(It's finally time for the battle against Kahuna Olivia, people! This is going to be an interesting chapter, so let's get into it.
The Reviews
Jacob9594: Yeah, the Ditto Five is a fun sidequest in Ultra.
LogBook27062000: We're not gonna get delayed, don't worry.
Megan Romero: I do think that Dulse and Zossie know things that we're not aware of. Hopefully they'll be able to give some answers.)
Our duo would head back inside Konikoni City, their destination being the boutique in town.
"Hopefully they've got something more for me, ya know?" Aubrey mused. "Wishful thinking, I know."
"What is more you Aubrey? Daring and dashing? Sexy and playful? Mature and sophisticated? Cool and trendy?" Jake offered many possibilities all with suitable poses.
"Tough and cool like the Steel type," The ranger answered honestly. "But I don't mind wearing something cute either."
"Nice to know! So let's see what this boutique is about." Jake asked as he pushed the doors open dramatically in true adventurous fashion. Aubrey would follow after Jake, taking a look around once they were inside.
Jake looked on in awe as he noticed that the overall selection and curated pieces of this store had a pleasant vibe, a myriad of colors, and more importantly, wasn't worth your arms and legs in cost. There were cute, frilly blouses befitting an Idol Spectacular. Graphic tees and epic sporty tops that were athletic and sleek. Classy pants and capris alongside girly and youthful cheerleader skirts. Sporty shorts that were revealing without being too sexy and perfectly comfortable. All suitable for only the most elite fashionista.
"This...is...incredible! Is this really not a Kalos boutique? It's entirely worthy of being hailed as a trendsetting boutique." Jake looked about the place excitedly and in awe. It was as if his prayers were answered that Alola could hold its own fashionably without being conceited about it or overpricing their items.
"What exactly is Kalos fashion like, anyway?" Aubrey asked, browsing through the store.
"Well there's different boutiques across the region so styles are actually split into different subgenres," Jake explained with clear excitement and happiness about the subject. "There's the oriental beauties who wear more traditional garments from Laverre City. Like Erika meets Valerie basically. There's ultra-feminine/dignified fashionistas who shop at Lumiose and Anistar City. The Daredevils and go-getters from Cyllage City. And ultimately there's even a more mature and adult looks suitable for the cold from Snowbelle City. Lately Cosplay Fashion is a major trend alert from Kalos when I last read an article about them."
"Huh, that's kinda cool. Kalos has a bit of everything for everyone," Aubrey hummed. "I'm pretty sure Key would approve of a diverse market."
"Exactly! Alola...well I mean I get the island climate is a deal-breaker since the whole region is tropical and so you don't want to wear sweater dresses or fur boots around. So that's probably why the fashion is less diverse and more one note here. It is good to see that what they do offer has interesting design inspirations," The Hoenn trainer noted.
"Couldn't we say the same for Hoenn?" Aubrey brought up. "I've noticed that the climate of Alola isn't too far off from Hoenn."
"Hoenn does have beaches and volcanos yeah though it also has a lot of people Soaring around. So colder clothes are favored by trainers every so often for those expeditions," Jake responded. "Though Hoenn doesn't really have so much a Boutique scene as it has more general stores, local offerings, convenience fashion, and online shopping. In my research, the Boutiques in places like Galar and Kalos are craved for being exclusive and made for TRAINERS. Not the generic, normal individual." Jake admittedly seemed a bit cynical-sounding as he described that. This caused Aubrey to raise an eyebrow in confusion.
"What, you gatekeeping fashion for people who aren't trainers?" She would ask.
"Not at all. It's what I've heard people say about Boutiques but that's not what I believe in," Jake elaborated. "The Boutiques are designer outfits and collections, yes, but they are not there to divide people or be some sort of symbol of being better than someone else by their existence. They are simply a reflection of the region and what fashion means to the Boutique owners and designers. As well as what they think is the vision they want to make for people to wear and be happy knowing their own style needs are met."
"Mmm...I get the feeling if I ever met any individual who was all like 'No, you can't wear this, you're not worthy!' or some crap like that...well, you already know how this song and dance ends, right?" Aubrey had a smirk as she said that last bit. "Dress for yourself, y'know? People might talk crap about what you wear, but if it makes you happy, that's all that should matter. Speaking of which...you find something I'd love, fashion guru?"
Jake nodded excitedly and carried on with one last point, "Like for example, the expensive boutique here and the expensive boutique in Kalos are entirely the same promotion of a luxury brand. The reason I was displeased with this boutique is because I've seen what Lumiose City's Boutique is all about and they make high-quality, gorgeous outfits worth the cost. Here we saw a lot of follies with what are supposedly high-value items like that disastrous top with the ribbon malfunction. I'm sooner gonna judge a look or piece on what it's about relative to the price and taste level rather than who it's meant for and as something to show off to others."
"That's a fair way of thinking about it," The ranger agreed. "Like if my uniform isn't good enough to handle the pressure of my job, I wouldn't be wearing it."
"Which is also why you never saw Team Rocket or whatever promoting fashion trends," Jake chuckled.
"Yeah, exactly," Aubrey laughed, seeing that Jake had something in mind for a new look for her. "Ooh, this should be good."
Jake had selected with astute deductions, a pink and white athletic top and a white and pink pair of shorts. Something that Aubrey was a bit surprised by. Compared to the last look that Jake had hyped up for her which was the Gothia top, this one was more pastel and soft.
"Huh...I didn't know pink could be a soft color," Aubrey commented. "I always thought it was bright and an in your face kind of color."
"You said you didn't mind wearing something cute, and admittedly the Ditto's pink color kind of inspired me. So I thought this'd be a great breath of fresh air for you, Aubs." Jake sounded a bit modest. Aubrey got the sense that while he knew a lot about fashion, he probably hoped that he wouldn't make a mistake and offend someone with an incorrect offering.
"Yeah, this looks great," The ranger complimented, going to try it on. Jake smiled in relief and waited patiently for her. When Aubrey returned, she fastened her Capture Styler to the waistband of the shorts, striking her ranger pose. Vatonage sure approved of her look, hopping up to glomp her.
Jake grinned. "Absolutely flawless."
"Alright! Let's pay for this and head to Olivia's shop," Aubrey decided, going for the cashier.
"Ok! Will you be paying with cash, credit, or Pokedollars?" The cashier asked.
"Cash and Poke are the same thing...?" Aubrey deadpanned. "Definitely with Poke."
"Ok then!" The cashier rang Aubrey up and soon the purchase was made. "Have a nice day!" Jake did some stretching as soon as they were outside, Forrest joining him by perching on the ground.
"Can't wait to see you work that look tomorrow Aubs." He said as he finished his stretching with Forrest.
"Yeah, but for now, we've got a Grand Trial to do." Aubrey went towards Olivia's store, the last place they've yet to visit. It was a store with a hammer sign on the outside, and when they stepped in, it looked like a jewelry store. Olivia was nowhere to be seen, however.
"So she makes accessories?" Jake asked as he examined some of the pretty offerings in the display cases.
"Looks to be about right. They've also got evolution stones and fossils here too," Aubrey noted.
"Ooh maybe there's a Dusk Stone!" Jake scrambled around excitedly but Forrest shook his head. He surveyed the selection already and did not find such a stone. "Dang it."
Aubrey would look at the fossils on display. "I've seen some of these Pokemon before, believe it or not," She mentioned to Jake. "Like, for example..." The ranger pointed out a Skull Fossil. "That one turns into the Pokemon Cranidos."
Jake chuckled warmly though held his hands out in a warning gesture. "Yeah, but I'm not sure we're allowed to pilfer one of these without Olivia's permission, Aubrey. Do you like Fossil Pokemon?"
"Obviously. Also..." Aubrey gestured to a sign near the fossil display about a store policy. 'One Fossil per customer', it read.
