(Off to Exeggutor Island we go, and then to Vast Poni Canyon! Once we're done here, the final stretch of this journey awaits us!
The Reviews
Jacob9594: Thank you! Lolita designed the one for Aubrey.
Megan Romero: Oh, I'm pretty sure we'll find the way into Ultra Space. The main worry is getting Lusamine back.
LogBook: Vast Poni Canyon was the OG Alola Victory Road, but with the rangers we should be fine.)
Aubrey, Jake, and Lillie would return to Hapu's place. "Van!" Aubrey called. "We know where the Sun Flute is!"
Vanessa looked up from something she was researching on her Styler. "Oh good!"
"We need to go to Exeggutor Island to get it," Lillie explained. "We were hoping that the Union could give us a ride there...and we don't really have much time, I think."
"Yeah, something about a ritual where we play both the Sun and Moon Flutes - but since the Legendary Pokemon we want is the beast who devours the sun, well...it'd be best if we did it while there's sun in the sky," Aubrey added.
"Gotcha," Vanessa responded. "Yeah, the Union is still docked, you can see it from here. I'll let them know we will be coming." On the way back to Seafolk Village, Jake would spot something that certainly stuck out like a sore thumb to him on an island like Poni.
As they carry on their stroll, they notice an unusual and distinct setting over by the beach. At first glance one can see a cozy-looking island cottage with a patio, swingset, and mailbox but there's also a shocking amount of unusual yet incredibly beautiful pieces of art. Stone and wood carving sculptures of various Pokemon, humanoid figurines, and some things too abstract to distinctly capture in a sentence. Easels with shockingly distinct and even hypnotizing paintings having been painted on them and lots of paint cans scattered about. The sand beachcombed into an ornate design of what appears to be the face of a beautifully handsome man. Whoever took this spot as their own is clearly something of an artistic genius.
"Whoa...is this some kind of outdoor museum?" Jake asked, dazzled.
"What is?" Lillie asked, looking over to see what Jake was seeing. "Woah..."
"Doesn't look like anyone's home..." Aubrey mentioned, looking around for any sort of clue as to who owned all of this.
Jake took some photos of the scenery and grinned, "I gotta say, you'd never find something like this in Hoenn. Sure they have a museum but this is next level."
"This is pretty good. Reminds me of that art I saw back in Kanto..." Vanessa paused in realization. "Wait a minute. Oh I think I know who lives here. I helped her get a ride back after she missed her boat in Kanto."
"You do? Who?" Lillie looked interested.
"Her name was Mina. Used Fairy Type Pokemon. Seems a bit out of it at times," The younger ranger answered.
"So she's in league with Queen Valerie then. Fascinating. But if she's not home, where else could she be?" Jake asked.
"Hmm..." Vanessa thought to herself. "I think she said she has a job of some import to do as well...oh, what if she is the Trial Captain of this island?"
"Well maybe this isn't her house," Aubrey mentioned, having found something.
"Oh, whatcha find Brey?" Vanessa perked up.
"Got a name on the mailbox here. Says...Yonaga...huh." Aubrey put her hands on her hips. "Can't say I've ever heard that name before. Must be someone who moved here."
"Maybe this person knows Mina?" Lillie suggested.
"Could be. But...I think it'd be best if we don't disturb anything here. We've got important business to take care of today, after all," The older ranger agreed.
"Yeah." Her partner nodded.
"I'll be sure to search her up later but yeah. Where to now? Daylight needs to be saved here, people," Jake teased.
"Exeggutor Island!" Lillie spoke with a smile. "To the Union!"
True enough, when the group returned to the Seafolk Village, they'd board the Union and sail off to Exeggutor Island. Fittingly enough, it was shaped like an Exeggutor.
"Huh, interesting…" Vanessa would then look to the Alolan variant of Exeggutor, which were...very long necked, to say the least. "...Oh my."
Aubrey couldn't help but snicker at how the Exeggutor looked, but then noticed something off about them. "Hey uh...don't they look a little agitated by something?"
"Well...it can't be us, right? We just got here," Lillie wondered.
"You're right. Look up on their heads!" Aubrey would point out that the three Exeggutor there were being harassed by Pinsir. She'd look to her partner. "Shall we?"
"Yes we shall!" Vanessa readied her Styler.
With Aubrey doing the same, both Rangers would shout, "Capture...ON!" They flicked out their Capture Discs and got to work on defusing the situation, much to Jake and Lillie's amazement.
"I've seen Aubrey capture solo, but never with another ranger before," Lillie mentioned.
"And traditionally, this is where people shine most. Working together with someone they trust. We're about to see a show." Jake grinned. A show was what they did see, with Aubrey taking the Pinsirs, leaving Vanessa to handle the Alolan Exeggutor. It took a bit of effort on their part, but they soon had all six Pokemon calmed down.
"Heck yeah!" Aubrey cheered, exchanging a high five with Vanessa. "That was textbook right there!"
"That it was, Brey!" Vanessa smiled.
"Swell job, ladies. Lillie was really impressed by your collaboration," Jake said.
"Yeah...I think the good weather in Alola has made Exeggutor grow a bit more vigorously than I would like," Lillie giggled as clouds were rolling in overhead. "Um...I think it's about ready to rain."
"Like that'd stop us?" Aubrey mused. "Oi, Jake. Do us a solid and find somewhere here where you two can wait out the rain. Keep her company while Van and I find the Sun Flute."
Vanessa would look at her Ranger Dex to see something unusual. "...Huh. These guys are part Dragon."
"Ok then, I'm leaving it to you ladies! C'mon Lillie. Let's go have fun." Jake said as he took Lillie by the hand and the two of them went off to find a place that'd not be considered trespassing.
As Jake and Lillie went off to find an alcove they could use as cover from the rain, Aubrey would look at Vanessa's Dex. "...Arceus, you're right," She commented. "I don't know how palm trees of all things can be Dragons but...eh, we've seen weirder."
"Yeah. I'm almost tempted to catch one…" Vanessa admitted. "Not really sure where that would be useful, though."
"Ah, we can worry about that later. Right now let's find that Sun Flute," Aubrey responded.
With Jake and Lillie, the latter would be looking out at the sea once the rain set in. "Rain in Alola, huh...my skirt got a bit wet. Looking out at the rain like this reminds me of a time when I was younger."
