{Appox. 10 years ago}

We stopped just before the battlefield. We weren't in view of any of the onlookers. Rowlet sat perched on my left shoulder.

[So,] I thought to Rowlet, [this is it. We've spent extra time training for this rematch.]

He nodded. [Do you think our new move will work?]

[I don't know. We couldn't replicate it like we did against Farfetch'd. I think I need to be more involved somehow to make it work?]

[Guess we'll play it by ear.]

I smiled. [And we've got a couple new strategies, too.] I continued forward. [Let's show Oranguru what we're made of.]

We stepped up to our usual spot on the battlefield. All the Pokemon I'd seen watch our previous battles were here. Though there was one new face. Close to my side of the battlefield, peeking out of some bushes, was a Ralts. She was watching us approach the battlefield, standing apart from the other spectators.

I motioned Rowlet toward the Ralts. [Hey, was she the one watching us…]

As soon as I brought attention to the Ralts, she panicked and teleported away.

[She's gone!] Rowlet replied. [We had a Ralts spying on us?]

I glanced around us. To my surprise, I spotted the Ralts again. She was standing on a tree branch near me. But this time I didn't linger my attention to her, so she wouldn't be spooked again. I smirked, [Perhaps. But is it for the same reasons as Zorua and Oranguru?]

Speaking of, my attention turned to across the battlefield. Oranguru stood with Zorua.

The Sage Pokémon's eyes narrowed. [So, Will and Rowlet, have you come to bring something new to this battle?]

Rowlet flew into the air as I confidently stood before our opponents. "We remember our losses. But this time…we'll switch things up."

Oranguru stepped to his usual spot, while Zorua walked smugly onto the battlefield. [We'll be the test of that,] said Oranguru.

I stepped up to the opposite side, while Rowlet landed on the ground in front of me. He posed a neutral battle stance. [I can feel the anticipation from the crowd. I hope not to disappoint!]

I took a deep breath. [The game is set. Let's turn this around!]

Oranguru held his hand out. [Whenever you are ready…]

Rowlet and I nodded. Then I shook my head. [Oh, no. We've gone first the previous ten times. But you never said we had to make the first move. You want us to budge…make us!]

Oranguru smiled, [Very well. Zorua, use Fury Swipes.]

Zorua sprinted toward Rowlet and sharpened his claws.

[Rowlet, dodge and use Peck!] I commanded.

Rowlet waited until Zorua came close. Then he dodged the Fury Swipes and thrusted his beak forward. But Zorua parried the attack with his claws and backed off.

[Again,] I said calmly.

Rowlet used his Peck attack once more. But Zorua's eyes flashed. With ease, he dodged the attack.

"So Oranguru's keeping to himself already." I noticed Oranguru's eyes narrowed as I thought that remark. "But he can still read my mind. Figures. But he still needs time to react, so…" [Rowlet, switch to Razor Leaf.]

Rowlet flew into the air and sent a wave of leaves toward Zorua. Zorua continued to dodge the attacks, but not for long. When his Detect wore off, Zorua vanished for a split second. He reappeared as he jumped up to Rowlet.

[Counter him, like the tree!] I told Rowlet excitedly.

Rowlet went into a dive toward Zorua. But just before they connect their attacks, Rowlet suddenly darts behind Zorua. The Tricky Fox Pokemon flinched, hanging helplessly midair. Rowlet finishes his Astonish attack with a kick, sending Zorua crashing to the ground hard.

I cracked a grin. [Yeah! You may read my surface thoughts, but that doesn't mean I can't covertly share my thoughts with my partner.]

Oranguru nodded contently. [Good. Good. Then we shall proceed…]

Zorua stood up and grinned mischievously. He changed his form to look like the black and red Rockruff.

[Ha! Cutting right to this? Rowlet, Razor Leaf!] I commanded.

Rowlet stayed airborne and showered Razor Leaf at Rockruff. As I predicted, Zorua-Rockruff used Detect to avoid the attack. Then, Zorua morphed again to turn into a black and red Rowlet.