"Huh. Neat!" Jake looked around and was getting a bit fidgety. The sun had begun setting and that meant they'd be limited on the remaining hours of the day. "Olivia?! You here?! Preferably not a Ditto?!" He called out in an animated tone. A Probopass was seen floating down from the second floor of the building, approaching Jake and Aubrey with a note and Max Potion.
"Pass!" It said, moving to give them the two things.
"Ooh, lemme take a look at that." Aubrey would take the note and give it a read.
'Aubrey, Jake - Olivia here.' It read. 'This is Probopass. It watches over the shop while I'm away. I know I asked to meet you here, but there's been a change in plans. When you get the chance, meet me at the Ruins of Life past Memorial Hill. It's just outside of town.'
"Ruins of Life...sounds scenic. We better get going before it gets any darker," Jake said.
"Yeah...but I kinda want this fossil, though," Aubrey responded, her eyes going back to the Skull Fossil.
"Alright, you can take it. I'll cover for you if Olivia gets mad," Jake shrugged cheekily.
"Thanks. Ooh, they also have Cranidos' counterpart," Aubrey noted an Armor Fossil next to it. Looking at the Plume and Cover Fossils, she wasn't sure what they were. "Never seen these kinds of fossils before."
"I think those are the Unova Fossils. One is a Tirtouga and the other is an Archen," Jake flinched as he gazed over at the Armor Fossil. He thought about Shieldon. The powerful, defensive, juggernaut-style Pokemon. The noble steed of prehistoric times. Someone bulky and tough that could frontline for his team when so many of his Pokemon emphasized decisive attacks, speed, and not much else. "...Phooey. Now you are going to make me commit a crime." He teased Aubrey as he pocketed the Armor Fossil. "I always wanted to use a Fossil Pokemon on my team and this is the best chance I'm gonna get."
Probopass looked at the two before Aubrey would pay the Pokemon.
"Here, on me." The ranger smiled and took the Skull Fossil. "Now...where do we go to revive these little rascals?"
"I can help, zzt!" Rotom popped out of her bag with a cheery tone. "Word on the street izz there's someone with the ability to revive Fozzils on Route 8. If you get there by Charizard back, you can make it to the Ruins of Life before it gets dark."
"That'd be perfect! Thanks Rotom." Jake cheered as he held the Armor Fossil like a baby. "Don't worry my beloved fossil, you will find new life soon." The two would step outside, Aubrey carefully loading the Skull Fossil into her bag.
One Ride Pager Charizard ride later, the two would arrive at the spot where Rotom marked on their map. It was a dirt road off the main path of the route.
"Alright, let's get in, revive these fossils, and get back to Konikoni." Aubrey saw Vatonage bouncing around, excited to meet some new friends. She found this adorable and rubbed his head.
Jake and Aubrey soon came across a strangely outlandish sight. To be frank, it looked like a nature preserve. "Huh...I guess Alola would have something like this. Though it is a bit unexpected to be so close to the city like this." Jake pointed out.
At the entrance was a trailer with a man standing out front, waving to the two. "Welcome to the Dream Park!" He greeted. "Where dreams become reality and Fossils become Pokemon!"
"Unless there's a fountain of youth in there, I'm not sure if it's accurate to use that slogan," Jake chuckled. "Though you are a Fossil specialist eh? That's good to know and a cool career choice."
"Yes, it is my dream to fill this preserve here with Fossil Pokemon as something everyone can enjoy," The preserve owner explained. "Do you have any Fossils on ya? Want me to revive them for ya free of charge?"
"As long as we get to keep them, yes," Aubrey answered, getting the Skull Fossil out of her bag. "I intend on having this guy join me on my Island Trial."
"Same here! And be a friend for life!" Jake handed the owner his Armor Fossil. The preserve owner would go inside his trailer and get to work. He would soon return, the two Pokemon following him outside, a Cranidos and a Shieldon.
"Here you go! For you ma'am, your Skull Fossil-" He was cut off by the ranger, who approached the Cranidos and knelt down to its level.
"It's the Skull Pokemon, Cranidos," She smiled. The Cranidos gave its first impression by headbutting her in the stomach. She grunted, but took the attack well. "Yep, it's a Cranidos alright," Aubrey mused.
The Shieldon on the other hand, looked very shy and reticent upon seeing the new trainer and quietly walked over to Jake. Then he bowed nervously as if it was the right thing to do. Jake looked worried for Aubrey briefly before looking at Shieldon with worry about how uncertain it seemed.
"Hey don't worry there little guy. I'm harmless and I'll take great care of you. I got some other Pokemon who'd love to meet you," He assured. The Shieldon's eyes darted around anxiously as it tried to come to terms with that possibility and seemed wounded up. It then just went silent and stared at Jake expectantly to see what Jake would do next. "Huh...to be fair this reaction is kind of appropriate for a Pokemon who just came back to life." Jake scratched his head.
"Yeah, agreed. I'm fine by the way, bro. Not even the least bit winded," Aubrey told Jake, rubbing the Cranidos's head. Cranidos looked impressed by this being's toughness. Vatonage would jump towards Cranidos with a cheerful smile as the two began conversing in Pokespeak. Forrest tried to settle down the Shieldon's nerves by explaining who they were and what journey they were going on. \
"Dartrix Dar!" Forrest exclaimed that Shieldon was a dynamic, powerful Pokemon who met his end too soon once upon a time but now he had a second chance and Jake would help give him a fuller life that he didn't have before.
"Sh...Shield..." The Shieldon sounded a bit comforted and thought positively about this statement. They couldn't remember any of the past but knew they were here now. They had a whole life ahead of them. They could do this with the parenthood they felt they never had before or had lost so long ago.
Jake nodded, beaming with happiness at how Forrest was such a mature and developed Pokemon. They really had become so responsible and admirable since their days when Forrest was Rowlet. Jake then picked up the Shieldon, finding it unexpectedly heavy due to the head, and then said, "Let's start your new life with a new name! Wouldn't you like that?" Blushing a bit, the Shieldon nodded happily.
Vatonage would turn to Aubrey once her conversation was done. "Vee! Vee vee vii!" He would run around playing charades to translate what Cranidos was saying.
"Mmhmm...so that's what the headbutt was for. Gotcha." Aubrey stood up, taking Vatonage in her arms. "So, it turns out I'm the first being that Cranidos here hasn't been able to knock out with a singular headbutt," She told Jake.
"Impeccable! So what are you going to name them? Maybe we can match names so they'd be like a brotherhood." Jake chuckled. Shieldon looked over to notice Cranidos and gulped. They felt they couldn't defeat Cranidos one-on-one and were intimidated by their strength.
"Oreburgh's gym leader Roark used a Cranidos as his ace from my research," Aubrey explained. "So I was thinking of naming this little guy after him. His dad Byron, the Canalave City gym leader had the evolved form of Shieldon there as his ace, Bastiodon."
"And you are the Sinnoh Sister! Ok, I like the name Byron too. Makes him older than your Pokemon." Jake chuckled. "You like that name, Byron?" Shieldon chuckled bashfully and nodded. It seemed they liked the new name and thought it made them seem a bit more confident than they really were. Cranidos let out a roar of approval at his new name of Roark.
"Alright then. Let's get going, Roark!" Aubrey would give Roark a Poke Ball, who willingly went inside. "We'll be going, sir. Just a heads-up...if things get out of hand here with the Fossil Pokemon, the Union will be called in to help handle the problem."
"Ah- right, right. I'll keep that in mind," The preserve owner responded. "But don't worry, I think we'll be fine. Science always finds a way."
"Sounds like something Aether would say. Anyways thanks for the help man." Jake gave Byron a standard Poke Ball as well, the meek Shield Pokemon startled by the sensation but entering the Ball just as willingly.