"Was it a positive time? I assume it was because rain is a very serene, calming, pleasant wonder of the world. Some of my best days have been being cozy and warm at home while it rains." Jake said.
"I've seen it in a movie before," Lillie began. "There was this man singing and dancing in the rain. It captivated me so much, I wanted to try it myself. My mother spotted me out in the rain, and she was so shocked, she ran right after me without even bothering to get an umbrella." The young lass smiled. "And then...she smiled...and she danced with me in the rain." It would dawn on Jake that Lusamine in the past wasn't a bad person, but it's very possible that when the Ultra Beasts came into their life, things had gone south.
"I think I know which movie you are describing. It would be very liberating to just play around in the rain like that. Lusamine really did have your best interests in mind at some point. It's tragic when a loss or sudden grave event changes things so drastically. It's why you gotta find a ray of hope in these instances," Jake pointed out. "Like even when your whole region is on the verge of being blown up or terraformed by heat or rain, you believe in those wanting to make things right and save people and it usually turns out fine. So on that note, I know we can get that Lusamine back, Lillie."
"I know we can too, Jake," Lillie beamed. "And I've got more than one ray of hope. You, Aubrey, Vanessa...everyone, even. Everyone I've met has been nothing but supportive ever since I left Aether Paradise. Now that we're staring down what could be best described as a 'judgement day'...is that how you say it?"
"The trendiest thing to describe it as is 'endgame' these days but yeah. Although unlike most judgement days we're not in actual immediate danger but more like 'yeah there's stuff going down in Ultra World that we have to resolve'. You're getting the hang of it, Lillie!" Jake gave her a thumbs up and Forrest chimed in with an encouraging 'Decideuye!'.
"The main thing is, we have a chance. I'm not going to squander it," Lillie remarked. "We can't squander it."
After a little while, the rain would pass, leaving behind a beautiful rainbow that the whole group could see. "It's beautiful..."
"Ah, so this is where you two holed up!" Aubrey called, holding a yellow flute in hand. "We got the Sun Flute!"
"Whoo! Maybe if we're lucky it'll have infinite usage like the Hoenn Flutes." Jake said, giving Aubrey a hi-five. "Me and Lillie were just reflecting on how determined and confident we are in rescuing Lusamine and ending the madness."
"I think it's safe to say...their whole family situation got turned upside down when Ultra Beasts got put into the equation," Aubrey commented. "Right?"
"Well yeah. Similar to my views of Alola. Though at least now I see the light of this region beyond just those monstrosities. Having a reason to give them a beatdown just makes me more determined than ever to step in," Jake said.
"Then we better hurry back to the main islands," Lillie agreed.
"Van, you figure out where that altar we need to go is at?" Aubrey asked.
"Yeah, it's north of Hapu's Grandma's House on the other side of a place called the Vast Poni Canyon. I was picking up a lot of magnetism there as well," Vanessa told them.
"Magnetism? Romantic or scientific?" Jake asked.
"I'm pretty sure scientific Jake." Lillie rolled her eyes a bit. Even she was getting used to Jake's comedic nature.
"The kind that would evolve a Nosepass!" Vanessa answered with a laugh.
Lillie then had something on her mind. "Um...Aubrey? What are you going to do once you finish your island challenge?"
The older ranger paused, admittedly, not having put too much thought in it. "Well...I'll be honest, I only really decided to do it for fun. Kinda why I wanted to build up a team for it too. With my Skarmory it would've been cheating," She admitted. "But honestly? After I'm done here, it's back to the Union with Van and I."
"I see...and Jake? What about you?" The young lass turned to the Hoenn trainer next.
"Well it depends on how it goes with the final battle. I'll probably go back to see my love in Hoenn and tell him all about these crazy adventures, and then also maybe pursue the topic of marriage, and then we'll come back to Alola together if all goes right. I'll probably help take care of ya and think of a new job to undertake." Jake responded, with a similar put on the spot vibe as Aubrey.
"Yeah." Vanessa nodded. "Pretty much up to the Union where we go next."
"Hopefully we don't have another assignment that'll make me wanna drive someone's head through a wall..." Aubrey rolled her eyes as they went back to the ship. They'd see Vatonage playing with the other Pokemon there, all of them having a wonderful time.
"Now we gotta get to the main event. My Little Poni Island!" Jake decreed.
One trip back to Hapu's home later, they were greeted with a familiar sight - six Team Skull grunts blocking the way to the canyon, squatting down as if they were waiting for the group's arrival.
"Here they come!" One of them exclaimed, standing up. "I heard about you numbskulls at Aether. Do you really know a way to save our boy Guzma?"
"Why...I think we do, yes," Vanessa sweatdropped.
"Aww, I was going to mess with them a bit," Jake pouted.
"My mother is with him so you don't really have to worry about him at the moment... kind of. We're working on it if that's what you want to know." Lillie bravely said as she clutched her bag tightly. These goons still made her rather nervous but she wasn't going to put up with them with her friends nearby.
"We're gonna summon the Legendary Pokemon to follow them into Ultra Space. And if possible, we can do it today if we can get to the altar before sundown. Now, if you could kindly move out of our way..." Aubrey requested, her overall demeanor showing she didn't have time to deal with their antics.
And sitting off to the side, was another familiar sight - Plumeria!
"Hmph... girlie and her squad of friends. Lillie, right?" The feisty Team Skull second-in-command demanded. Lillie nodded resolutely. "Are you really ready to do this finally? My mentor's life is on the line and we've been creamed thoroughly by all of you. Karma really is a harsh mistress. It's probably due to the fact I've treated all of you really badly." Plumeria sighed, looking away with the first bit of honest shame that the Rangers or Jake had seen from her yet.
"Even if he was...offensive to us at times, we're not gonna leave him hanging in Ultra Space like this," Aubrey reassured. "Not after we've been looking to make life better for you in Team Skull."
"... I'm still befuddled. You are honest about that and I do appreciate it. I worked for the president and obeyed her commands when morally I shouldn't have done all that. I'm not going to beg for forgiveness because that'd just be repeating what Team Skull has gone through in their darkest hour." Plumeria turned around and folded her arms. "See, Guzma...he really likes the president."
"Romantically?" Jake asked innocently enough.