[Rowlet, take him straight on with Peck, then use Astonish.]

Rowlet dove again. The two Rowlet clashed multiple times, neither end giving an inch.

Zorua-Rowlet made a remark in one of their collisions. Rowlet replied, [Okay, fine! I admit, the colors look cool on a Rowlet…] His eyes flashed, then he scratched Zorua-Rowlet with his talons. [But you're not gonna find that color on me!]

Zorua landed on his feet, turning back to his regular form.

Oranguru stroked his chin. [So you have been paying attention.]

I smiled, trying not to get too cocky. [Zorua can't maintain his Illusion if he takes enough damage. And protecting yourself is useless if we're not attacking you.]

Oranguru made a small smile. Then he pointed at Rowlet. Zorua nodded and charged at Rowlet.

[Brace yourself,] I told Rowlet. [Use whatever move you want, but I'll cue you on any sudden openings.]

[Alright,] Rowlet replied. [My turn to carve my path!]

A dark aura surrounded Zorua as he closed in on Rowlet. In turn, Rowlet's eyes flashed and he flew straight toward Zorua. The two swiped at each other with their sharp claws, sometimes missing and sometimes clashing together. Neither one of them gave an inch. They weren't moving any faster than normal, but their stances changed on a dime, blurring their movements.

Then, Zorua changed his appearance into a black and red Pikachu. Rowlet was caught off-guard long enough to get hit by two Fury Swipes. Zorua-Pikachu grinned as he made for another Fury Swipes.

[Razor Leaf!] I interjected to Rowlet.

Without skipping a beat, Rowlet sent a few sharp leaves at his opponent. Zorua-Pikachu's eyes flashed, indicating his Detect.

As I was waiting for the Detect to wear out, I thought, [They're trying to wear us out. Zorua still has Fake Tears, which he could put a damper on things at any moment. So we're going to have to break him down and strike him in one fell swoop.]

Oranguru raised an eyebrow. [You think you can strike me in one blow, at this stage in the fight?]

[It's already been a few minutes. We all have our limits…and Rowlet's going to break it!]

At that moment, Rowlet struck a successful Peck attack on Zorua. His Detect, and his Pikachu illusion, failed him.

I grinned. [Too many times in succession, and Detect is bound to fail!]

[But Zorua is hardly at his limit,] Oranguru protested calmly.

Zorua got to his feet and cautiously approached Rowlet. His eyes were laser focused on his opponent.

I waved a finger. [I never said anything about Zorua's limit. I was referring to Rowlet's.] I raised a fist, my excitement rising. [Now, Rowlet…show them your Curse!]

[Alright!] Rowlet positioned his wings into a defensive stance. A ghostly aura emanated from his body. [The hardening against my father's fury, and the tenacity of my beating heart. Both shall manifest as…]

Suddenly, Zorua made a mischievous smile and yipped. He raised a paw, which had a faint, black glow.

[What the…?] I said.

Rowlet stood there for a second. Then his aura evaporated. [What do you mean…] Rowlet stamped his feet, fuming. [Yeah, I'll take you straight on!] Rowlet flew at Zorua like an arrow, sharpening his beak. But Zorua met his attack with Fury Swipes.

I couldn't believe what was happening. [Hey, Rowlet! What's the matter? I thought you were over it.]

But Rowlet was fuming more than anything else. [Say that again! I dare you!]

I felt powerless. "I can't use my 'persuasion'; he wouldn't like that any better than I would. What kind of moved did Zorua use?]

Oranguru cleared his throat. [Did the Taunt throw you off?]

I was taken aback. [Taunt?]

[I figured sooner or later Rowlet would be willing to use Curse. It is a risky, but well-worth move when executed at the right time. It seems you have understood that, and I'm glad you're bond with Rowlet is this strong. But…I came prepared. Zorua's new Taunt move disables your status moves…including Curse.]

[What?!]