With that in mind, the duo headed back to Konikoni City to Memorial Hill.
"Feels like only yesterday I had two Pokemon. Now I only have one slot left in my main team! Funny how time flies when you are having fun and making new friends." Jake chuckled as he realized he had gotten Dew, Hazel, and Byron all within about two days.
"Well man, four days in and I've already got a full team together," Aubrey chuckled. Tenor, Nom, Erwing, Hunter, Don, and now Roark, all a big happy family with Vatonage along for the ride. She didn't feel like openly enjoying the feeling of having seven Pokemon, but it was hard to deny the good feeling.
"Imagine if they ever extended the maximum Pokemon team size. All the crazy combinations one could make," Jake chuckled.
"There's plenty of ways, we just have to find da way." As the sky now looked like a rich painting of pinks, reds, and oranges, the two of them continued towards the Ruins when they noticed a new figure on the road ahead.
There were two Team Skull grunts, as well as an Aether employee and an important looking guy standing back, letting the employee lead the charge. With the grunts was a Slowpoke.
"Team Skull! Give back that Pokemon!" The employee exclaimed.
"Don't give me trouble! I'll reduce you to rubble!" One of the grunts shouted.
"That's right! We're selling this Pokemon to get rich quick, yo!" The second grunt added. "If you want it back, you're gonna have to take it!"
The Slowpoke was indifferent to what was going on, being the dopey creature it was.
"Stand firm! Think of what the president would say!" The important looking guy encouraged the employee. He had weird green coverings over his eyes that made him look like a Yanma.
"That's what you say, chief! But do I see you helping me here? No, no I don't." The employee put her hands on her hips.
"I am the Aether Foundation's last line of defense! If something were to happen to me, what would become of our goals of preserving Pokemon?" This had to be Faba based on what was happening, as Aubrey's good mood turned into a scowl.
"Oh Arceus...fancy time to meet him." Jake grumbled in annoyance. Forrest was tempted to suggest leaving the infamous Faba to his fate but knew that the employee was at risk. Vatonage jumped up at Jake.
"Vee!" He seemed to have an idea.
"Grunts first, Faba next," Jake suggested in a whisper to Aubrey. He then noticed Aubrey's Eevee trying to get his attention. "Hmm? What's up, Vatonage?"
"Vee, vee vee vi vi." Vatonage made motions to suggest they get the jump on the grunts while the two from Aether had their attention.
"Huh...that's not a bad idea. Alright Jake, you have Forrest dive bomb their Pokemon, Vatonage, we'll take the grunts," The ranger decided, noting their Alolan Raticate. "Sounds good?"
"Eevee." Vatonage firmly nodded.
"Alright... Forrest, Pluck!" Forrest, who had been perched on his trainer's arm, took to the skies and then swooped in like a homing missile on the Alolan Raticate, pecking it rather viciously on the head and sending it sprawling onto the ground as the nearby individuals stepped back startled.
"ACK! We're being attacked by a third party!" Faba cried out, losing his composure.
"Who the heck?!" One of the Team Skull grunts asked in a panic.
"What the- oof!" Faba's fears would be put to rest as the second grunt would get rammed into by the furry missile known as Vatonage with Quick Attack, leaving Aubrey to approach the first grunt.
"You're not going to sell that Slowpoke into anything. Got it?" She would order in a low voice, her overall posture coming off as menacing.
"Branch Chief, I think they're friendly..." The employee meekly mentioned, her frustrations put to rest at the duo's intervention.
"Yes, NOW I can see that. Fortunate for the Slowpoke at least." Faba clarified as he dusted himself off.
"Ranger Aubrey...!" The Grunt clearly knew of Aubrey's occupation and identity. "Why don't you just leave Team Skull well enough alone?!" Aubrey could detect some frustration in the grunt's voice, as though they were tired of meeting and facing resistance.
Seeing her tone soften, Aubrey would respond with, "Because it's my job to protect Pokemon and the public? What do you think I get paid for, harassing randoms in the street?"
"Protecting them? Please. It's not like we're selling them to nutjobs or quacks. Or this crooked organization for that matter! We're making a living!" The grunt said in defiance.
"Hey!" Faba and his employee both objected to that critique.
"Yes...I know that much. It's unfortunate that you have to turn to a life of crime to make ends meet." Aubrey folded her arms. "But Pokemon aren't just things you can sell off to make a quick buck. Now, if you caught that legally that's a different story I think but..." At this point the Alolan Raticate got back up and sparred with Forrest as the first grunt was struck speechless by Aubrey's counterpoint.
"Oi, oi. oi. Looks like yet another confrontation with Aether. And we got unwanted guests to boot." Suddenly, a calm and collected young woman's voice was heard on the scene.
"Oh! Big sis is here!" The second grunt looked relieved.
"Big sis...?" Jake asked confused as he looked towards the direction of the voice.
"Oh great, it's HER." Faba looked disgruntled as he clearly recognized them.
With pink and yellow twintails, a more ornate looking Team Skull member would walk past the two grunts, having a calm fury as she approached Jake and Aubrey.
"So, you're the ones Gladion has been talking about, right?" She asked.
"And you're their big sis, I take it," Aubrey mentioned.
"Yeah. That's right." The young lady put her hands on her hips. "The name's Plumeria. And you're a ranger, huh?" She'd look at both of them. "...Hmph. You don't look like anything special to me. I'm what keeps Team Skull together. I'm the big sis to all these numskulls. You have realized what idiots all these guys are, right?"
"...'Idiot' is a strong word." Jake didn't appreciate Plumeria's condescending tone.
"You should just call it quits Plumeria! You know that Aether's defense has and will overcome you, especially with these new allies on our side!" Faba, haughty from the support of Aubrey and Jake, spoke up. Plumeria promptly responded by flipping Faba the bird.
"Careful sir, we don't want to aggravate someone like her," The employee looked very worried. Namely because they'd probably be made to suffer Plumeria's wrath if it didn't go well.
"But don't you think some dummies are cute in their dumbness?" The 'big sis' then asked.
"Never thought of it like that..." Aubrey confided.
"You picking on my cute, dumb brothers and sisters is really annoying me," Plumeria frowned.
"Frankly there's other things annoying me at the moment..." Jake eyed a seething Faba before turning to Plumeria. "Like how you are doing all this rogue activity that has been several regions out of style. And being antagonistic towards others. Aren't you and Gladion and even Guzma more than this?"
Before Jake could say anything further, Plumeria rushed Jake, and planted a harsh uppercut into his stomach.
"Aggghh...!" Jake was knocked straight onto his butt and then back onto the ground. Forrest saw this action after vanquishing the Alolan Raticate and looked incensed, about ready to charge straight at Plumeria but Vatonage calmed him down. Hasty actions weren't wise when they didn't know what else Plumeria was capable of. Faba looked suddenly a bit more terrified, cowering behind his employee when seeing the impressive blow. And the Grunts looked on in somewhat adorable awe of the attack.
Aubrey's reaction...was something entirely different though.
Her first reaction was perking up in shock and concern. "Jake!" She rushed over to her fallen friend, Vatonage going over to him too.
"I didn't come here to talk about pleasantries, ranger. I came here to fight," Plumeria made her intentions clear.
Jake, dazed and holding his suddenly tender chest, resisted the urge to cry from the sudden pain of the blow and sat up. "Heh...y-you're asking for one that's for sure..." He got out. "Ugh... that really hurt..."
"Well no duh. Do you think Team Skull can't take what they dish out? Fatsos and glorified picnickers who think they got a read on my family get shut up." Plumeria sneered and got into a combat stance as though threatening to strike again.
"You are insane and violent radicals!" Faba accused aggressively but then to his horror the grunts restrained him and his employee to keep them from running away. "Leggo of me!"