"NO!" Aubrey, Vanessa, Lillie, and Plumeria shut him down.
"Fine, fine, I'll let that theory rest in peace." Jake whimpered.
"Lusamine's the only adult who ever recognized Guzma's strengths and value in his goal. That's why." Plumeria explained with a huff.
"So that's why he was willing to work with her..." Aubrey shook her head.
"That makes a lot of sense, actually," Vanessa chimed.
"The president...my mother is- She's selfish. She lavishes her love only on those she deems worthy, not caring whether it is wanted or not. She may have enabled Guzma but it was only to meet her own ends," Lillie said, shaking her head in dismay.
"But that's only because of the Ultra Beasts, right?" Aubrey wondered. "Wasn't she nice and kind before that all caused things to go wild?" She folded her arms. "I'm willing to bet there's still some of that old Lusamine still in her. Back when she truly cared about others and Pokemon, rather than this...genuinely crazy shell of her former self. You've already lost your father before, Lillie. As long as I'm here, I will not let you lose any more of your family today. You can quote me on that."
"That's why we're going to go find them and save them. I have to tell the mother warped by the Ultra Beasts something that I know my real, truly loving mother would understand." Lillie nodded in agreement.
"Heh, I can see the president in you and finally buy you being her daughter. Your conviction is as strong as hers was but you took it in a different direction. Bring Guzma back, if you can. I know you have no direct clause for doing so but no one can make up for what they've done if they're gone." Plumeria spoke with a direct but hopeful tone.
"You have our every word Plumeria. We'll see to it they are able to face the music rather than see otherwise." Jake spoke resolutely and gave Forrest hope his trainer was not losing his mind.
"Yeah. We all know what to do, everyone." Aubrey would gladly do her Ranger pose, everyone in the group joining in. "Mission...Start!"
"Yeesh, didn't think we rubbed off on you that much." Plumeria laughed as she facepalmed and shook her head. "You are all a special bunch. Keep the princess safe and remember that Trainer is only a Trainer because of the Pokemon with them."
As she left with the grunts, she'd drop a Z-Crystal in Aubrey's bag - it was violet in color with a skull on it.
"Well, here we go...Vast Poni Canyon awaits," Lillie smiled. "Let's get going!"
"So what can we expect here besides rocks?" Jake asked.
"Well, if it's anything like I imagine it to be...rugged terrain, Strength boulders, strong trainers..." Aubrey looked to Vanessa. "Is that about right for a Victory Road? Because I don't know why...but it feels like we're walking into one." Jake looked around and looked severely unimpressed.
"Something wrong Jake?" Lillie asked.
"If this is a Victory Road, where are all the trainers and epic scenery?" The Hoenn trainer asked.
"Hmm..kinda...I would also bet we would run into possible trial grounds," Vanessa answered.
"Honestly, a trial ground sounds much more riveting than a Victory Road right about now." Jake admitted.
"Okay, so...Normal, Fighting, Water, Fire, Grass, Rock, Electric, Ghost, Dark...so what types are we missing for what it could be?" Aubrey asked, counting off the trials they've done so far.
"Fairy, Ground, Ice and Dragon based on Z-Crystals you have obtained," Vanessa commented.
"Mina was Fairy right? If she's here we could do Fairy-type. Although this location doesn't give me Laverre City vibes at all so...more likely Ground or Dragon," Jake said.
"Two of the strongest types..but Tenor should be able to handle this," Aubrey mused. Up ahead, she would find Hapu and her Mudsdale. "Oi! Hapu!"
"Hey, you made it!" Hapu called back. "Did everything go well?"
"Yeah it did! We got the Sun Flute we need!" Lillie answered. "Though, these three had to help me out of trouble, as usual."
"It was more the Exeggutor being in trouble than you, Lillie," Aubrey clarified.
"Yeah don't fret Lillie. Your moment to shine like a goddess will come soon. So Hapu, do you know what the Trial theme is here?" Jake inquired after encouraging Lillie.
"Hmm...well, it's been around for a long time, that much I can tell ya. People don't run it - the Pokemon do," Hapu informed.
"Wait, Pokemon running the Alolan equivalent of a gym?" Aubrey sounded impressed. "Dang..."
"Speaking of trials...I know y'all are in a hurry to get Lillie's mother back, but seeing as I'm the Kahuna here now...what say we get your Grand Trials out of the way right now?" Hapu offered.
"I reckon that's ok...what do you say Lill?" Jake asked.
Lillie gave a nod. "Hopefully this won't take too long," She said.
"Aw, don't fret about it, Lillie," Hapu assured. "With how strong your friends here and I are, this'll end about as quick as it'll start I reckon."
"Only thing now is to decide who goes first," Aubrey mused.
"I think Forrest is more than ready to stomp house." Jake nodded as he held his arm out and let Decidueye perch on it. "Aubrey if you may, I volunteer as tribute."
"Alright ya drama queen, have at it," Aubrey snickered. "Van, mind if ya take a seat with me to watch this?"
"Yes Vanessa, you will see how proficient I am at the trials. Although I am a little concerned given Pokemon are unpredictable thinkers," Jake confessed.
"That's fine with me," Vanessa said to both of them.
The ladies would take a seat to the side as Hapu got ready to face Jake. "Alrighty then. Here goes - my first battle as Kahuna of Poni Island! I may be young, but I won't be outdone by the other Kahunas!"
"I'm expecting a battle for the ages! Good luck and have fun!" Jake said as Forrest flew into the fray.
"Then time's a wastin! Dugtrio, I choose you!" Hapu sent out her first Pokemon.
"Oh wow! That's a glorious mane of hair! Wait..." Jake pulled up his Rotomdex and saw that it was... "STEEL? Well that's no good. Forrest return." Jake returned Forrest to his Poke Ball before pulling out his Net Ball. "Dew, come forward!" As Dew was summoned out, they noticed that the Alolan Dugtrio summoned a vicious Sandstorm which swirled around the battleground and pelted Dew much to his annoyance. He was going to savor eviscerating this Pokemon.
"Spider Web to get to higher ground!" Jake commanded.
"Earthquake, Dugtrio!" Hapu retaliated.
Dugtrio shook the ground viciously but Dew managed to avoid the powerful shockwaves by shooting out a web and propelling himself to the walls of the cliff themselves. Then he got ready to fire, sending out powerful streams of Bubble Beams at Dugtrio. The Dugtrio though showed great evasiveness, easily dodging the shots with grace and agility.
