Being in Shady House reminded Grimsley of his old mansion in Castelia City. His family's mansion had marble flooring, pristine white walls, and many rooms with butlers ready to serve. The backyard was a lush garden filled with roses and small ponds. After his father had died, the mansion was sold and his mother moved to Mistralton City to live a quieter life. Grimsley frowned at seeing this mansion in such a bad state.
"Did you know who the previous owner of this mansion was?" Grimsley asked as he and Gladion took the stairs. His nose wrinkled at the lingering smell of alcohol and cigarettes.
"Not sure. I heard Team Skull took over Po Town and forced the last owner out."
Grimsley nodded in acknowledgment, and then he thought about Nebby. A large chandelier blocked the right side of the path, so they took the left side.
"You mentioned to Selene that Nebby is very important, and shouldn't be in Team Skull's hands. How come?"
"Nebby has the ability to create wormholes. They're supposed to be rare occurrences here. Recently though, the wormholes keep coming."
"So you're saying Nebby has been causing those wormholes?" Grimsley asked, raising a brow.
"I don't know. Either them or an Ultra Beast. You know what those are, right?"
"I've heard of them in passing." Grimsley then asked, "Do you have any idea why Lillie has Nebby?"
"She probably ran away with them because of our mother."
When he and Gladion made it to the second floor, they stopped. Grimsley gave him a baffled stare.
"Your mother?" He recalled Lusamine's press conference and mused how she and Gladion looked similar. Upon that realization, he said, "Then you're Lusamine Jubert's son?"
An odd noise left Gladion's throat. He shifted his gaze away from him and squeezed his right wrist.
"What makes you think the two are the same person?" he said in a growling voice.
Startled by his tone, Grimsley blinked and cleared his throat. "I mean, it isn't hard to see the resemblance with you two."
"There could be anyone with hair and eye color like ours!" Gladion snapped.
Grimsley lowered his head, frowning. "Geez, you don't have to be so dramatic."
Facing back at him, Gladion sighed and his shoulders slumped. "Let's just drop the topic for now and focus on finding Selene and Kahuna Nanu."
Grimsley's frown deepened. It should be expected Gladion wouldn't reveal that immediately to him.
Before he could respond, someone's voice and footsteps caused him and Gladion to look forward. Guzma and his group had stepped back inside from the balcony. Grimsley and Gladion moved to the corner of the wall.
"That stupid bird ruined my sunglasses," Guzma said. "I blew so much money for these!"
"Don't worry, Big G!" Lorenzo said, slamming his fist on his palm. "I'll knock that Honchkrow out for you!"
"I still can't shake that feeling I've seen that Honchkrow before," Felicia asked, pursing her lips.
A beat, and then Guzma's face hardened. "That's the old man's Pokémon. He's creating a distraction."
"Huh? Why's that?" Dennis asked, tilting his head.
"Probably to help that girl get that Yungoos. C'mon, guys!" Guzma gestured his arm for them to follow him, and they headed to his room.
"We should help Officer Nanu and Selene," Gladion said, and Grimsley nodded.
They moved forward to the other side of the floor. Once they almost reached Guzma's room, the door still open, they stopped when they heard a conversation going on.
"I'm not here for you, bumhead!" Selene said sharply, followed by a Yungoos's hiss.
"No bone to pick with me, huh? Then it's for Yungoos, I guess. And you brought this washed up cop with you to help."
Grimsley and Gladion exchanged worried glances. While one of the grunts yelled for recognizing Nanu's Honchkrow, they stepped closer towards the door. Gladion stayed behind Grimsley, and they continued to eavesdrop on the conversation.
"You were snooping around my laptop, too. For what purpose?"
"I know your connection with Aether, and why you have your guys get Cosmog."
Grimsley's forehead knitted into a furrowed brow. He stared over his shoulder at Gladion and asked, "Aether's working with Team Skull?"
"This is the first time I've heard any of this," Gladion said, wearing a similar expression. "Now I even have more questions for him."
Grimsley wasn't sure how to respond to that. He pointed his finger to the door.
"On the count of three." With each count, Grimsley flashed his fingers up. "One, two... three!"
He and Gladion dashed into the room. They were greeted by the sight of Guzma and his grunts surrounding Nanu, Selene, and her Pokémon: Meli and the sea lion Pokémon Grimsley had seen on television. The girl held the Yungoos against her chest. Everyone turned their attention to them.