"Big sis has first dibs on you after she's through with them!" The first grunt said. Forrest hesitantly and nervously flew over to Jake's side to comfort him as they waited to see if Aubrey would step up to the plate.
Aubrey soon stood up, possessing a now angry posture. "I know what I did to that grunt back in Paniola was wrong...but I'm not gonna stand by and let you just hurt my traveling partner like that." She'd square up, rolling her shoulders. "And if you wanna fight, you'll get one!"
"Let's see if you really are all that the Grunts said you were cracked up to be! HAH!" With a martial arts cry, Plumeria ran forward and aimed for an in your face roundhouse towards Aubrey. Seeing the kick coming, Aubrey ducked it and quickly went for a kick at Plumeria's other leg to knock her to the ground. Plumeria found herself shocked when she was knocked down to the ground but she quickly picked herself up and went for two low kicks in stride.
Aubrey would jump the kicks, going for a jumping knee in kind. She wasn't feeling like diving to the ground and fighting her there. The ranger wanted to keep this somewhat civil, even if there weren't any real rules in a fight outside of any arena setting.
Plumeria threw herself back and grabbed onto the ground in a bridge stance before flipping herself up to her feet in a backflip, kicking Aubrey back in the process. The Grunts whooped and cheered for Plumeria's impressive skill. The ranger quickly regained her footing, shaking herself off. She wanted to get in close with Plumeria, but her scowl was noticeably starting to turn into a smile.
'Finally, a good fight...haven't had one of these in a while! I'm not gonna let you have all the fun, Van!' She thought to herself. With that in mind, Aubrey would approach nice and easy, flicking out jabs to ease herself into the pocket and to force Plumeria on the defensive. Plumeria took the fight with intense seriousness though, weaving her way out of the jabs carefully or pushing aside some of the attempted hooks and then went for a strong right hook to Aubrey's face. She'd find success, getting hit with a cross counter punch of Aubrey's with a right straight to her stomach.
"Ughhhh...!" Plumeria grunted and held her stomach painfully. "Why do you use these fists of yours to hurt my siblings? Do you even know anything about what's really going on here, or are you just some stupid bully on a power trip?!"
Wiping some spit away from her mouth, Aubrey would answer with, "Look lady, I'm not gonna be like any normal goody-goody and just let everyone get off with a slap on the wrist. Sometimes you gotta knock a fool out to get the message across, yeah? If I knew you guys weren't in the best living situation, I might have done things differently."
"Well joy to the world, we aren't in the best living situation and you aren't doing anything good for us! If anyone's the fool it's you!" Plumeria ran forward with a double palm strike.
Aubrey would grab onto her arms and hit her in the thigh with a right kick. 'Yeah, and not every crook I'm gonna deal with is sympathetic like you,' She thought to herself. 'If I give those kinda people an inch, they'll take a mile.' Plumeria spat in Aubrey's face in a vulgar, underhanded tactic and took advantage of the distraction to grapple Aubrey to the ground, get on top and start slugging her in the face. Aubrey could sense the bitterness and fury of Team Skull's past in her very blows.
"I don't need sympathy from a bully. Me and Guzma are doing what's best for a lot of people! Far more than the Aether you are defending has for Alola!"
"Don't scapegoat me for your problems!" Faba said defensively though not really understanding Plumeria's emotion which earned him a rough squeeze from the Grunt restraining him. "Aughhh..."
Jake, now up to his feet and looking on in the fight with great worry, stared helplessly. "Aubs..."
"Veee!" Vatonage cried out in alarm. On one hand, he wanted to jump in and help, but at the same time, he saw what happened next, surprised by this.
Despite the harsh blows to the head the ranger was taking, she grabbed onto one of Plumeria's arms after moving her head to the side to avoid a ground and pound strike, and switch her hips out to reverse positions, before getting off of Team Skull's big sister, backing up but returning to her fighting stance.
"Jake, I'm fine," She said. "I've got this under control."
"Doesn't look that way to me..." Plumeria smirked, now feeling like she had the complete advantage. She even dared Aubrey to come at her with a 'come at me' hand motion.
"The Ranger is on their last legs! I knew Big Sis would pull through!" The second grunt cheered happily.
"Don't bet on it..." Jake countered with a flat tone.
"Don't get cocky. I'm still in this, Plumeria," Aubrey felt refreshed seeing Vatonage's happy cheering, seeing his partner back to her feet. Despite sporting a few bruises on her face and a bit of swelling around her right eye, the ranger was still ready, able, and willing to fight on.
Plumeria continued to wait patiently for Aubrey to take the bait, which she'd get a response, but not in the way she intended. Instead of approaching in a reckless manner, Aubrey's stance was careful, reading that her opponent was trying to lure her into a trap. But whatever it was, she was ready for it. Plumeria looked slightly bewildered, wondering what would be the best option here when she saw Aubrey walking slowly but with composure towards her. She slowly made her way towards the opponent herself.
Flicking out jabs to ease her way into the pocket again, Aubrey would feint a rear hook and go for a left jab to hit her opponent quickly. Plumeria dodged the feint easily enough but then was shocked to see that Aubrey had a precise and quick follow-up attack to catch her off guard. The left jab.
"...! Ack!" Plumeria felt herself being staggered by the raw hit. Taking the opportunity, Aubrey would flick out another jab, followed up with a straight upstairs and a left hook kick to Plumeria's side. Plumeria desperately caught the jab but only found an upstairs waiting for her afterward and then was kicked painfully in her hip, causing her to fall onto the ground in a vulnerable motion. "Crap..."
"Big sis!" The Grunts were dismayed.
"Heck yeah!" Jake cheered with a fist bump. In a move that would surprise them all, Aubrey would walk on over to Plumeria, holding out a hand to help her up.
"Good fight," She complimented.
"...Tch. You got lucky reading me. First opponent that's given me a hard time." Plumeria growled in annoyance, although her eyes couldn't hide her sadness at the loss. She took Aubrey's hand and picked herself up off the ground. She held her hip in frustration as the Grunts abandoned Faba and the employee to tend to her, even having water and some medicine on hand.
"Big sis! That was epic! That darn ranger must've cheated!" The second grunt said.
"You'll get them next time! You and big bro!"
"Dang morons...heh...thanks though," Plumeria sounded a little bit happier from their help.
"Right well, Jake and I have places to be. But before we do..." Aubrey would turn her attention to Faba, hands on her hips.
"...Something the matter? Oh of course the Slowpoke! You better return them to Aether you Skull scoundrels!" Faba seemed to not quite sense Aubrey's body language.(edited)
"Fine Fab. You can have him." Plumeria said pissed. "Boys, give Mr. Head of Security what he wants." The Slowpoke had already trotted over to the Aether employee, having watched the whole fight.
"Right big sis! ...Oh." Both grunts took notice of this. The Aether employee took good care of the Slowpoke with some Pokeblocks.
Plumeria turned her eyes on Aubrey and Jake. "This isn't over, you two. If one of you goes down the other is quick to follow. Gladion and the rest are no pushovers and regardless of whether you beat us in Pokemon battle or hand-to-hand, you've only won the battle. Team Skull is winning the war...we have to." She leered with an icy and bitter glare at Aubrey.
Aubrey didn't share the sentiment, turning back to Plumeria and shook her head. But it wasn't out of a desire to brag or anything, but instead more feeling bad for Team Skull as they went off.
Vatonage hopped into Aubrey's arms, nuzzling against her with happy cries over her win. This lifted her mood a bit as she rubbed his head.
"I told you I had it under control, little guy," She smiled amidst the damage she sustained that fight. "Fought plenty of tough customers like her before."