"Huh, it's going to be like the mole game at the arcade..." Jake frowned and thought of what would be the best idea. Sandstorm would tick away at Dew and an Earthquake attack would be potent. Jake then got an idea. "Ok! Dew here's the plan. Normally you like to snipe but this time we're going HAM! Grab hold of the Dugtrio with the Spider Web!"
Dew smirked and with a focused stream of webbing, managed to set up a trap that the Dugtrio, hastily trying to get up the cliff wall to strike with Iron Head, got caught in. Then Dew thrust himself forward with the momentum by tugging onto the webbing and shot forth a point blank Bubblebeam that devastated the triad Pokemon and knocked it down the cliff walls with a thunderous crash at the bottom. Dugtrio was knocked out.
"Araquanid..." Dew ominously gloated in his proud victory with what Jake had a distinct suspicion he had used a curse word for the Pokemon.
"G-good job Dew!" Jake complimented the Water Bubble Pokemon as earnestly as he could as Hapu returned her Pokemon.
"Impressive use of a lesser-used attack. I can now see how you've been able to stand alongside the Rangers for this long in spite of your antics," Hapu said sincerely if amused.
"Thanks, my antics are what keeps morale high!" Jake pumped his arms.
"Mudsdale, show Araquanid some common courtesy!" Hapu summoned her iconic and large Draft Horse Pokemon. Dew grinned at the opportunity to wipe the floor with the Pokemon as well, even as the Sandstorm pelted him, but then both him and his trainer noticed Hapu triggering her Z-Ring.
A fissure would open up, courtesy of Mudsdale, sending Dew down with him. It slammed into Dew, driving him down into the ground until a large pop-up from the earth behind them happened, leaving a very much humbled and KO'd Dew on the ground, and a Mudsdale letting out a huff of air.
"...Oh my Arceus..." Aubrey was wide-eyed with surprise.
"Daaaaang…" Vanessa was impressed.
"Meap." Jake looked at Dew's lifeless body and returned him. "He's not going to be happy about that..."
"Humility is a good thing to learn at this stage in the game. Either way, that's one down. Bring out your next challenger Jake, unless you are too frozen to do so," Hapu pointed at him.
"No you're right. And I'm not frozen, I'm burning with passion." Jake then summoned Forrest again, his starter Pokemon fully bracing a big battle.
Mudsdale ran forward with a Heavy Slam, but Forrest was too evasive and flew up dramatically before unleashing a Spirit Shackle strike to keep Mudsadale pinned into the battle. Mudsdale knew that it's fighting-type moves would not work on the Arrow Quill Pokemon so it instead tried to bring down the rocks of the canyon down onto the Pokemon with Earthquake. Forest was not deterred and instead flew forward towards Mudsdale, leaving the rocks aimed at a spot where Mudsdale had not anticipated. With a swift and graceful Leaf Blade strike from his wing, Forrest cut down Mudsdale and the Pokemon was knocked out surprisingly quickly.
"Well thought out. Your Pokemon certainly is agile." Hapu said as she returned Mudsdale.
"He's my longest companion in Alola, he will never stop fighting." Jake nodded and Forest beamed with pride. It was nice to know how far he'd come and accomplished since his Rowlett days.
"Come forward, Flygon!" Hapu summoned an aerial opponent to duel Forrest.
Surprisingly, Flygon showcased a basic strategy, flying around nimbly and breathing Dragon Breath at Forrest, forcing Forrest to make awkward swerves and send forth Spirit Shackles that Flygon proved evasive enough to dodge. Flygon would belt him with a powerful pulse of Earth Power that sent Forrest spiraling towards the ground but then Forrest faded into the spirit realm and emerged from on top of Flygon with a swift Shadow Sneak. Taking advantage of Flygon's stunned demeanor, Forrest would alert Jake, demanding it was time to use a new attack.
"A new attack... wait, you mean a Z-Crystal attack...? Which one though..." Jake then pulled out a Decidium Z. "The one from the Professor... ah... I get it! Then let's up the ante!" Jake declared. He struck a ghostly pose and moved about while sounding intentionally eerie.
"What do you think he's doing, Aubrey? What kind of Z-Move is that...?" Lillie asked curiously.
"That Z-Crystal certainly looks unique..." Aubrey remarked.
"Oh I heard about this. Some Z-Crystals are unique to certain Pokemon," The younger ranger chimed in.
"And I think we're about to see why," Aubrey responded.
Forrest felt himself surge with Z-Power and flew upward majestically, ready to unleash his unique Z-Move. Sinister Arrow Raid. Spreading his wings out like an angel of death, he called forth an arsenal of quill arrows in a wave formation and then surged forward toward Flygon, the arrows following after him in an elegant spiral. With the target in his sights, Forrest refused to let up the pressure with an eager glint in his eyes and soon swept through Flygon with ghostly power and the arrows followed up. They pierced through and pelted the Flygon one after the other. They then detonated in a purple nova that devastated the Flygon and knocked them out after the powerful blow with Forrest landing gracefully on the ground.
"Incredible! The unique Z-Crystals sure are a whole other spectacle." Hapu nodded with an impressed smile on her face.
"Daaaang…" Vanessa whistled.
"Wow! That was a good and epic idea, Forrest! You are putting up a good fight though Hapu. You shouldn't feel bad at all." Jake reassured.
"Heh, I didn't need your pep talk. Learning through battle, through win or loss is important and what I think makes Trainers so respected in the long run. I got one Pokemon left so I gotta make this count! Gastrodon, I choose you!" Hapu sent out her Gastrodon.
"Oh boy." Lillie was aware of the Water/Ground Pokemon and had a suspect feeling she knew how this was going to turn out.
Vanessa meanwhile, had her eyes sparkle. "YAY!" She'd send out her own Gastrodon.
"Gastrodon use Mud Bomb!" Hapu commanded. Gastrodon did but to their amazement, Forrest sliced through the Mud Bomb with a Leaf Blade slice. Then he flew forward and followed up with a powerful rising Leaf Blade with both of his wings. The battle was basically over before it really got started.
"All's well that ends well. I know my Pokemon gave it their all." Hapu conceded gracefully as she returned her Gastrodon before it's unconscious head could hit the ground.
