I agreed. "Let's do this Pikachu!" I yelled.
Pikachu then jumped and summoned a large wave of water, landing on top of it
"Since when can Pikachu learn Surf?!" Exclaimed a shock Dawn behind me.
"Since now I guess," Meowth responded, with a tone that said he was done with it all.
"Awesome Pikachu! Use Surf!" Pikachu rode the wave until it crashed into Tapu Koko, drenching the Electric-type and dealing damage.
"We got this in the bag now," I said confusing Tapu Koko until the Legendary looked down and saw that not only was he wet, but the ground was too and Electric Terrain was still active.
"This is going to hurt." Tapu Koko commented.
"Thunder!" I ordered. Pikachu launched the powerful Electric-type attack, which landed on the wet Legendary, which dealt more damage than usual thanks to Tapu Koko being wet and the electric terrain.
Tapu Koko was still standing at the end of it. However…
"I surrender." Tapu Koko said and the battle concluded. "You are as extraordinary as they say." Tapu Koko complimented.
"Thank you. But Pikachu was the one who learned the new move and battled you." Ash added.
"That is only half true. It was a team effort. Pikachu can attest to that." Tapu Koko corrected. Pikachu nodded in confirmation making me happy. "Regardless, you have passed the trials. As promised we have rewards that will surely help you in the future." Tapu Koko added as he nodded to the other Tapus.
When did he say that? I asked myself.
But I was soon distracted from my confusion as all four gathered in front of me. I then instinctively knew what to do, and called Feraligatr, Sceptile, and Snorlax out. Litten stayed by my feet and Pikachu climbed on my shoulder.
The first thing that happened was that a black and white z-ring flew from Tapu Koko's shell and wrapped itself into my wrist. The Electric Legendary then summoned two of his siblings: "Bulu, Fini, If you will please."
They both nodded and closed their shells, then opened them again, producing three z-crystals each. A periwinkle one, a purple one, a dark green one, a grey one, a light blue one, and a pink one.
"These are the flying, poison, bug, steel, ice, and psychic z crystals. with these, you can use Supersonic Skystrike, Acid Downpour, Savage Spinout, Corkscrew Crash, Subzero Slammer, and Shattered Psyche respectively." Tapu Fini said as I caught them in my palm.
Tapu Lele went into her shell and produced two crystals with one being a light grey with what looked like a Snorlax foot inside and a red one with a face of a pokemon inside.
"These are different types of z-crystals that are species-based. For example, any pokemon with a Normal-type move can use Breakneck Blitz, the normal z-move. But only a Snorlax with Giga Impact can use the z-move: Pulverizing Pancake. And I see that you have a Litten, so this is for his final evolution Incineroar. When an Incineroar learns Darkest Lariat, it can use this z-move, Malicious Moonsault." Tapu Lele explained as I caught the two crystals.
Tapu Koko then floated towards me and touched the tip of his claw on my z-ring, making an electrium-z appear, but then it started to glow. When the glow faded it looked the same, but I knew he had done something to it.
"You will know in due time what I did. You will see it in due time. You will feel in due time." Tapu Koko said. Before I could ask what the Legendary meant Tapu Koko floated back to the other Tapus. Soon another wormhole opened. "The path you are on is a treacherous one, but with your friends and pokemon by your side, you can make it. Until we meet again." Tapu Koko said, but this time straight into my mind.
The last thing I saw was all the Tapus floating into the wormhole. As the wormhole closed behind them, I was assaulted by my friends and the crowd.
But all I could think about is: What did he mean by that?