"Thank goodness you are okay." Jake, despite having a bruised chest, hugged Aubrey gently and even sounded like he might cry out of pride and relief for her. "She was surprisingly scary...but also really pitiful. In the least condescending way I can phrase that word." Forrest also seemed relieved though felt bad he couldn't help avenge his trainer's pride.
"I just fear this whole conflict is getting out of hand..." The Aether Employee confessed nervously. "I wish we could do more to keep things like this from happening again."
Faba eyed the Employee with an incredulous and irate expression, as though saying 'Excuse me what did you just say? Are you saying I'm not doing enough?' This however only earned Jake and Aubrey's ire at the way the security head made the employee cower slightly.
"Right, and I'm gonna get to you real quick." Aubrey would give Jake a pat on the back as she faced Faba. "I don't take kindly to people who let their friends do all the fighting for them, while they lounge back and do nothing to help in the slightest. I just went and fought the grunts' caretaker of a team that's full of rejects from Alolan society. It sucks that I'm caught in this mess, man, but I gotta make things right. Even if I have a tough stance on wrongdoers, even I know that not everyone does it because they're malicious in intent." Especially since she remembered how she lost it and lashed out yesterday. Had she known, she definitely would've gone easier on Team Skull. But what's done is done. "Don't take it the wrong way, I support the idea of protecting Pokemon like you do. But you really need to do a better job of supporting your coworkers. Unless you want them looking like me but worse."
"Aether happens to be very superior in their defense branch thanks to me! Those stupid bandits got in our way this time and caught us off guard which s the only reason that we were caught unawares! Ather's base is proud to have never been attacked or infiltrated once thanks to me!" Faba bragged in response, as though choosing to intentionally ignore Aubrey's criticism.
"Okay, for once, let's assume you are being truthful. What does your defense consist of?" Jake asked, rubbing the bridge of his nose as he tried not to get too heated up.
"The defense consists of the most trained personnel of Aether being first responders to any reports of an emergency, attack, or threat," Faba explained.
"Trained in martial arts? Weaponry? Using Pokemon?" Jake asked.
"I'm assuming that third thing," Aubrey wagered.
Faba looked briefly caught off-guard. The employee answered this for them. "N-none... we're pacifistic and peaceful and try not to use violence. After all, Lusamine loves Pokemon so much she'd hate to imagine them getting hurt."
"That's not...fully accurate. I have a Pokemon team on hand at all times!" Faba explained. "I just...can't throw myself into the fray willy nilly and gung-ho like you two do. I'm exceedingly important in relaying information, news, and tactics after all as a defense-"
"Some defense, a spirit defends her school to this very day better than you've ever done for your ostracizing organization!" Jake snapped.
Faba's mouth gaped in shock at not only this revelation but the fact someone was speaking so frankly and pointedly towards him. He clearly had not met much resistance before for his line of reasoning, or rather hard judgement.
Aubrey meanwhile, let out a sigh. "I could say the same thing for us rangers. We protect those things who can't be replaced: People, Pokémon and nature."
"...I don't have any more time to waste. Thank you for helping the Slowpoke and us but we're through. If it means something to you two though, I'm willing to have my assistant take you two to a Pokemon Center to make sure you are treated well for your injuries as a token of appreciation." Faba sounded more begrudging than sincere.
"I'll be fine. You can go if you want, Jake." Aubrey would take a hand towel and wipe her face off. "I'll meet you at the ruins. C'mon, Vatonage."
"Vee?" Vatonage was surprised by Aubrey's willingness to not get help.
"Don't worry, little guy. Just you being here takes any pain away," She smiled, reassuring the Eevee with a happy cheer.
"Eh, I'll pass too...if you are going on, so can I. I also don't need anything from YOU Faba. You're welcome," Jake coldly turned his back on Faba before smiling at Aubrey. "Let's do this together."
Faba leered though the Employee looked at them with awe and respect, glad they spoke up about things they had deep insecurities and reservations about the organization they joined for awhile.
And once they left, Aubrey's smile dropped with a sigh. "Great...now how are we supposed to get into Aether Paradise? Their branch chief hates us now."
"Implying we were going to simply walk through the front door in the first place," Jake joked. "Sneaking in is way more fun!" Forrest chuckled a bit at Jake's optimism but seemed concerned as well. "For serious though, he's not the only one at Aether. We're bound to meet someone at the HQ nice and sensible enough to let us in."
"There's gotta be a better way than that..." Aubrey put a hand to her chin after setting Vatonage down. But then, she had an idea. "Oh, I know." Vatonage sat down, looking up at Aubrey and wondering what her idea was. "Well...it's honestly a stretch if anything, but..." Aubrey paused before taking a breath. "Key might be able to get us in."
"True. She has those connections," Jake said.
"Actually, I was hoping she'd be able to talk Faba into letting us come along with her on a sales pitch," Aubrey sheepishly admitted. "It's the only thing I can think of...because I have no idea how else we can get into Aether Paradise. Do we even know what it looks like?"
"Vee, vee." Vatonage jumped into Aubrey's bag to get Rotom out.
"Gyah! Vatonage, watch the goodzzz!" Rotom cried out. "Anyway...I heard what you were talking about. I can tell you the thingzzz you need to know."
"Hit us up with that 411 then, Rotom," Jake smiled.
"Aether Paradise izzz an artificial island located in the middle of the Alola region, near Akala Island," Rotom explained. "Created by the Aether Foundation, it serves as their main base of operations for research and development. A jamming signal prevents the use of empty Poke Balls throughout the island."
"Empty Poke Balls? Oh like Catching Pokemon. That's advanced...and it's in the middle. Fitting." Forrest nodded in agreement with his trainer's words.
"I think Key's the best chance we've got for getting into Aether Paradise. Let's get to the ruins and deal with your Grand Trials quickly, zzt!" Rotom advised.
"Right. Once we're done here, we'll head to Hano Grand Resort and see if she can help us," Aubrey agreed. "Sound good, everyone?"
"Eevee!" Vatonage nodded in agreement.
"Agreed! Sooner the better," Jake shared the sentiment.
After a little bit of walking, the two would arrive at the entrance to the Ruins of Life. When they got there, they'd be greeted by Burnet and Lillie.
"Aubrey! Jake!" Burnet called.
Jake smiled in spite of his soreness and waved hello to them. "Hey friends! Long time no see...for the umpteenth time this journey."
Burnet would've said something, but Lillie gasped in shock seeing the state they were in.
"Wha...what happened to you!?" She exclaimed.
"Team Skull happened," Aubrey answered. "We still beat 'em, but Plumeria put up a good fight." Lillie shuddered at the mention of them.
"Apologies for being late...I wanted to come see how you two would fare against Olivia," The professor's assistant explained. "But I got lost, so I asked Professor Burnet to guide me here."
"No it's not your fault Lillie. Did Olivia also tell you guys to meet up here?" Jake asked.
"Still I'm worried about you being out on your own when it's getting dark and late...after this is all done would you like to come with us back to the Center? We're definitely going to need some patching up for our wounds and for our minds after dealing with Faba's nonsense," Jake joked as he made an offer to Lillie.
"You...met the branch chief of Aether?" Lillie asked. "Why would you need patching up for your minds?"
"He's an egotistical moron!" Jake sighed with exasperation. "And refuses to take responsibility for Aether's part in enabling Team Skull."
Lillie turned her head away. "Yeah...I'll take your word for it. A-Anyway...I also came here for Nebby."
"About the ruins?" Aubrey asked, even if it was rhetorical.
"Yes...within these ruins lies the guardian deity of Akala Island," Lillie answered.
"Pew!" Nebby was sure excited.