"Gladion! Guzma!" Selene exclaimed, both out of relief and nervousness.
Nanu reacted with a slight twitch on his face. "You guys are late to the party."
"You got some explaining to do, Guzma!" Gladion said, pointing at him.
Guzma glared, then flashed him a grin. "Hi there, Glady boy. Don't tell me you're helping that girl, too?"
"I'm helping her so that I can talk to you."
"You think going against Team Skull will grab the boss's attention?" Lorenzo asked.
Guzma pressed his lips and folded his arms against his chest. "Actually, I shouldn't be surprised. My peeps told me how much you've been slacking on your duties lately." After he finished, Guzma directed his stare at Grimsley. "And who are you, kimono wearing dude?"
Grimsley narrowed his eyes, and he tugged on his scarf. Before he could respond, Selene did it for him.
"He's Grimsley from Unova's Elite Four. His Pokémon are very strong, so you better watch out!" she said. Meli barked in agreement.
"She's right on both accounts," Grimsley said in a coy voice. "Grimsley Thomas, one of Unova's Elite Four. I'm the real deal."
"Hold up, Elite Four?" Felicia asked in shock. "Jeez, no wonder he was able to beat us so badly."
Guzma raised a suspicious brow and snorted. "So you're from one of those Pokémon Leagues? I bet you heard about the one that's about to make its debut in Alola."
"I have, yes. I even gave some tips to Professor Kukui on how to run his Pokémon League."
Guzma glared at Grimsley. "That's so noble of you to help Kukui out." He grinned, and his fist slammed on his chest. "However, Alola needs no Pokémon League because I'm the strongest trainer on these islands!"
Selene laughed. "Oh, please! You said that when we first met, and I beat you!"
Guzma's eyes twitched, and he jerked his head in Selene's direction. "Trying to be a smartass, huh? That does it, I'm gonna destroy all of you!"
He pulled two pokéballs out and released his Pokémon. One was a Masquerain, fluttering around like a butterfly. Another Pokémon was one Grimsley never seen before- a large arthropod creature with a hunched posture and armor plating. They raised their head and made clicking noises with their mandibles.
"Run!" Gladion yelled.
Everyone made a dash out of the room. Selene held Yungoos while her Pokémon followed her behind, Poppers riding on Meli's back. Both of Guzma's Pokémon unleashed jet streams of water and sharp gusts of wind at them, often missing and hitting the walls and ceiling. Grimsley glanced over his shoulder to see Guzma and his grunts trailing behind, so he and the others picked up their pace.
"Hey, let us help too!" Lorenzo said. He, Dennis, and Felicia released their Pokémon: Spinarak, Haunter, and Raticate respectively. Their Pokémon released a series of spiderwebs, frost-laced beams, and crimson-colored balls at the group.
"Great idea going through that man's laptop," Grimsley said sarcastically, and that earned a glare from Nanu.
"Not now! Just keep running!"
The four hurried down the stairs, avoiding the onslaught of attacks being thrown at them. Selene's Pokémon fought back with high-pressured water jets and sharp rocks but had to keep up with the humans. They soon made it to the floor and kept running, almost to the front door exit.
"Goliath, Spitball, block that door!" Guzma ordered from up the stairs, pointing at the door.
Goliath jumped down and blocked the door while Spitball dived down and fluttered next to the large arthropod. There was another door, but the grunts' Pokémon blocked that too. That made everyone stop and back away.
"Hmph, don't think you guys will get away easily." Guzma's face was split into a wide grin. Behind him, his grunts wore similar expressions. "Get them!"
"Looks like we're having ourselves a Battle Royale." Nanu pulled out a pokéball and released his Pokémon. An Absol appeared and he tossed his head up and howled. Grimsley lifted his forehead with great interest. He wondered if there would be a chance for Roulette and Nanu's Absol to meet. Gladion also released his Pokémon, Null.
"I'll take on Guzma while you guys handle the rest," Selene said, still holding the Yungoos. Her Pokémon nodded in agreement and turned to Guzma's Pokémon with determined looks.
All three grunts gave orders to their Pokémon. Spinarak fired off glowing barbs from his mouth, Haunter glowed yellow and released a blast of lightning, and Raticate opened his jaws wide and charged.