Rowlet used Astonish to force an opening on Zorua. [You cut me off!]

Zorua dodged it with Detect.

[It may only last a few minutes,] Oranguru continued, [but I'm not giving you a few minutes. I'll take control of this battle.] Then he reached into his purple, cape-looking fur. He pulled out a leafy fan tied together by his own purple fur. When he pointed the fan at Zorua, the fan glowed with psychic energy.

Zorua grinned, then charged at Rowlet. He body-checked Rowlet with Feint Attack.

Panic set into my voice. [Rowlet, counter with…]

But before I could finish my command, Zorua hit Rowlet with a consecutive Feint Attack.

[What?! That was fast! How…?]

[I instructed him to attack again.] Oranguru waved his fan in his fingers.

I gritted my teeth. [Hey! Why are you using a move? That's not fair; I'm not a Pokémon!]

Oranguru shook his head. [Remember. I said we were both allowed to use whatever moves or abilities we have at our disposal. Instruct is a move of mine, and it hardly is a damaging move.]

I turned to Rowlet. [Rowlet, use Razor Leaf. We got to stall out the Taunt!]

Rowlet shook his head, still ticked off. [Understood.] He sent another Razor Leaf in Zorua's direction.

Zorua used Detect once again, but made his way as close to Rowlet as he could.

[Besides…didn't you use this in your first battle?] Oranguru reached into his caped fur with his other hand. This time, he pulled out the translucent crystal I found weeks ago. [You had no idea what kind of power you unlocked with this. I took this away in hopes you'd show more discipline and control. But it appears you still don't have control of the situation.]

Zorua jumped up to Rowlet, spin-dodging between two Razor Leafs. Then he landed a series of Fury Swipes. Rowlet hooted in pain.

Oranguru raised his fan again. [And if you won't take control, I will!] His fan glowed again.

As Rowlet and Zorua fell back to the ground, Zorua changed his appearance. His Illusion took the form of Oranguru himself! He used Fury Swipes in this form until Rowlet hit the ground hard.

"Rowlet!" I shouted concernedly.

Rowlet shakily pushed himself up. [I'm…fine…] He stood defiantly to Zorua-Oranguru. But seeing that mischievous smile on a black and red Oranguru felt very unsettling.

[You can never go wrong with a well-thought, pre-planned strategy. But a battle is ever-changing.] The way Oranguru projected his thoughts made it appear to be coming from both himself and his Zorua doppelganger. [In the heat of battle, you must brace for everything. You must give it your all. I can teach you to expand your toolset, but I cannot help you if your judgement can be thrown off so easily. Here is my focus…] He waved his fan again.

Zorua-Oranguru casually charged at Rowlet.

[Use Curse!] I tell Rowlet.

Rowlet closed his eyes. But he stamped his feet. [I…I still can't!]

My frustration grew. [Then slow him down with Razor Leaf, like you did against your dad!]

Rowlet desperately flung Razor Leaf in front of him. But it was just regular Razor Leaf. Zorua-Oranguru used Detect to move passed the leaves. Then he used two Fury Swipes, courtesy of Oranguru.

Rowlet tumbled back, barely standing a few meters in front of me. [Why isn't this working?]

My mind raced. [We got to do something!]

Oranguru frowned. [I asked for you to show me something I haven't seen before. But I've taken your crystal…I've taken your Curse…and I've taken your early lead in this battle. If Rowlet takes one more hit, you will lose…again.]

I clenched my fist. [No! It's not over yet!]

Oranguru raised his fan. [I've had Zorua demonstrate something new in each and every battle. And each and every time you have faltered and brought to your knees. You think I'm wrong? Then focus! Show me something new!] He commanded Zorua-Oranguru to charge forth once again.

Rowlet caught on to something Zorua was saying as he got closer and closer. [No! I…won't…give…up…] His hooting was scratchy, but defiant.