"Oh, you! I know you tried to drag me along to the Ruins of Conflict on Melemele Island," Lillie spoke. "Why are these ruins so important to you? What are the guardians for you?" Nebby didn't answer. "Imagine what would've happened if Aubrey wasn't there..." Jake seemed perplexed by Lillie's thought process here and was unsure of what to say. Meanwhile, Aubrey noticed the quick subject change Lillie did, but decided not to push it. Nebby perked up at seeing Olivia coming from the ruins.
"Pew!" He cried.
"Well hey there, glad you could make it- woah, what happened to you?" Olivia would ask the duo.
"Would you believe Team Skull's big sister?" Jake shrugged, not bothering to try to make an excuse to the professional.
"Yes I would," Olivia responded. "You sure you don't wanna put off the trial till tomorrow?"
"Sure I'm sure," Aubrey answered with a confident nod.
"Alright then." Olivia watched Lillie step to the side with Nebby. "So, which of you would like to go first against me? Both of you are doing the Grand Trials separately based on what ol' Hala told me."
Jake admittedly was sweating slightly but seemed determined to stand alongside Aubrey in the challenge. In fact, it was perhaps because of the significance of this endeavor and wanting to show his improvement that he declared, "I'll be first if you don't mind Lady Olivia."
"Sounds good to me, man." Aubrey would stand with Lillie.
"Gotta warn you, Jake. All my Pokemon are adorable, ruggedly tough Rock types!" Olivia smiled.
"Adorable as they may be, when the dust settles, mine will be left standing." Jake said with a big smile and pulled out a very familiar Net Ball. Olivia stepped forward and called forth her first Pokemon, an Anorith. One of Hoenn's signature Fossil Pokemon.
"No wonder you own that Fossil Shop then...well you'll be happy to hear you got two new customers in me and Aubrey today Lady Olivia!" Jake grinned.
"Really? Thanks for the patronage. I'm still not letting you pass the trail willy nilly for that generosity though. Which ones did you get?" Olivia asked, delighted.
"I got the sturdy and powerful Armor Fossil and Shieldon!" Jake called out, posing dramatically.
"And I got a Pokemon that could be my prehistoric spirit Pokemon," Aubrey mused, calling out Roark.
"Crannnnnn!" Roark cried.
"Oh nice! The Cranidos. You got the defense and the offense of Sinnoh. Looking forward to seeing them fully trained. Are you ready then, Jake?" Olivia winked.
"You bet I am! Go Dew!" Jake summoned forth Dew who stared down the Anorith seriously but ready to commit to the battle.
Lillie looked on in awe at seeing the evolved Pokemon. "That's a new Pokemon you got Jake! It's so amazing...if a bit startling to go up against."
"Thank goodness it's a Water type...otherwise it'd be pretty tough to breathe in that bubble of his," Aubrey commented. Jake winced slightly as he had overhead thrown the ball and realized that was not doing favors for his bruise.
"Underhand next time Jake." He told himself.
"Well then I declare this final Trial at the Ruins of Life underway! Anorith, use Smack Down!" Olivia held out her arm as Anorith shot out a rocky projectile at Dew.
"Dew, spin a Spider Web and get the Anorith on low ground!" Jake ordered. Dew gladly did so, sending forth a string of webbing to the pillar ruins and leaping for it, dodging the Smack Down and finding his vantage point.
"Heh, smart ploy, but Anorith is just as buggy as an Araquanid! Metal Claw!" Olivia declared cheekily, as her Anorith surprisingly hopped onto the Spider Web as well and charged at Dew with Metal Claw pincer strike. Dew took the hit but then repelled Anorith with a strong Bubble Beam attack that sent Anorith careening towards the edge of the web where it barely held on.
"Good reaction Dew! Now use Infestation!" A vicious and quick swarm of insects flew and buzzed about Anorith, harassing them with bites. It didn't do much damage but it left Anorith desperately using Metal Claw to slice through the swarm. Once it broke free, Olivia was ready. "Smack Down now!" Anorith, strategically and intelligently used a Smack Down on the web, breaking through it and causing him and Dew to tumble down onto the ground. Dew landed roughly, having been caught off-guard by his webbing's quick demise and Anorith landing smoothly on the ground.
"Don't fret Dew! Get up and heal up with Aqua Ring!" Jake commanded.
Dew nodded, refusing to lose to something as minor as non-evolved Fossil Pokemon, and formed a healing ring of water around him to recover his blows. Anorith sent forth another Smack Down but this time Araquanid used Headbutt and broke through the rocky projectile in a fantastic display of power.
"Whoa!" Olivia and Lillie were both surprised by the power of Araquanid.
"Now finish the Anorith off with Bubble Beam!" Jake chuckled.
With a potent and focused stream of bubbles Anorith was stricken with a surge of pops that pettled him and knocked Anorith out. "Anoooooorith." They cried as they fell unconscious.
"Hmm. One down. Two more to go for you. I see you've become stronger throughout the other Trials of this island. One can only go up from here I think if you've gotten this far." Olivia smiled as she called another Pokemon out.
"So this is how you see the progress made by Trainers..." Lillie confessed to Aubrey. "I never realized it until now, seeing it like this. Seeing how Jake's changed from his last battle."
"He's been changing battle after battle, Lillie," Aubrey mused. "Everyone changes as they gain experience in something. Like how a painter gets better and better the more they paint."
"...Just as the Professor describes Evolution, but it's more than just Evolution. It's also character and confidence and skill. I'm...I'm happy to get to be here right now to witness this." Lillie beamed, looking happier than normal. Nebby too seemed delighted.
"I'm afraid though for you I'm going to bring my ace in the hole out and I'm not sure you are ready for him." Olivia smirked confidently but not out of egotism but out of excitement for the unfolding battle.
"Ace in the hole? More like a mark on the tallyboard." Jake looked confident.
"Go, Lycanroc!" Olivia summoned forth what looked like a mighty and powerful wolf with menacing red eyes.
"Eh? She's sending out her ace already?" Aubrey wondered. "Hold on...what's that Pokemon?"
"Huh...that actually looks kind of strong." Jake sweated even harder. He could sense there was something behind their stance that exemplified power and ferocity.
Rotom would come out upon hearing Aubrey ask that question.
"Lycanroc, the Wolf Pokemon, and the evolved form of Rockruff. The more intimidating the opponent it faces, the more this Pokémon's blood boils. It will attack with no regard for its own safety," Rotom reported. "This is one of Lycanroc's three forms, called Midnight Form."
"That sounds horrifying..." Lillie whimpered.
"Hey don't worry Lill. The Pokedex entries tend to grossly exaggerate...no offense Rotom," Jake tried to reassure her.
"Isn't it imprezzzive though?" Rotom responded, comically missing the point. Lillie and Nebby both shook their heads. Feeling dejected, Rotom went back into Aubrey's bag.
"Ok then, back to the battle! Dew, Bubble Beam!" Dew had healed up nicely from the Aqua Ring and confidently shot out focused streams of Bubble Beam.
"Lycanroc...Rock Tomb." Olivia somewhat quietly said. Lycanroc suddenly surged forward at shocking speed, dodging the Bubblebeam easily as it prowled and ran forth at Dew before leaping upward sending forth an onslaught of rocks at Dew. Dew gasped and hastily tried to dodge but one of the rocks rammed into his spider leg and pinned him down and did significant damage.
"Yikes...!" Jake looked on worriedly as Lycanroc leapt down onto Dew and took a fearsome Bite of Dew, having complete pressure on the Water Bubble Pokemon. "Get it off of you quickly! Headbutt!"
Dew retaliated the best way he could despite being low on health, knocking the Lycanroc off of him with a water bubble-packed headbutt. The Lycanroc looked a bit miffed but definitely not deterred and even seemed to smirk as it howled and sent another stream of rocks flying at Dew that pelted the helpless water bug-type and took Dew out.
"That was so quick..." Lillie gasped.
Aubrey put a hand to her chin, observing the battle. "So it's a fast Pokemon...noted."