Grimsley, Nanu, and Gladion also gave out commands, and everyone's Pokémon clashed. Raz countered Spinarak's Poison Sting with Shadow Ball. The orb directly hitting him directly; the Spinarak squealed in pain. Null howled when Felicia's Raticate sunk his teeth into their leg, but then they lifted a glowing claw, swiped the big rat's face, and left a claw mark there. Nanu's Absol crouched down and the horn on his forehead shined a dark color. He cut through the blast of lighting, splitting it and leaving sparks of electricity in the air.
Felicia narrowed her eyes and her lips twitched. "Freeze that kid's Pokémon!"
"Iron Head, go!" Gladion said with the swipe of his arm.
Raticate inhaled and released a beam of cold energy straight at Null. The strange creature recoiled and some pieces of ice got stuck on their skin. Null dashed and rammed Raticate into the ground.
The Haunter was drawing close to Raz, so Grimsley had her stay on guard. Dark vapors formed around Raz's leg, and she reached and swiped at the ghost with her extended claw. Haunter grimaced and backed away. In that instant, Lorenzo had Spinarak fire tiny missiles at Raz. Raz flinched a little at the stings, but otherwise still stood strong.
Grimsley's lips curled into a small smile. "All right Raz, now go for-"
"Psycho Cut!"
Absol rushed forward, his horn glowing a soft pink. He slashed Spinarak, sending the small bug slamming into a wall. Spinarak collapsed upon impact.
"I was just about to finish it," Grimsley said, furrowing his brow at him. This was the second time he had done that.
Nanu shrugged. "You still need to pick up the pace."
Grimsley forced himself to not roll his eyes. Guzma and Selene's booming voices filled the room, and he turned to see their Pokémon making their moves. Spitball screeched an ear-piercing cry and made Poppers wince, only for the sea lion to soak him with high-pressure water. Goliath and Meli collided head-on and pushed each other. After a short struggle, Meli pinned Goliath down and climbed on top of him. The two stared at each other, and then Goliath faded into red light. Guzma glared down at the pokéball on his belt.
"Stupid Emergency Exit," Guzma grumbled. "Tassel, you're up!"
He pulled out another pokeball and released a Pinsir. The stag beetle Pokémon moved his pincers and made clicking noises. A small yellow and orange orb was tied onto one of the pincers.
Grimsley did a double-take. Wait, was that a MegaStone?
Before he could think further on that, Raz's screams brought his attention back to the chaotic battle. She and Raticate bounced off dark blobs and frost-laced beams at each other. Null and Absol were busy with Haunter, the ghost shooting beams of dark energy at them while the two unleashed their ghostly and green-lit claws at him.
"Poison Jab at Helmet-Head there!" Dennis said, pointing at Null.
Haunter cackled, his hand glowing purple. He jabbed Null's throat, causing them to fall back. Null winced and could barely open one eye now, their legs shaking. A purple bruise blossomed where Haunter had hit.
"Null!" Gladion called out urgently. Despite not looking well, his Pokémon let out a reassuring bark.
Grimsley pressed his lips and pointed at the Haunter. "Get that Haunter mid-air!"
With an excited meow, Raz jumped up and sank her teeth into Haunter's body. Haunter cried out in pain, struggling to let go of her grip. She flipped Haunter over mid-air and threw him into the ground like a hammer. Unable to get up. Haunter groaned and stayed still. Dennis's face fell, and he reluctantly recalled his Pokémon.
"Yo, it down to you and our boss now," Dennis said.
"I know." Felicia gritted her teeth and clenched her fist. "Flame Wheel at everyone!"
Grimsley's face tensed with Gladion and Nanu having similar expressions. Raticate's body burst into flames, and he rolled at a blazing pace. A trail of burnt marks was left on the carpet. Raz and Null jumped out of the way. Absol attempted to move too, but Raticate struck him on his side and he fell. He picked himself up, grimacing at the small burns visible on his fur. Raticate resumed rolling around.
"Stop that Raticate before it gets you, Null!" Gladion said.
"You do the same, Raz!" Grimsley followed.
Just as Raticate reached Raz, she smacked the dark-furred rat with her glowing tail like a baseball. Raticate picked himself up but was unable to recover when Null rammed him straight into a pile of furniture.
Barely standing, Null's legs shook and they let out deep pants. The purple bruise on their throat turned darker. Eventually, Null collapsed and fell on the floor.