I raised my arms out. [I'm not giving up either.] I focused Zorua-Oranguru get closer and closer. "He wants to teach me? He's done nothing but obstruct us at every waking moment. If we cannot win, then I'll deny him his victory!]

Rowlet raised his wings. [I cannot let Zorua land a hit! I'll have to block him with everything I've got!]

A green aura surrounded both Rowlet and I. But we hardly notice. All our attention is on Zorua-Oranguru, who was about to strike with another Feint Attack. I noticed his maneuver was similar to when Oranguru swiped the crystal from me.

[Not this time!] Rowlet and I thought simultaneously. Then we shouted, "Take this! Our ultimate defense and offense!"

Our green aura grew brighter than ever before. Rowlet launched a Razor Leaf attack. This time, the leaves were sharper, and more numerous. They swirled around Rowlet in a sphere-like shape.

Our new attack blocked Zorua-Oranguru's Feint Attack. His arm gets scraped before he could activate Detect in time. But he avoided further damage as he clumsily stepped back. His wicked smile is gone, replaced by bewilderment. Oranguru was also shocked, nearly dropping his fan.

Rowlet and I grounded our stance. I gestured my arms as if I was taking aim. Rowlet did the same with his wings.

Then I pointed determinately at Zorua-Oranguru. "Now, push on to victory! Revolver Dart Raid!"

Rowlet clapped his wings together. All at once, the orbiting leaves shot straight at Zorua-Oranguru. He tried to rely on Detect, but the move fadds halfway through the assault. His Illusion instantly faded and he turned back into his regular form. He howled in pain as the remaining leaves struck him.

When the dust cleared, Zorua laid limp near Oranguru. He feebly got to his feet, but he was in incredible pain. Oranguru stared at Zorua, then looked up to me.

My vision started to blur. I couldn't tell what his facial expression was, but I put up a thumbs-up. I mustered a weak half-smile. "So…ever seen that…before…?" My knees buckled. And I blacked out.

When I woke up, I was lying on my rock bed. Although I still had a huge headache, I managed to prop myself up at an inclined position.

Rowlet was right next to me and immediately started hooting when I sat up. [You're awake! You're okay!] He bumped against my stomach and hugged me.

I reached out to rub his head. "Heh…" I smiled. Then I moved my hand to my head. "What happened?"

[You were out through all of yesterday, ever since the battle ended…]

I gasped, "The battle! Did we win? Did we lose? How was Zorua? Where is…?" I looked everywhere around me.

Zorua was at the foot of my bed. He wagged his tail, and yipped happily to me when I gave him my attention.

[He says he's glad you're okay,] Rowlet translates for me. [And that your shoes tasted funny.]

I just noticed my sneakers had new bite marks, in addition to the weathering and dirt-tracking they've gained since I ended up on the island over a year ago. "Your welcome?"

Then I looked to the side of my bed. To my surprise, the Ralts stood there. She was looking at my berry stash. I raised an eyebrow. "Hey. What are you doing here?"

Ralts froze. She took a step back and stared nervously at me for a few seconds. Then she tiptoed back to the stash, picked up a blue-colored berry, and raised it up to me.

"For me?" My stomach growled obnoxiously. I ignored Zorua's laughter and gently picked the berry from Ralts' hands. I nodded and gave a small smile. "Thank you."

Ralts returned with a larger smile. Her voice sounded like humming, but she seemed happy.

Then I looked up. A few paces away was Oranguru. He was in a meditative sitting position, facing me. His eyes were closed this whole time, but he opened them just as I was about to speak his way.

[Glad to see you are all alright,] he said plainly.

I started to sit up, dragging my legs off the bed. "So, wait, did we win, or…ugh…" I clutched my forehead when another migraine spiked.

[At ease.] He relaxed his posture. [Best not to get up until your headaches have passed.]

There was a minute of silence. I noticed, for a brief moment, Ralts and Oranguru exchanged tense glances, like they had some uneasy animosity from something prior. Then Oranguru took a deep breath. [I have lived for over sixty years, if you can believe that.]