"Well at least that's one down and I still got four...though really it's three since one of them's not really trained yet. You did your job Dew. Get some rest." Jake smiled but looked like he was uncomfortable with not only the shocking power of Lycanroc but with his injury as he returned Dew. Forrest, expectantly waiting and watching the battle, clearly looked ready to avenge Dew. "Yeah, we're going to need your aerial grace Forrest. Come join the fray."
Forrest nodded and stepped forward, ready to battle and not be distracted by such trifling things as the cleanliness of his fur.
"One of Kukui's starters. Evolved and looks responsible and battle-hardened. I like that look. This should be one treasure of a bout then. Lycanroc, charge forward and use Rock Tomb!" Olivia called out.
Lycanroc leapt forward like a true hunter and sent out a stream of rocks but Forrest was no slouch here and took to the skies instantly to get out of Lycanrocs range before sending a stream of Razor Leafs at Lycanroc. Lycanroc was not giving up though and formed more Rock Tombs to send up at Dartrix to try to pelt the Razor Leaves out of the air and also hit the evasive Blade Quill Pokemon.
"Dartrix!" Forrest moved with precision and elegance and found success in pelting Lycanroc with several Razor Leaves which would do good damage to the Midnight Form Pokemon though he noticed that Lycanroc was forming a field of rocks and even piles of such that would allow the Rock-type to get more aerial momentum.
Olivia chuckled and suddenly pulled out her Z-Crystal. "Sorry Jake, but your ace in the hole is about to become a mark on the tallyboard. Lycanroc, get up into the sky with the rocks as a platform and get ready to use your Z-Move!"
Lycanroc would be powered up by the energy from Olivia's rugged stance and the Z-Crystal, raising his arms to the sky as he summoned a huge rock mountain, blocking out the light of the moon. He would then take aim and send it Forrest's way with full force.
Forrest gasped as the mountain made contact with him and appeared to strike him down as huge cloud of smoke appeared.
"Eeeeeek! S-so that's a Z-Move!" Lillie looked a bit frightened by the sheer amount of power and Nebby looked like it was going to freak out as well.
Jake looked through the cloud of smoke carefully, nervous for Forrest's fate as that attack was so huge that it'd be near impossible to dodge. "C'mon Forrest..."
"Oh my Arceus..." Aubrey was taken aback as the rock mountain was dispelled by crumbling apart.
When the cloud of smoke dispersed, all that was left was a pile of rubble, enough to make a makeshift stadium of sorts and Lycanroc standing triumphant. It howled bodly and loudly into the sky, clearly thinking himself the victor.
"I hate to do that so quickly without getting a Pokemon down enough to make it a finishing blow but with a type disadvantage, burst damage is the way to go." Olivia smiled but then suddenly noticed something that made her lose her composure. From underneath Lycanroc, a shadowy energy emerged and suddenly Lycanroc was sent flying upward by a heavily injured but still determined Forrest.
"Oh thank goodness for Shadow Sneak utility!" Jake cheered.
"Amazing! It continued to fight even after taking such a heavy blow..." Lillie looked dazzled after calming Nebby down and seeing Forrest's comeback.
Lycanroc was helpless in the air and to their horror, Forrest was not down. It flew around Lycanroc rapidly, leaving Razor Leaves in his wake before suddenly Lycanroc was caught in a pure vortex of Razor Leaves, flying to and fro and striking the Pokemon down from within.
"What technique...!" Olivia stared in amazement.
Ultimately though Forrest winced and ran out of stamina, having only gotten that second wind to have enough power and gumption to defeat this immensely strong foe for his trainer's sake and fell out of the sky unconscious. The makeshift leaf tornado dispersed and Lycanroc had also met a similar fate, being knocked out by the intense array of grass projectiles. Overgrow had certainly activated there, and it was the difference between taking Lycanroc down or not.
"Hey I got...ungh...you...!" Jake instinctively ran over and lifted his arms to catch Forrest but the pain of Plumeria's earlier blow got to him and he fell onto one knee and lowered his arms. Thankfully, Forrest still landed safely in his arms though Jake was wincing and seriously desiring some pain medication.
"Good work Lycanroc. I see greatness in you every time we fight, you deserve a good rest." Olivia returned Lycanroc to his ball before they could fall onto the ground.
"Lillie?" Aubrey would turn to the professor's assistant. "After this battle, I want you to take Jake to the Pokemon Center in Konikoni. My man needs some help."
"Absolutely Aubrey. I can do that." Lillie nodded in agreement.
"Thanks." Aubrey would turn back to watching the battle.
"Hoof...good work Forrest. Got one more opponent left. You've made me the happiest Trainer in the world seeing you become an upstanding Pokemon and I swear I'll always let you know that till the day I die." Jake spoke from the heart as he returned Forrest to his ball.
"I see you are hanging in there well though I feel bad I'm making you overexert yourself physically. Are you sure you can keep going? We can resume the battle tomorrow..." Olivia offered.
"Very kind of you Lady Olivia but this is not the end for me or for my battle. We're finishing this now! Though admittedly... I'm not sure who to send out next..." Jake admitted in spite of his bravado.
"Alright. Just like Professor Kukui, stubborn to a fault but always determined when it comes to Pokemon. Lileep. Be the grand finale!" Olivia said, summoning the Grass/Rock-Type Fossil Pokemon from Hoenn.
Jake stared at the Pokemon with some dismay. Did he even have any Pokemon that could be strong against such an odd combination? He didn't. That was the thing. He'd have to risk either sending out an undertrained Byron or possibly Hazel who'd have the only other feasible match-up against them.
Aubrey would be there to give some advice. "Honestly man, Hazel's your best play."
"Yeah. It'll be a long bout but I got no better options. Thanks Aubs. Hazel, I choose you." With a simple and even weak underhand toss, Jake summoned Hazel from her Heal Ball.
"Comfey!" Hazel beamed with positivity, ready and excited for her first real battle.
"Lileep, Ancient Power!" Olivia called forth Lileep to summon magical rocks out of thin air! Their eyes glowed with arcane energy as the rocks were flung at Hazel.
"Hazel, use Sweet Kiss!" Hazel nodded and flew forth at Lileep though ended up taking a rock painfully to the face and crashed onto the ground in a somewhat clumsy motion.
"Oof..." Lillie admittedly thought the visual was kind of funny and resisted a giggle.
"Well, she uh...got a sweet kiss on that rock," Aubrey commented.
Lileep seemed to flash brightly indicating the Ancient Power had empowered their stats!
"That almost never happens...!" Jake groaned at his misfortune. But then he noticed Hazel had diligently and without much complaint, picked herself back up and kissed Lileep with a very slobbery kiss, the kind a grandmother would do to their nephew. Lileep was instantly flustered and dazed, spirals swirling about in their eyes to indicate their confusion.
"Huh...that was an impressive recovery." Jake admitted bashfully. "Follow up with Growth!"
"Lileep, stay composed and use Brine!"
Lileep however didn't find it in themselves to stay stable and ended up sending a wild Brine that propelled them up into the sky before they landed roughly back down as though it was a cartoon. Lillie couldn't help but laugh at the hilarious visual. Hazel in the meantime appeared to have some of the flowers they were carrying bloom even more beautifully and her attack and special attack were empowered.
"Now use Draining Kiss!" Hazel gleefully, if strangely menacingly floated over to Lileep who was just barely picking up her head from the ground and turned to see Hazel. Hazel kissed Lileep but this time a strange mystical energy enveloped Lileep and leeched a noticeable amount of health from Lileep over to Hazel who soon felt her wounds heal up. Lo and behold it even appeared to be a Critical Hit! Lileep's head twirled about once before it ultimately passed out from not only the enhanced Confusion hit but also the double whammy of a Growth buff and a Critical Hit Stab Draining Kiss.