"No!" Gladion rushed to Null's side. He dropped to his knees and stroked their fur. Grimsley, Raz, and Absol looked on in stunned silence. Nanu's brow furrowed.
When Raticate was knocked out, Felicia returned him and glared at Grimsley, Nanu, and Gladion. "Not only we were beaten by those old dudes again, but also with that punk!"
Nanu grunted and narrowed his eyes. "Goes to show that you shouldn't underestimate them."
All three grunts exchanged frustrated glances at each other.
"Whatever man, we did our part." Lorenzo whipped his head at Guzma's direction. "Yo Guzma, we're gonna bounce now!" He, Felicia, and Dennis dashed off in the direction of the other exit.
"Wait, what?" Guzma asked, glaring at his grunts. The second his gaze tore off from the battle, Meli fired off sharp rocks at Spitball's wings and face. The Masquerain squealed in pain and fell down. Guzma's eyes flew wide, and he gritted his teeth. "Son of a…"
"You should've paid attention!" The grin on Selene's face disappeared when she noticed Gladion and Null. "Gladion! Null!"
Selene and her Pokémon rushed to Gladion and Null's side. She kneeled down and pulled an antidote bottle from her bag, spraying it on them. Null made whining noises from the sting. Patting their cheek, Selene gave out shushing noises and reassuring Null that everything was going to be fine.
Guzma stared at Selene taking care of Null for a moment. He faced Grimsley and Nanu, flashing them a grin.
"While that girl is busy playing nurse, I'll destroy you two!" He pulled out Goliath's pokeball and the water bug was released once more. Both Goliath and Tassel gave menacing stares. "Goliath, Sucker Punch that Absol! Tassel, cut up the kitty real good!"
Both of Guzma's Pokémon dashed forward, Goliath raising his right claw and Tassel's pincers glowing light green. The two men grimaced, but then they called out their commands.
"You do the same, boy!"
"Dodge, and then Shadow Ball, Raz!"
When Absol and Goliath's claws collided, they kept pushing each other. They exchanged several blows at one another, each one harder than the last. Soon they backed away, glaring at one another with long pants.
Before Tassel's pinchers could reach Raz, she moved away and spat her crimson orb straight onto his back. That made Tassel flinch and almost lost his footing, only to then spin around and scream.
"All right big boy, Razor Shell at both of them!" Guzma said, pointing at Goliath and then Nanu and Grimsley's Pokémon. "And you Tassel, provide backup!"
Torrential waters formed on Goliath's claws, and he rushed at his opponents. Both Raz and Absol were able to dodge his swipes, making it harder for Goliath to divide his attention to both. After she jumped away from another swipe, Raz's tail glowed and she smacked Goliath's face. Goliath backed away a few steps and shook himself, but still standing.
While Absol was distracted with Goliath, Tassel grabbed Absol's horn with his pincers and squeezed him tight. Absol cried out in protest, struggling to get out of his grip, and the Pinsir slammed him down like a wrestler. The Disaster Pokémon picked himself quickly and a ghostly claw formed on one of his paws. He sliced Tassel's face and left a large claw mark on them, making Tassel screech and cover his face.
Guzma's eyes grew wide, and he grunted. "I have to admit, not too shabby you two. However, I'm done playing around. Let's show them your true power, Tassel!"
He lifted his golden watch, a Keystone attached to it. Grimsley's stomach jumped.
Guzma touched the Keystone and both he and Tassel were bathed in golden light. Grimsley and Nanu shielded their faces from the brightness, and when the light faded Tassel's appearance changed.
A pair of yellow wings with orange blades sprouted out of Tassel's back. The spikes on his pincers grew, and his eyes were the same color as his wings. Tassel flapped his wings, lifting himself in the air. Guzma crossed his arms, a wide grin stretching across his face.
Grimsley winched, having flashbacks to his battle with Ryuki. He glanced to see he didn't have his Keystone with him; he had put it away in his bag, along with the Absolite, before he left Malie City. A part of him wanted to slap himself for doing that.
Gladion, Null, Selene, and her Pokémon all looked up at Tassel in amazement.
Nanu stared up at the Mega Pinsir as if he already expected Guzma to have it. "Better watch out. When they fight, Mega Pinsir can get nasty." He pointed at Tassel and told Absol to block any move Tassel makes.