I flinched. [He's that old?!] Then I remembered he could read my thoughts. "I mean, nah! Really?"

He continued, [But in all my years of battling, I had never witnessed what you and Rowlet had done.]

Rowlet and I looked at each other. Then I asked, "So, you know what happened? Did we win?"

[What you performed should have been impossible. Whether you possess some sort of special skill, or your bond with Rowlet transcended a higher plane, Will, you had Rowlet perform a Z-Move.]

"A what?!" I tried to get on my feet, but my headache kept me grounded. "Is that what you call a powerful move like that?"

He stood up. He slowly walked up to me. Then he pulled out the translucent crystal from his caped fur. [If this is what I believe it is, this is a Z-Crystal. A trainer wears crystals like these, usually on a special accessory that can help harness its energy. When the bond between trainer and Pokémon is strong enough, they can power-up one of the Pokémon's moves into a stronger variant. Any trainer can achieve a Z-Moves with practice and a Z-Ring. Some can even do it with just the Z-Crystal. You actually almost did one in our first battle. But without a Z-Crystal entirely…I have never seen a trainer do that before.]

I took a moment to take all this in. "Wait…if you had seen trainers before…did you come from off this island? How did you get here? And how do you, a wild Pokémon, know so much about Z-Moves?"

He paused. [That is not important. But what is important right now…is your victory.]

My eyes grew wide. [My…our victory?]

He nodded. [The condition to win was to fight until either Rowlet or your opponent was unable to continue. While you did knock yourself out, your…unique Z-Move did quite a number on Zorua. Therefore, Rowlet was the victor. You passed the trial.] He extended his hand toward me, holding out the translucent Z-Crystal. [And as it would have it, those who complete trials can receive a Z-Crystal as a reward. You earned it.]

I reached out and let the Z-Crystal fall into my hands. "Wow…thanks…"

Rowlet brushes up next to me. [We did it, partner!]

[I don't know what "type" of Z-Crystal this is. Perhaps a grass-related variety?] Oranguru folded his hands. [There are many mysteries in this world, and a lot of secrets hidden on just this island. Will we find any answers? Perhaps…perhaps not. But we could make finding those answers easier…if we work together.]

I looked up to the Sage Pokemon, beaming. "Does this mean…?"

Gently smiling, he nodded. "Yes. Welcome to my team."

{Present day}

I wanted to test Zemblance's Illusion ability. So what better way to do that then with a game of hide and seek? Nightraider joined me in this challenge, and it was his goal to peg Zemblance in place.

We spotted him in the forest half first, pretending to be Victreebel. I didn't know he was him for over an hour. But Zemblance had to show off his cleverness and followed our tail. But Nightraider caught on to the stalking behavior and movement, and attacked. But Zemblance got away by creating an illusion of more trees.

Our chase led to the rocky half of the island. I had to rely on the detective skills I learned in Alola to find Zemblance. I stopped every few paces to check the wind patterns close to the ground. Eventually, I detected a particular breeze that crossed by a large rock in an unnatural way. So I telepathically alerted Nightraider to use Spirit Shackle from above. Unfortunately, Zemblance dodged the attack just in time, and bolted back into the forest.

Nightraider and I were not too far behind Zemblance, when the two of us heard Sensei's voice in our head.

[Come. I would like to see you,] he beckoned.

We walked toward the source of his telepathic shout. Not too far from where we were, we stepped into our old camp. Since I moved to the hilltop, I had no need to use it. But the bedding on the flat rock was left the way I remembered. And Sensei sat on it, in his meditative pose.

Sensei looked up. [I hear you are personally training our team members one-by-one.]

"I am." I took a step forward, then stopped. I made a quick glance to Nightraider, who nodded. Then I focused on Sensei. "Been a while since I checked up with everyone, and thought I'd make it more personal than a group meeting."

He nodded. [But if each member needs to be checked, who will be the one to check you?]

I shrugged. "I don't know…you…" I smirked, "…or your protégé Zemblance?"