"Alright! That's how you show off in style Forrest! Amazing job!" Jake ran over and hugged Forrest tightly, the Blade Quill Pokemon returning the hug with a fond cry.
"Well uh...looks like I'm up," Aubrey chuckled. Lillie, being the prepared trainer she was, would get Hapu's team back to fighting strength.
"In all honesty, I've been eager to face off against the both of you for a while now. You for your dedication to Pokemon's well-being and him for his spirit and zeal. I get the feeling you'll be just as much of a challenge for me as he was but I won't ever surrender," Hapu declared confidently.
"Well, here's your chance, Hapu! Let's get it, Tenor!" Aubrey exclaimed, calling out her own starter Pokemon.
Hapu's strategy stayed constant this second battle, leading off with Dugtrio and going for Sandstorm. Aubrey would have Tenor go for Sparkling Aria, managing to deal with the frail Ground/Steel type.
The Mudsdale would be a much different beast to take on, however. She did consider it a nice mercy that Hapu wasn't going for a Z-Move this time around, seeing as Mudsdale was opting for Earthquake and Heavy Slam, though Tenor was able to keep up the pressure and bit by bit, wear down the heavy Ground type. But as a result, the Soloist Pokemon was worn down from the Sandstorm and heavy output from Mudsdale.
"I hear you, Tenor. Come on back!" She recalled Tenor, proud of how he was doing. "Winter, you're on!"
It was a good thing she had called out Winter, for the Froslass was able to stop the Flygon cold in its tracks with a well placed Frost Breath, though Flygon didn't make it easy for her to get. That's when things started changing.
"You've got some tough mons...but I ain't done yet! Gastrodon, let's show her!" Hapu shouted.
Out came her Gastrodon, and it was right at this moment...Aubrey realized there was a massive problem. She didn't have a real answer to Gastrodon. While she was doing some alright damage with Winter's Shadow Ball, the Froslass didn't stay up for much longer against Gastrodon's attacks, Aubrey having to recall Winter.
The other three in the group could see that Aubrey was visibly thinking, trying to figure out how she was going to get out of this one.
"Pressure him hard with a full force attack that can knock him out in one go!" Jake urged supportively.
"Crap, what do I do..." Aubrey murmured to herself. "Don and Roark get destroyed here...and Tenor is too hurt to keep going..." She looked at Erwing and Nom's Poke Balls, those being her two options. While Erwing did have the guaranteed immunity to Ground attacks, she knew her partner's Gastrodon, and had a feeling that Hapu was hiding an Ice move that she didn't get a chance to send out against Jake's Decidueye. "This is a big risk I'm gonna take...but Nom, we really need your help right now!" She called out her Vikavolt.
"Yeah, if anyone can do it, it'd be Nom!" Jake looked confident.
"It's scary to see Aubrey on the ropes...I hope you are right," Lillie murmured nervously.
The next surprise would come from Nom completely evading a Mud Bomb that otherwise would've hit her, causing Aubrey to look on in surprise.
"Oh wow...I knew that Nom had wings but...wait, is that Levitate?" The older ranger was quite shocked by this development.
"Awesome! The one Achilles heel to a Ground-user," Jake beamed.
"Yup. That was Levitate," Vanessa confirmed.
"Heh, looks like your gamble paid off, Aubrey," Hapu mused.
"You're telling me! Let's wrap this up, Nom!" Aubrey exclaimed.
"Vika vika!" With an attitude that suggested she was a bit boastful at Jake's praise, she would make use of X-Scissor to batter down Gastrodon and finish the job, weathering some Muddy Water along the way.
"Yes! Atta girl, Nom!" Aubrey was relieved that she managed to escape that tough situation.
"So that's another trial down! Hapu, give us the loot!" Jake grinned as he did a 'pass it on' maneuver with his hand.
Hapu would indeed give them the loot - a light brown Z-Crystal with three bumps looking like tectonic plates...but gave it to Vanessa instead with a smirk towards the Hoenn trainer. "There, got your Grand Trial wrapped up nice and simple. Now, before ya go, make sure you got everything ya need in order. The canyon is pretty rough to traverse. Wouldn't do to have you going in unprepared."
"Yeah...it is around like...noon-ish I think," Aubrey agreed.
"Yeah, that is a good call," Vanessa seconded.
"Can't be any harder than Hoenn's mountains but yeah we're going to have to wait until tomorrow at this rate for the Sun Flute," Jake said.
"Ehh...I wouldn't know about that," The older ranger remarked. "We can do our prep quickly while we have lunch."
"Exactly. In fact I can look up wild Pokemon in the area so we are more prepared," Vanessa offered.
"I hope so. Rough canyons and traversing through them don't usually go hand in hand for time management," Jake commented.
"I know the road ahead looks rough, yes, but...I'm willing to power through it if it means saving my mother," Lillie sure looked ready. "And yes. That would be appreciated, Vanessa."
"Ok Lill. I'll speedrun through this for you." Jake said, reignited by the courage she was displaying.
"Alright! Let's have some lunch, make sure we got all our gear together, and we'll power through!" Aubrey did a few stretches, but she sure looked hungry.
Vanessa was looking at the known Pokemon in the area. "...Oh boy. We have Dragons."
"Dragons?" Lillie looked a bit surprised by this. "What kind?"
"According to known Pokemon found in the area, a very rare sighting of cute adorable Dratini, and a Pokemon evolutionary line called Jangmo-o…" Vanessa reported. "And fittingly like Dratini, Jangmo-o also evolves into a Pokemon with the power level of lesser legendaries."
"Dragonite, yeah! Though it was hard enough grinding Belle to her final form, I can't imagine taking up a dragon-type now would be any easier a grind." Jake shrugged.
"Oh, and wild Skarmory," Vanessa added.
"Pseudo-legendaries...they're not to be taken lightly at all," Aubrey commented, having a serious expression."
Vanessa kept doing her research, finding the information she needed. "Soo looking at this, it seems the local pseudo-legend evolves into a Dragon/Fighting type...Sooo I'm going to say Dragon trial is coming up."
"Well! Looks like Tenor is gonna have fun with that one," The older ranger snickered.
"Same with Morality. Though to be honest I should've brought Hazel then. I only brought Morality for the big mission later." Jake shook his head.