Grimsley nodded and grunted in agreement. He stared at Goliath, commanding Raz to strike with her claws.
Raz's ghostly claws clashed with Goliath's water-covered ones. Liquid and vapor mixed together and created puffs of smoke. Their assaults bounced off each other like small explosions.
While Raz and Goliath were in conflict, Absol kept blocking Tassel's glowing pincers with his horn. Tassel found an opening and struck Absol's neck. Absol cried in pain and fell on the floor. Seconds passed before he picked himself up, his legs shaking. Buzzing with excitement, Tassel flapped his wings harder and spun around like a whirlpool.
Grimsley bit his lips and his fingers twitched. Type disadvantage aside, it seemed Guzma's Pokémon won't be easy to take down.
After she was done with Null, Selene's eyes grew wide, and a determined expression crossed her face. She handed the Yungoos to Gladion, stood up, and thrust her arm at Tassel.
"Meli! Poppers! Help out!"
Both of her Pokémon barked and sprang into action. Poppers fired off a jet of high-pressure water while Meli jumped out and released several large rocks. Tassel dodged the Water Gun and some of the rocks, but then a few large ones hit his face and one shot inside his mouth. The Mega Pinsir wheezed and almost choked but managed to spit out the rock. Meli fired off more rocks at Tassel and one of them struck his wing. That caused Tassel to be unbalanced in the air and he crashed into the floor. Tassel got himself up quickly, and he and Guzma glared at Meli.
"Done watching over that boy's freakshow, huh?" Guzma let out a sharp whistle. "Get her Pokémon, you two!"
His Pokémon obliged. Goliath rushed at Meli in a blink of an eye and swiped her with one of his claws, making her hit the floor. Tassel approached Poppers and about to use his pinchers at him, but missed when Poppers moved aside. The Mega Pinsir took this opportunity to strike Meli just as she barely got herself up. Tassel grabbed Meli's throat and pinned her down. Once he let go, Meli stayed on the floor and unable to get up.
Knew Meli couldn't hold on any longer, Selene sighed in defeat and returned her Pokémon.
"You did great, Meli," she whispered to Meli's pokéball with a sad smile. She glared at Guzma and his Pokémon.
Grimsley was taken aback by both of Guzma's Pokémon's strengths. Nanu's expression from when Tassel had Mega Evolved hadn't changed, but it was likely he had a lot on his mind.
"I'll deal with the Golispod while you two take care of the Mega Pinsir," Nanu said. Grimsley and Selene nodded at each other in agreement.
After Guzma yelled out his orders, torrential waters covered Goliath's body and Tassel's pincers glowed green. Absol formed a large claw, and he and Goliath went back and forth with their blows.
Raz spat out Shadow Balls at Tassel while Poppers sang and let out a beam of purple hearts. Tassel flew in rapid speed, avoiding their attacks.
Raz had battled against Mega Evolved Pokémon before. On occasion, it was against contenders who brought them to the Unova Pokémon League. Most of the time though it was during practice battles with Roulette whenever she was in that form. Raz learned to push back her strength, and she was doing the same with Tassel whenever he approached her with his pincers.
Nanu and Selene's Pokémon weren't half bad either. Absol held himself well against a Pokémon with tough defenses, and Poppers while more passive than Raz still kept up the pace. Alolan trainers were truly amazing, Grimsley mused.
"Stone Edge at the Brionee and Liepard!"
Tassel screeched in excitement and slammed himself on the floor. Tall stone pillars popped up, moving toward Grimsley and Selene's Pokémon. Raz and Poppers scrambled to get out of the way, but the stones caught up to them first. After being dropped on the ground, they slowly picked themselves up. Both had deep cuts on their bodies, Poppers more so than Raz.
"Selene! Grimsley!" Gladion yelled from the sidelines. He stood up with wide eyes, the Yungoos he was holding also frightened.
"Are your guys' Pokémon all right?" Nanu asked, face hardened with concern.
"I think so, but Guzma's tougher than the last time I went against him," Selene said with narrowed eyes.
Upon paying closer attention, Grimsley noticed a part of Tassel's wing had been clipped off and parts of his shell-skin damaged. Selene did battle with him while he and Nanu were busy with the Team Skull grunts. Tassel was indeed strong, and he was reminded of his fight with Mimikins.
"Foul Play at that Mega Pinsir!"