Our surroundings shimmered, then changed. No longer were we at my old camp. Now we were standing in the middle of Oranguru's battlefield. Oranguru was still in his sitting position, but kept at the same distance off the ground through his psychic powers.

Zemblance stepped out of the trees to Sensei's side. [I thought my illusion was convincing.]

"Oh, it was," I replied. "You pretty much nailed the details. However, I don't think any amount of tricky can change the natural wind or temperature. I still remember what sort of breeze runs through my old camp, so Nightraider and I knew something was off rather quickly."

[Maybe try something the two of us aren't so familiar with to fool us,] Nightraider added.

Zemblance scoffed, then smiled in his usual mischievous way. [Speaking of familiar…]

[…when was the last time we had a battle, at this very spot?] finished Sensei.

I pondered for a few seconds. [Hm, I think it was about a decade ago. With that island trial you had me go through.]

Oranguru got to his feet. [Correct. And I'd like to test to see how much you two have grown since then.]

Nightraider and I stepped into our battle positions on the field. "Alright," I smiled. "Might as well, since I'm going down parts of memory lane."

Nightraider bared his claws. [Care to wager the winner?]

I put a hand to my chest. "Well, last time was over the Z-Crystal. But it ain't like I can just rip it off my chest."

[Perhaps for your leadership?] said Oranguru. [I think the others on our team would like to be assured that you are unequivocally the chosen leader of Team Smear.]

Zemblance stifled a laugh. [If you lead again, Sensei, can you change the team name?]

"Alright, alright," I replied. "Then I accept your challenge, Sensei. It will be Nightraider versus…"

Oranguru stepped next to Zemblance. [Zemblance and I will challenge you. I'm pretty sure that's fair.]

Nightraider grunted, [I got this.]

"Then let's begin," I shouted. [Start with Razor Leaf!]

Nightraider shot a wave of sharp leaves in their direction.

Oranguru stepped a bit behind Zemblance, while the Illusion Fox Pokemon smashed the ground with his claws. A pitch-black aura of energy surged out of the ground like a tidal wave, canceling out the Razor Leaf.

Quickly, Oranguru pulled out his fan and pointed at Zemblance. [Again.]

Zemblance howled with delight as he let out another Night Daze.

[Then let's start out real strong,] I told Nightraider. I posed a defensive stance, as did Nightraider. The Z-Crystal under my shirt glowed brightly in a green hue. "Revolver Dart Raid!" I shouted.

Nearly a thousand tiny leaves materialized around Nightraider. Then they swirled around him in a sphere pattern. The Night Daze attack pulverized the shield of leaves, shriveling up less than half of the individual leaves. But the Z-Move still held.

"Send it back!" I told Nightraider.

Nightraider spread his wings and let out a cry. All at once, the leaves fired at the duo like a firing squad of bullets.

Zemblance's eyes glowed, and he dodged the attack with Detect. Sensei's eyes also glowed, using Extrasensory to soften the blow. But he still took a lot of damage, and was hit back far behind his partner.

[Very good,] Oranguru grunted. [But we've gotten stronger since you introduced that move ten years ago.] He stood his ground, then put his hands to his side. Energy was building in between his hands.

Meanwhile, Zemblance charged at Nightraider. He got close to Nightraider, quicker than expected, and was about to use Night Slash.

[That's an illusion copy,] I alerted Nightraider. I ducked down and put a hand on the ground.

Nightraider did the same, dodging the fake Zemblance when he leaped. The real Zemblance still came in close, winding back his Night Slash.

My Z-Crystal glowed green again. "Bloom Doom," I shouted.

Flowers popped out of the ground in front of Nightraider. Pedals began exploding in succession, straight toward Zemblance.

But then Sensei shouted. He shot a Focus Blast from his hands after charging it up all this time. The attack was aimed right between Zemblance and the Bloom Doom attack. Just as with Sensei, Zemblance still took a lot of damage, but his partner helped cushion some of the attack.