The group would be back in Seafolk Village for lunch, at a floating restaurant that had some mean noodles for the group's lunch.
"Mmm...not what I was expecting in a restaurant shaped like a Wailord," Vanessa confided.
"This is SOOOOOOO good! And the architecture is top notch! 5 stars for sure!" Jake cheerfully sighed over the floating restaurant's quality.
"Yeah, I mean I was expecting seafood, but noodles are good too!" Aubrey chuckled. "Now, when it comes to pasta I'm always a sucker for ravioli, so if I ever see that on a menu, I'm getting it."
"Nice tastes you've got there," Lillie giggled.
"Same. Ravioli is really good! Pastas with awesome sauces too are the best," The Hoenn trainer agreed.
"Okay, so...this ritual. I'm assuming we go to the altar and just play these two flutes, right?" Aubrey wondered.
"That would be my guess." Vanessa nodded as she took a bite of noodles.
"I should be able to do it well since I've used the Hoenn's flutes before." Jake offered with a kind nod.
"Two flutes, two people to perform it...Jake, let me do the ritual with you," Lillie offered. "It's the least I can do after all you've done for me."
"I was about to ask if you could - wasn't...really that musically gifted," Aubrey sheepishly admitted. "Singing, I'm fine with. Instruments? Nah..."
"Instruments can be very tough to learn, so I don't blame you, Aubrey." Jake responded. Then he looked to Lillie and held her hand gently, "That would be the greatest honor to do with you so far. I'm sure you'll play it beautifully."
Aubrey would soon finish her lunch. "Haaaa...alright. I'm ready when you three are!"
With a smile, Lillie would return the favor. "I'll give it my all for you guys!"
"Let's do this then." Jake nodded as Forrest snuck a noodle into his maw and ate it.
Vanessa smiled. "Now it's Mission Start!"
With their meals finished, it was back to Vast Poni Canyon with the quartet, stepping inside the entrance of the long road they'd have to trek if they wished to reach the altar.
"Looks like there's trainers in here too..." Aubrey pursed her lips in thought. "Well, either we can battle them, or we can assert authority that it's an emergency and zip right past them, partner. Whatcha thinking?"
"Latter. It makes me uneasy when strangers walk up to me asking me to do things for and with them. Especially when we got stuff to do." Jake said, waving his hand dismissively at the idea.
"Yeah," Vanessa agreed.
"It would save our Pokemon's strength for said emergency..." Lillie pointed out.
"Alright. Van, take point for us. I'll keep a watch for wild Pokemon trying to get the jump on us," Aubrey requested.
"Serious Ranger Mode!" While Aubrey tried to have a stoic expression, she couldn't help herself but crack a smile at that.
With the plan in mind, they proceeded through the canyon at a pretty lithe pace, with everyone having their own role in the trek through the canyon - Vanessa warding off any trainers with the explanation they were responding to an emergency and couldn't afford any delays. Aubrey would utilize both her Umbreon partner and Capture Styler to ward off any wild Pokemon trying to get in their way. Jake would be utilizing the Ride Pager Pokemon to help them navigate through obstacles in their way, being large rocks and Strength boulders. Lillie meanwhile, stuck to a support role, keeping Vatonage in fighting shape as he needed it.
"Phew...you guys make this look easy..." The young lass commented with a chuckle. As they trekked through, they found themselves at a plank bridge, giving Lillie a nostalgic feeling. "But you know what? I've overcome my fears enough to cross even a high bridge like this one! I'm not going to be afraid anymore. Next time I should be able to tackle the bridge on Mahalo Trail!"
"Yeah, maybe because it won't look like it's held together by bubble gum," Aubrey snarked.
Lillie rolled her eyes at Aubrey's remark, but her smile remained. "Watch this! This is my trial!" She would go and do her own Ranger pose, which was pretty much the Normalium-Z pose before stepping onto the bridge.
"You got this, girl!" Jake cheered.
At Jake's encouragement, Lillie would start to run across, only to be startled by three onlooking Murkrow, with one of them behind her and two in front.
"That's not good..." Aubrey was reaching for her Styler before looking up to see how Lillie handled this situation - running straight past the two Murkrow to get to the other side of the bridge!
"That's right, show those Mukrows who the real boss bird is!" Jake yelled in great joy. Forrest also nodded in pride.
"Guys, I did it!" Lillie was jumping for joy at her accomplishment. "I made it across by myself!"
"Atta girl, Lillie!" Aubrey beamed, stepping across next and shooing the Murkrow away.
Jake crossed the bridge successfully and gave a hug to Lillie. "Can't wait to see what's the next step?"
"Making it through this canyon, that's for sure," Lillie responded, noting Vatonage rubbing against her leg as a way for him to show how proud he was of her. Vanessa had crossed with Aubrey.
"Definitely," She agreed with the young lass's thoughts on what the next challenge was.
"Well, we are making really good time. Plenty of daylight left in the day," Aubrey noted, looking up in the sky to see a beautiful sun shining down upon the canyon.
"Then onward!" The Hoenn trainer declared.
"Umbre!" Vatonage beamed, ready to keep going.
Resuming their roles from earlier, the group kept on going through the canyon, coming to another plank bridge with a very...unique individual standing there, staring out at the space before them. Vanessa would recognize this one.
"Oh there she is." In a louder voice, Vanessa called, "Hi Mina! Glad to see you got here safe!"
The artist would turn to face the group. "Oh...hey Vanessa. I see you got friends with you."
"Yup. This here is my Partner Aubrey, and our friends Jake and Lillie. Aubrey and Jake have been on the Island Challenge," Vanessa introduced her companions to Mina.
"Mmhmm! We've got a ritual to perform but don't worry, it's not to summon the undead. We're looking to summon a Legendary Pokemon of the Sun to help us." Jake defined.
"Ah..." She used her hands to form a sort of a picture frame to capture all of them in it, smiling. "Yup, that's a heroic complexion to me. I could paint a picture of you - the Heroes of Alola!" Mina mused. "I guess you already know I'm Mina, the captain around here. Or...sorta am. I actually just wander about and do my art, so I don't have a trial yet...but, if I think of one, you'll be the first ones to know."
"Ah. Got it…" Vanessa sweatdropped at Mina's nature.