Guzma grimaced at that command. "Grab that cat and slam her on the floor!"
Opening his pincers wide, Pinsir swopped down towards Raz. The second he was near her, she moved aside and grabbed the edge of his right wing with her jaws, turning him around and throwing him on the floor. When Tassel didn't get up, she meowed and lifted her head high.
Guzma took deeps, his chest rising and falling. Syncing his energy with Mega Pinsir had taken its toll. He returned Tassel back in his pokéball.
"Don't celebrate just yet," he said in a raspy voice and grunted. "I still have my boy Goliath here." He pointed at Goliath, raising his claws and moving his mouth in a menacing manner. The other Pokémon were exhausted, too.
Selene gazed down at the Z-Ring on her wrist, and she pulled out a blue Z-Crystal from her bag. When she hesitated using it, Nanu held his hand up.
"Wait, your Brionne isn't fit enough to do a Z-Move," he said in a low voice. He faced Grimsley. "Grimsley, have you been practicing the pose for your Z-Crystal?"
Grimsley flinched and raised a confused brow. "Yes, I have. Acerola taught me it some days back."
"Good enough for me." Nanu pulled out another Z-Ring. It was a similar design to his, but the strap was red instead of black. "Catch!"
Nanu threw the Z-Ring, and Grimsley caught it with one hand. He wrapped it around his wrist, which was tight and cold against his skin.
"Are you ready, Raz?" Grimsley asked, pulling out the Ghostium-Z.
Raz threw her head back and meowed, which was more than satisfactory response. Grimsley put the crystal inside the Z-Ring, and the Ghostinum-Z sparkled in bright light.
Nanu also put a Z-Crystal inside his Z-Ring, which did the same. He looked over his shoulder at Selene.
"You should step aside, kid. This might get messy."
Selene gasped in surprise, and then she picked Poppers up and moved to Gladion's side.
Guzma snorted, folding his arms against his chest. "Yo Goliath, wait until they finish their Z-moves," he said. Goliath made some clicking noises and stood on guard.
Nanu faced back at Grimsley. "On the count to three we'll use Never-Ending Nightmare together, got it?"
Grimsley hummed in agreement. Nanu started the countdown: three, two, one...
He and Nanu kneeled down and swayed their bodies in a floating motion. They ended their pose with them stretching their arms forward, Grimsley feeling cold energy curling around him.
Absol and Raz dropped down in their best scary poses, and a golden aura surrounded them and their trainers. Like when Acerola had used that Z-Move, the air turned cold and purple flames burst out from both Pokémon.
During his training in Malie Gardens, Grimsley had practiced the pose for Never Ending Nightmare with Roulette and Raz. His Pokémon couldn't do it fully due to them being on four legs, so they followed up with sharp stances. Kukui and Acerola had told him the pose and the move's typing was only part of the equation, and that the most important rule was the strong connection between Pokémon and trainer. Grimsley was certain he had no trouble with his Pokémon's bonds.
"Sucker Punch both of them!" Guzma yelled out.
Goliath dashed and, in a blur, was already in front of Raz. Before she could finish the Z-Move, Goliath punched her on the chin and she dropped on the floor. He did the same thing to Absol, and Nanu's Pokémon also fell.
The light on Grimsley's and Nanu's Z-Crystals faded. They gave each other stunned looks. Grimsley thought it was clever Guzma had used Sucker Punch to his advantage.
At the sidelines, Selene and Gladion gasped. Grimsley spotted the girl looking down at her Z-Ring before facing back to the battle.
Raz and Absol got up, but they took deep breaths and their posture unsteady. Goliath looked just as exhausted, his shoulders and arms slacking.
Guzma burst into laughter, holding onto his stomach. "You guys think Z-Moves will work? Ha, think again! Now Goliath, finish those-"
He stopped when a burst of bright light covered the room. Selene commanded, "Hydro Vortex!" in a booming voice, and a violent whirlpool sucked Goliath in like a tornado. After being thrown into a pile of boxes, Goliath rose up and screamed with arms raised up high.
"What the?" Guzma jerked his head and glared at Selene. He snorted. "Of course you had to play a hero there."
She let out a deep breath, her shoulders rising and falling. Her Pokémon was tired as well, and he collapsed.
"Poppers!" Selene rushed to Popper's side and picked him up. He looked at her with weary eyes and gave a low bark. She hugged him, nuzzling his face.