I could feel the energy from the Z-Crystal drain me. But I still remained standing. "You two have learned well. I bet you're prepared to endure any Z-Move now."

[And you seem to have a better handle at using more Z-Moves in one battle,] said Sensei. [But even with your peculiar ability to do that, aided by that Z-Crystal, can you handle carrying all the burden of power required?]

[Hey…if my partners are willing to do all those aerobic attacks and dodges, the least I can do is harness that power inside me myself for them.]

[I'm okay with that,] Zemblance remarked. [Though I gotta admit, being on the receiving end of multiple Z-Moves is intimidating.]

[Then let's not hold back either,] said Sensei. He charged forward. [So, Will and Nightraider. Can you outmaneuver what cannot be dodged?]

Zemblance jumped into the tree canopy, maneuvering from branch to branch.

I analyzed the action of my opponents. "So Sensei is likely to use Feint Attack, while Zemblance could use Aerial Ace from that angle." I looked to my partner. [Nightraider, take to the air, then follow my lead.] I started running toward Sensei.

[Ah. I see.] Nightraider flapped his wings to get as high as he could. Granted, the canopy stifled how high he could get.

Zemblance grinned as he got closer. [Not so tough when you aren't the highest predator!]

[Why don't you come down here and say that in front of me?] Nightraider replied as he dove down to meet me.

Zemblance jumped down, closing in on Nightraider by diving like a swimming diver. Both fell straight at the point where Sensei and I were about to collide.

[Insteresting,] Sensei said to me. [Have you actually practiced some fighting techniques, or a way to endure body blows?]

I smiled. [Nope. But why take a hit head on…] I raised my right arm, showing my Unbound Rings. […when I can avoid it altogether!] I summoned a ring portal between Sensei and I. At that moment, Nightraider caught up to me. Together, we dove straight through the portal, which closed just as Sensei and Zemblance were about to land their attacks.

Before Sensei and Zemblance realized what was happening, Nightraider and I popped out of the other side of the portal, just a few meters away. I hitched a ride on Nightraider's back as we flew straight toward our opponents without losing any momentum.

My Z-Crystal glowed dark purple this time. I transferred my energy into Nightraider. "Now! Sinister Arrow Raid!"

At least two dozen Spirit Shackle arrows materialized around us.

[Great.] Zemblance said submissively just before Nightraider bashed him with his talons. Then the arrows bombarded him and Sensei in an explosive display of ghostly power.

I land with Nightraider and looked back. When the dust settled, Sensei and Zemblance laid flat on the ground, battered.

I ran up to them. [You two okay?]

Zemblance coughed, [Yeah, just peachy. We just love tanking Z-Moves all day. Couldn't you tell?]

I smirked, [So are your wounds just an illusion? 'Cause those look very convicning.]

He laughed, but reeled from the pain over his whole body.

"I got you…" I open a small portal to my stash. Out fall two Revives. I placed one each in Zemblance and Sensei's mouths. In a minute, both could sit up.

Sensei rubbed his head. [Very good, Will. You unequivocally won the battle, and your right to be our leader.]

I bowed my head. [Thank you, Sensei.]

Nightraider, standing next to me, also bowed his head. [I apologize for any unnecessary harm.]

Sensei raised a hand. [All's fair in the spirit of battle. You two truly embody the bond between trainer and Pokémon. I am proud to have taught you as my pupils.]

Zemblance cleared his throat. [They're alright,] he said in a jokily condescending tone.

Oranguru petted Zemblance. [Of course, there is always much more to learn in this world. You may have unearthed the secrets of this island, but there are forces out there that remain well-hidden. Some are better kept unknown, but some…are best uncovered for the world to know…]

"The Alchimian Society and their Team Celeste," I muttered.

[Choose your path wisely. The road you tread is perhaps the most difficult one could ever walk. Perhaps impossible…perhaps not….]

I clenched and raised my fist near my chest. "Then we do it together!"