"But Vast Poni Canyon sure is a wonder of a landscape, huh?" Mina asked with a smile. "Once you've been through this place, you can see why that Ilima boy designed his trial the way he did."
"Wait a minute. Maybe the Trial is to assume and buy you at face value you don't have a trial but when we go further down the path there IS a trial." Jake proposed. Forrest seemed to regard Jake's theory with appreciation but didn't think that was the case.
Mina tilted her head in confusion. "Uh...the only one here is the one at the end of the canyon. If you keep going, you'll see the trial barrier thingies," She explained. "Normally this is the part I'd just give you my Fairium-Z, but...I'll save it for later. I can tell you're in a hurry."
"Thank you, Mina," Jake bowed in appreciation.
"Yeah. See you around Mina." Vanessa waved goodbye as they passed along.
"See yaaaaa!" Mina waved them off as they continued.
"She seemed like a relaxed person," Jake pointed out.
"Maybe a bit...too relaxed," Aubrey shrugged.
"Yeah. She showed me this cute little mushroom Pokemon she has," Vanessa said.
"Interesting." Jake mused.
"What was it like?" Aubrey sounded curious.
"Hold on…" Vanessa would bring up a photo of Shiinotic.
"Looks like something I'd see in the darkest woods and be scared out of my wits." Jake raised an eyebrow.
"Probably, yeah..." Lillie partially agreed.
"But yeah. She is pretty relaxed. Anyway we have a canyon to head through, yes?" Vanessa asked.
"Of course! See anything of interest yet?" Jake inquired.
"Hmm…" The younger ranger would survey the area. "Well, I see a large cave entrance in that direction with a bunch of trainers in front of it."
"Does it have the trial ground markers in front of it?" Aubrey asked.
"...I think so…" Vanessa didn't sound too sure.
"Lemme take a look." Aubrey would look in the same direction Vanessa was looking, spotting the trial ground markers. "Yup, that's them!"
"So how do we get past the mob? Do we create a scene?" Jake thought aloud.
"Hey Van? Maybe those guys out front might be a worthy challenge for you," Aubrey suggested. "You battle them, we slip in the trial grounds."
"Sure," Vanessa agreed. "I think that'll work great."
"Ok then, let's see how this goes." Jake chuckled. Vanessa would then casually try to walk to the cave. As usual for trainers, the eyesight rule comes into play. Aubrey would motion for Jake and Lillie to follow her lead, crouching low and moving towards the cave all silent like, letting Vanessa's battling serve as the perfect distraction. And it's a pretty good distraction too, what with the Mega Pokemon and all.
Once inside, Lillie let out a sigh of relief. "I'm amazed that it worked..." She smiled.
"Sometimes...ya gotta think outside the box rather than 'Beat up first, ask questions never', Lillie," Aubrey mused.
"But yeah...it looks like we're nearly at the altar." Lillie spied an opening at the end of the cave, and from there she could make out a large staircase. "All we have to do now is get through this trial ground, and we're golden." Jake would notice an old stone monument, taking a glance at it.
"Here there be dragons? What is this, Kalos? That is such an old-fashioned phrase." Jake stuck his tongue out at the sign.
"I don't think that's what it says, man," Aubrey mentioned, stepping up to the monument. "Let's see here... 'Ahead lies a sacred ground of trials. None who do not take part in its trials will be allowed to walk upon this earth. Those lacking courage to defeat the totem guarding this land will be denied entry. But those who believe in their Pokemon and walk beside them will gain great power!'" She looked at her companions. "...Well, I guess we don't have much of a choice now, huh?"
"If it means saving Alola...yes. We'll take on this trial together!" Lillie declared.
The three would start going through the cave, but get the sense someone, or something, was watching them with a piercing gaze.
"Stalker alert..." Jake murmured. Forrest especially was perceptive to whoever was watching them, taking flight and looking carefully for the viewer. Forrest would find that the viewer was two viewers - a pair of Jangmo-o pounced at the group!
"Umbre!" Vatonage was ready to intercept the one going for Aubrey, halting its advance with a Shadow Ball, prompting the ranger to start using her Capture Styler to tame the attacker. Forrest on the other hand went a bit easier with a simple Shadow Sneak on the other Jangmo-o, knocking them into a wall.
"We were warned this place didn't have any people watching over these grounds, right?" Lillie asked, a little shook up from the ambush.
"Yeah, no kidding. It's run by the Pokemon living here!" Aubrey realized, having finished taming the Jangmo-o that went after her. Vatonage would return with something in his mouth, a very pretty looking TM for the move Dragon Claw. When the Jangmo-o were defeated, Aubrey sensed a fiercer gaze after putting away the TM. "I wonder what's gonna jump out at us next..." She mused.
"Let's stay alert then. We can't let Pokemon overrun us," Jake said.
"Right..." Lillie nodded in agreement, sticking close to Jake as they continued onwards. The next attackers were a pair of Hakamo-o!
"Called it!" Aubrey exclaimed, Vatonage getting in position to intercept one with a Shadow Ball. Jake summoned Byron to the plate, the increasingly brave Bastidon using a Take Down to knock one away. The Hakamo-o that Aubrey was dealing with proved a bit more difficult than the other to deal with, but she noticed Vatonage going for a Psychic attack was super-effective.
"Dragon/Fighting type, huh? Good to know..." She commented, completing the capture shortly afterwards.
Byron then finished off the Hakamo-o with a Metal Burst, sending an intense metallic clang and collision.
"Um...Aubrey? Jake? I think the Totem Pokemon is ahead," Lillie commented, spotting the pedestal where the Z-Crystal resided. "And I think it's angry based on what kind of glare I'm feeling...are we ready to face it down?"
"We're going to face it down for the sake of our journey and those we need to save. You bet we are Lillie!" Jake saluted.
"Yeah, we're not scared!" Aubrey gave a reassuring smile.
"That's a relief..." Lillie smiled back, the three moving forward. When they moved towards the pedestal, a larger than normal Kommo-o hopped down in front of the cave's exit, glaring daggers at the group. It especially didn't like the look of Aubrey.
"You're the Totem, aren't you?" The older ranger asked. She'd get a loud roar and a clanging of its scales in response, after the Kommo-o took one look at Aubrey, and then her Capture Styler. "Hey, the other Trial Captains said it was okay!" She defended.