Grimsley had seen Selene used a Z-Move when they battled yesterday, but seeing another one in action still made his stomach jump. He glanced at Nanu, his face having an indifferent expression.
"I'll finish this," Nanu told him and he looked at Absol's direction. "We're gonna try our Z-move again!"
Absol barked in acknowledgment and prepared his stance. Raz backed away to give him space, going to Grimsley's side. Nanu executed the pose for the Ghostinum-Z again, and bright light bathed both of them. Purple flames covered Absol's body, a rush of cold air passing by. Dark liquid pooled the floor like a tarpit.
"Counter with Liquidation!"
Goliath was barely standing now, but nonetheless he obliged. A burst of massive water surrounded him, and he hurried off. The black liquid didn't slow him down one bit. Several tendrils sprouted out and attempted to grab him, but he swiped away each one. He and Absol collided, and an explosion occurred.
Puffs of smoke rolled in, causing everyone to cough when they inhaled it. As soon as the air cleared, both Goliath and Absol lay on the floor.
Grimsley sighed in relief, glad that Pokémon was finally defeated. Raz rubbed onto his leg, and he lowered himself to scratch her chin.
"Guzma, what is wrong with you!" Guzma yelled to himself after he returned Goliath. He pulled his hair and stomped on the floor.
Nanu returned Absol, gazing down at the pokeball in his palm. "Good work there, boy."
"Same goes for you, Raz." Grimsley returned her also.
Gladion put the Yungoos down, who shrunk back and took a step forward. He glared at Guzma.
"Did you know anything about Cosmog? And was it you that sent your guys to get them?"
Guzma seemed to regard him a moment. A wide grin crossed his face.
"Yes on both accounts. In fact, I'm sure Plumeria and her boys made a second attempt at Aether House already."
Gladion's voice cracked and his right eye twitched. His palm almost reached a pokéball, but then Selene grabbed his wrist and gave him a stern look.
"Don't. It's not worth it."
Gladion blinked and his lips were pressed together in a slight grimace. He groaned in defeat and let go of Selene's grip. Grimsley found himself agreeing with Selene there.
"Anyways, that's all you'll get from me. My gang and I are leaving Po Town soon. If you want to know what's the deal with Cosmog, go ask Mother Dearest."
Guzma opened the front door and left the mansion. Grimsley fixed his suspicious stare on him until he was no more.
"You know what Guzma meant by that, Officer Nanu?" Gladion asked with a confused look on his face.
"Your mother has been paying big bucks to have him and his crew return Cosmog to her," Nanu said, and Gladion's eyes grew wide.
"Wait, really?" Gladion grabbed his shaking wrist, trying to steady it.
"Why were you on Guzma's laptop in the first place?" Grimsley asked. He recalled Guzma screaming at Nanu and Selene for sneaking into his personal space before he and Gladion barged in.
"A friend of mine wanted me to look up if there were any connections between Aether and Team Skull. I didn't like what I found."
"We have to check to see if everyone in Aether House is all right," Selene said.
Nanu grunted in agreement. "We can do that in the police station. Your guys' Pokémon can be healed there too. Let's go outside."
Everyone stepped out of the Shady House. There were no Team Skull grunts around, so Grimsley assumed all of them had fled.
When the group reached already halfway through the town, they noticed Nanu's Honchkrow perched on a tree. Nanu whistled, which caused the bird to fly back to him. He said thanks for distracting Guzma and returned him inside his pokeball. At that moment, a loud shriek erupted the skies and Grimsley gazed up to see Hau and Acerola riding on a pair of Xatu.
"Uncle Nanu!" Once the Xatu landed, Acerola hopped off and approached the group. The Yungoos rushed to her, giving her a happy cry. She picked him up. "Thank goodness you guys are alright."
"Is something the matter?" Nanu asked with concern.
"Big time," Hau said, also getting off from his Xatu. "While you guys were away, Lillie disappeared."
Everyone didn't react to the news well. Grimsley swallowed hard and pressed his lips. Nanu's eyes narrowed, staring into the distance. Selene gasped in shock. Gladion's expression tightened.
"How?" Selene asked.
A deep frown crossed Acerola's face. "Plumeria came back not long after you and Grimsley left. Lillie turned herself in so that no one else got hurt."
"And you let that happen?" Gladion asked, his voice on edge.