"...Ay ya yai. I see that was certainly a defeat I won't forget. But bravo Jake! You succeeded and rose to the occasion!" Olivia, after recovering from the intense second-hand embarrassment of the loss, applauded him.
"Huh...wha...? I won...really...? Just like that?" Jake, standing on his knees at this point looked on in awe and shock as Hazel flew over to him and glomped him happily.
"He did it! He did it! Oh wow! He fought against such a tough opponent and won!" Lillie couldn't help herself but be happy for Jake and cheered excitedly as she ran over to him.
"Heh...I see you really do help me out of tight spots then Hazel. That was a great first showing." Jake smiled and hugged Hazel back happily.
"Told ya Hazel was your best bet," Aubrey mused. "Now go get yourself fixed up."
"Y-you did really great Jake. I'm really starting to see the wonder of Pokemon and Pokemon Trainers now because of you and Aubrey. But yeah, I think we need to get you to the Center now...Ranger's orders." Lillie went from excited and honest to firm and responsible.
"Wait but I wanna see Aubrey's fight..." Jake tried to protest.
"I mean it, man." Aubrey folded her arms.
"Comf..." Hazel also seemed worried as she saw Jake's right hand hold his chest after the hug was done.
"Ugh... good point. Maybe if I was in more brawls like you Aubs, a punch to the chest wouldn't affect me this bad," Jake admitted.
"Yeah. I'll see ya in a bit after I have my battle," Aubrey gave a reassuring smile.
"Thanks Aubs...good luck and don't let the mountain topple you," Jake said as Lillie helped him up and the two of them and their Pokemon headed for the Pokemon Center. Meanwhile, Olivia was noticeably using a Max Revive on one of her Pokeballs but also seemed to exchange two of the Pokeballs she used in the battle against Jake for two new ones.
"I gotta say that if he's not used to such a fierce punch, he has the stamina and resilience to carry through with this Pokemon battle and come out the winner. It makes me excited to see someone like you who endured the worst of the fight with Plumeria can do." Olivia smiled.
"More like all of it," Aubrey confided. "She just hit him once...really was out of line if she only wanted to fight me. I could see it in her eyes. The contempt, the fury...it was directed at me."
"...I don't know what I can do personally to stop Team Skull's streak of criminal actions and occasional abuse. The answer is very hard to find these days with Aether and the Trial Captains coming up with new ideas. Not to mention having to make ends meet," The Kahuna confided. "Just so you know though, if you ever need a place to stay, I know the Trial Leaders can and will help you." Olivia spoke with resolve and kindness.
"Appreciate the offer. Now, we gonna battle or what?" Having considered her options, Aubrey felt it was best to lead off with Don, having his Poke Ball ready for the battle ahead. If he needed the extra help, Tenor would be there to close the show.
"Buuuuut, to lighten the mood. I'm going to be cheeky and make this battle a bit fresh since I'm not one to let things play by the book all the time when I get two challengers at once. Lycanroc is staying but you got two new opponents alongside him to face. Up for the challenge Ranger Aubrey?" Olivia winked playfully.
"I'm taking that as a yes!" The ranger was ready to go!
To start off the battle, Olivia would send out a Nosepass. Aubrey's hunch was correct as she sent out Don, the Mudbray ready to fight, finding that Olivia looked surprised by Aubrey's choice.
"Were you expecting to use Electric type attacks with Nosepass?" The ranger guessed.
"Heh, nothing gets by you with Pokemon, huh Aubrey?" Olivia asked.
"Nosepass is a Rock type that learns Electric type moves. It's a pretty unique Pokemon in that respect," Aubrey mused. "Don, Bulldoze!"
"Nosepass, Rock Slide!" Olivia called.
Both Pokemon went for their attacks, both of them hitting each other for decent damage on the Nosepass, and not very effective damage against Don. The Ground type decided to kick the rocks back at Nosepass, forcing it to dodge as he started to dictate the tempo of the fight.
'I had a feeling that Ground types would be the best thing to use here,' Aubrey thought to herself. 'No doubt the Kahunas have ways to punish the most common ways to beat them. If she swapped in a Water/Rock type like say...Relicanth or Corsola, I should be able to answer that with Tenor.'
Don would eventually win the war of attrition with the physically durable Nosepass, standing mostly strong as Olivia recalled her first Pokemon. Her next Pokemon wouldn't be anything Don couldn't handle on paper.
"Go, Boldore!" Olivia called out the Ore Pokemon, who was ready to battle. "Hit 'em with Mud-Slap!"
Don would take the Mud-Slap, having no real way to get the mud out of his eyes.
"Keep calm Don, and Bulldoze on!" Aubrey called. The Mudbray would take Aubrey's advice, continuing to bring the punishment with Bulldoze, and as Don kept it up, he'd find that Boldore was able to weather the storm, throwing him off balance a little with Rock Blast. This barrage would continue, but eventually, the Mudbray would prevail over its tough opponent.
And then, Don would start to glow.
"Oh man...another evolution is here, man!" Aubrey smiled. When the light faded, Don had turned into the Pokemon that Hapu was riding around with - a Mudsdale!
"Muuuuud!" Don bellowed.
"Awesome work, Don!" Aubrey cheered. However, the Mudsdale would be taking some heavy breaths, all the Bulldoze attacks having tuckered him out.
"Everybody's got their limits, hon," Olivia said, recalling Boldore.
"Right. Return, Don. You did well," The ranger thanked, recalling her Mudsdale. "Okay, Tenor! It's showtime!"
Tenor would do a frontflip upon being called out from his Poke Ball, happily barking to face Olivia's last Pokemon, her Lycanroc.
"Go for Bite, Lycanroc!" Olivia ordered.
"Feed 'im a Bubble Beam, Tenor!" Aubrey exclaimed.
Tenor waited till Lycanroc got in close before firing off a Bubble Beam, pushing Lycanroc back as it went for a Bite attack. This would force Lycanroc on the defensive, attempting to dodge Tenor's attacks.
"Shoot, her Brionne is keeping us out...alright Lycanroc, we gotta try this!" Olivia would gear up for Lycanroc to go for Continental Crush.
"Tenor, wait for Lycanroc to throw that, then Aqua Jet out of there," Aubrey ordered, remaining calm.
"Bri bri bri!" Tenor responded. Once Lycanroc threw the mountain of a boulder, Tenor would start rushing forward with Aqua Jet, racing the shadow to avoid getting crushed under the boulder.
It'd be a close race, but when the dust settled…
Aubrey's Brionne would be shooting towards Lycanroc like an aquatic missile, having managed to outrun the Continental Crush!
"Yes!" Aubrey cheered, watching Tenor finish the fight with a decisive Bubble Beam. "Honestly...after that epic fight you had with Jake...that felt pretty anticlimactic."
"Maybe if you handicapped yourself with a type disadvantage it'd be more exciting, Ranger Aubrey," Olivia teased, recalling her Lycanroc.
"Heh, you've got that right," Aubrey chuckled, seeing Olivia hand a brown Z-Crystal with a rock decal in the center over.
"Diamonds only form when rock is pressed down to its limits...and you and Jake shone bright! Here ya go, the Rockinium-Z is yours!" Olivia smiled. "With that, your Akala trials are done."
"Thanks for the battles, Olivia. Now if you'll excuse me, Jake and I have a mission to clear." With a handshake, Aubrey would take off to go get Jake from the Pokemon Center.
(And this chapter took a long time for me to get done. Honestly, the Olivia fight is pretty easy if you bring either a Mudbray or an Alolan Dugtrio. In vanilla Sun and Moon, of course. So I wasn't sure how to write that for Aubrey and not make it anticlimactic. Next time, Aether Paradise's first visit. Bye for now!)