Jake returned Byron and summoned Morality. "We can either do this the easy way, or the hard way Kommo-o." With a flared aura, Jake would get his answer.
"Alright man, after you," Aubrey spoke, looking around. 'Hopefully Van can get here soon...might need some backup on this one.' She thought to herself, Capture Styler in hand, ready to go.
Jake started by having Morality set up a Reflect barrier to protect themselves and their allies with psychic radiance. This would prove to be a good move, as Kommo-o's opening move was a Poison Jab right at Morality! Morality took the hit and despite the damage, still remained sturdy and followed up by sending forth a giant powerful sphere of sylph's sorcery, in Moonblast!
Lillie would notice that Totem Kommo-o swallowed something before the hit, managing to stand tall despite the quad super effective damage.
"Was that a berry?" She wondered, seeing Kommo-o call in a Scizor for backup.
"I think it was Lillie. Good eye on you!" Morality responded with a full force Diamond Storm at the two of them, pelting the Pokemon with diamonds and creating more space to work with. Scizor would power through the Diamond Storm, rushing forward with a Bullet Punch on Morality, letting the Totem try for a Drain Punch to follow up in a one-two combination.
"Even with its durability, Morality won't last long with a Scizor out there..." Aubrey commented.
"Umbre umbre!" Vatonage chimed in.
"Need a hand with the backup, Jake?" Aubrey asked, nodding to her Partner Pokemon's remark.
"Yeah... Morality may be a strong Pokemon but so are they... thanks Vatonage!" Jake said chipperly. Morality indeed looked worse for wear and Jake decided to up the odds by Mega Evolving Morality. The radiant Morality used Moonblast again, this time with more force from it's enhanced stats and sent it spiraling into the Totem Pokemon.
Totem Kommo-o was forced to avoid the Moonblast after Scizor was denied another Bullet Punch from Vatonage using Shadow Ball, followed up by Aubrey getting its attention with a flick of her wrist.
"Capture...ON!" She exclaimed, working on loops around the Scizor.
Morality took up to the sky and decided to try something new, sending Diamond Storm up into the sides of the mountains, and creating fragments of gems and rocks that toppled onto Kommo-o and dazed it. With Totem Kommo-o stuck from the Diamond Storm, Lillie's eyes sparkled from the glittery effect that the diamonds had on the canyon.
"Pretty..." She breathed.
"Capture complete!" Aubrey reported, having tamed the Scizor.
"Now finish the bad dragon off in true grace, Morality!" Jake pointed triumphantly at the target as Morality nodded and flung a powerful Moonblast at the Totem Kommo-o. The Totem would fall with a grand thud, Aubrey letting out a sigh of relief.
"Phew...I think we did it," Aubrey sighed with relief. She would go up to grab the Z-Crystal.
Forrest, though, looked on edge and cried out, "Decidueye!" 'Don't approach yet!' to Aubrey.
This would prove to save Aubrey a lot of headache, as she just now noticed the Totem getting back up, but this time looked absolutely fuming.
"Uh-oh...normal loops won't work on Pokemon that are big mad like this, Jake..." She backed up a bit from the Totem Pokemon.
At this time, Vanessa would come in with a smile on her face. "Well that was fun. Are you guys done?" Her mood shifted upon seeing the angry Kommo-o. "...Oooh boy…"
"Triggered that it got beat by a Mythic?" Jake teased, though did back away and make sure Lillie was safe as he returned Morality.
"I think he's more mad at my Capture Styler!" Aubrey exclaimed, looking at Vanessa and asking, "A little backup here?"
"Yeah, on it!" Vanessa would run over to Aubrey, readying her own Styler.
'Let's see...Dragon/Fighting, and we're gonna need Poke Assists to bring it down...wait, Fighting doesn't resist Ice, does it?' Aubrey thought as Vatonage stood ready. "We're gonna need Gastrodon for this, Van. If we go for normal loops, we'll be wasting a lot of time on this big mad boy."
"On it!" Vanessa sent out Gastrodon. "Okay big guy, we need all the ice beams you can muster!"
"Gastro!" Gastrodon started launching Ice Beams at the Totem Pokemon.
"You got this, Rangerettes!" Jake encouraged.
With Totem Kommo-o taking evasive maneuvers at first, it would let out a roar and call in a Noivern to assist in the fight, launching an Air Slash at Gastrodon immediately. Vatonage would go for Psychic on the Totem Pokemon to try and keep it steady for Aubrey to focus on. Gastrodon meanwhile, would land an Ice beam on the Noivern doing a lot of damage...and freezing it. The Ice Beam more or less caused the Noivern to fall to the ground, looking like an ice statue as the Totem Pokemon swept at the group with Dragon Claw, trying to hit something - the rangers themselves, the Pokemon, the Capture Discs - anything.
Fortunately for our heroes, the Dragon Claw freed the Noivern, while also KOing it.
"Nice bait, partner," Aubrey complimented, Vatonage launching a Shadow Ball. They'd see they were close in calming the Totem Pokemon, allowing it to be captured with normal looping.
"Well let's finish this off!" The younger ranger exclaimed. "Gastrodon! Give it your all on this next one!"
"You too, Vatonage!" Aubrey added.
With a combined effort of Psychic and Ice Beam, it would only take a few more loops before the capture was successful, the Totem Pokemon tamed.
"Capture complete...phew," The older ranger breathed a sigh of relief.
"Good job, Brey!" Vanessa complimented.
"That was amazing! You did that as a team!" Lillie beamed.
"Heck yeah we did!" Aubrey chuckled.
Lillie would take the Z-Crystal after the Totem Pokemon left elsewhere - a blue Z-Crystal with draconic like etchings on the center - and handed it to Jake. "We're done here...all that's left is the altar ahead."
"Yeah." Vanessa nodded.
"Well I don't see any reason to stick around here - you two got a duet to do," Aubrey mused, heading forward.
"That we do." Jake said, pulling out the Sun Flute. "Lillie... to the stage!" He did with a dramatic flourish. With the Moon Flute in hand, Lillie would go with Jake, leaving Vanessa to bring up the rear as they walked towards the Altar of the Sunne.
(We're at the cusp of the end - next time, we're gonna go save Guzma, Lusamine, and all of Alola. It's gonna be legendary! Stay tuned for that!)