Hau lowered his head and his shoulders slumped. "I'm supposed to be a trainer! But when it came down to it, Lillie had to protect me... Lillie, who's not even a trainer to begin with!"
Gladion raised a brow, and he seemed to consider Hau's words for a moment.
Selene rubbed a fist against her chest. She faced Grimsley.
"You were right that this was a trap. If I hadn't left in the first place, none of this would've happened."
Grimsley frowned and pressed his lips. "What's important now is what you plan to do next. I assume it's getting back your friend."
"That's how you guys are gonna make up to me. I have an idea where Team Skull's taking her."
"Wait, really?" Hau asked, eyes growing wide. "Where?"
"Aether Paradise. That's where Lillie and I came from."
A horrified look crossed Nanu's face. "No, you kids aren't going there! You guys don't know what you're in for."
Frowning, Grimsley believed they were charging into trouble far worse than Team Skull. It was better that they stay put.
"I agree with Nanu here. You already dealt one card when facing Team Skull. If I were you I would stop there."
"But our friend is in trouble!" Selene said. "You're telling us we should back out?"
"I also have to agree with Uncle Nanu," Acerola said, her tone uncharacteristically serious. "You guys are amazing trainers, but I think this is better left to the adults."
Selene and Hau's faces fell. Gladion grunted and narrowed his eyes at Nanu.
"Remember when you told me I should do my second trial on this island, Officer Nanu?" Gladion asked.
"Yeah I did, what about it?"
"Well, a few days ago I went and did the trial in Mount Hokulani and I now I have two Z-Crystals."
He approached Nanu and pulled out two Z-Crystals, the Ghostium-Z and a yellow one. Grimsley mused the second one must be the Electricium-Z Sophocles and Molayne had told him about.
"Oh yeah, I gave you the Ghostium-Z some weeks ago!" Acerola said, beaming.
"Wait, you're taking the Island Challenge too?" Hau asked.
"I am, but got distracted with being an errand boy for Team Skull." He faced back at Nanu. "If I can get your Z-Ring and Z-Crystal, then I'm more than prepared to face Aether."
"Hey, I want a Grand Trial with you, too!" Selene said with raised fists. "If we win, then you have to let us go!"
A smirk curled on Grimsley's lips. "So you guys are making a bet with him. I would like to see that."
"Same here!" Hau said. "I want to see how Kahuna Nanu battles before I do my Grand Trial with him."
Raising a brow at Hau, Nanu asked, "And what about you, Hala's kid? You want a Grand Trial too?"
Hau jumped, looking flustered. "Oh, I'm not ready yet. I wanna help Selene and Gladion get Lillie back, though."
Nanu stared at the children. After a moment, he sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.
"You guys just don't know when to quit, huh? All right, you guys can do your Grand Trials tomorrow morning. Only if you win will I not stop you going to Aether."
"All right!" Selene said, pumping her fist in the air. Gladion folded his arms against his chest and his nostrils flared.
"I would love to stay, but I have to take Yungoos back to the Aether House now. Also, tomorrow Sophocles is coming over for our Trial Captain meeting," Acerola said. The Yungoos she held in her arms gave a soft growl.
"You two have a safe trip back!" Hau said.
"Thanks, we will! And good luck with your Grand Trial, Selene and Gladion!"
Acerola waved goodbye to them, and then she and Yungoos hopped onto one of the Xatu. They took off along with the other Xatu. Grimsley gazed up and let out a soft sigh.
"We should all call it a night," he said.
"For once we agree on something," Nanu said. "You all can stay in the police station for the night. Just be careful with stepping on the Meowth's toys and food."
Nanu headed toward that direction, everyone else following behind. While walking, Grimsley looked down at his Z-Ring and frowned.
He didn't successfully execute a Z-Move because of Guzma making the first move. When Nanu did it on the second attempt and defeated Guzma in a draw, he was astonished at him more than ever before. He needed to properly do Never-Ending Nightmare to have Nanu take him seriously.
Author's Note:
Guzma has a Mega Pinsir when you go against him in the Battle Tree in Moon and Ultra Moon. How he gets it will be discussed next chapter.
As always, thanks to bobandbill for betaing. Next chapter, Grand Trial battle with Nanu! November is gonna be busy for me, but I'll try to have Chapter 18 within a few weeks. Catch ya next time!