Plumeria, Kahuna Battle AND meeting more Aether members? Gonna be a packed chapter for you today!
Chapter 13-Of Aether, Kahunas and Skulls
Still holding hands, Collin and Lillie walked around Konikoni City in search of Kahuna Olivia. After spending an hour looking, they finally caved in and asked someone.
"Excuse me!" said Collin, talking to an old lady.
"Hmm. What is it my boy?" asked the old lady.
"I was wondering if you could tell me where I can find Kahuna Olivia? I want to challenge her." explained Collin.
"Oh no worry dear. She's normally in her stone shop." she said pointing towards a number of shops. "It's the one with the stone on the sign."
"Okay. Thank you!" said Lillie as they waved goodbye to the old lady and entered the shop. When they entered, the shop was deserted, no sign of life could be seen. "Miss Olivia?" called Lillie. A cry was heard from upstairs. "EK!" she cried as a Probopass floated down the stairs.
"Oh hi there buddy." said Collin. Lillie was amazed how calm he was, considering how strange of a Pokemon it was. "I've used one in Sinnoh so I know how to handle them."
"That explains a lot." said Lillie until she noticed something. "Collin, I think Probopass has something in it's mouth." The Probopass cried at this acknowledgement and floated over to the two and handed them the letter. It read;
Dear Collin and/or Hau,
If you are looking to battle me, I'll be at The Ruins of Life. They are just east of the exit to Diglett Tunnel. Sorry I couldn't be in the city to battle, Kahuna business and all that. I look forward to challenging the both of you.
yours, Kahuna Olivia.
"Well that explains it. Why don't you go ahead Collin while I get Hau and explain to him? He shouldn't be far." said Lillie.
"Sure. I'll see you at the Ruins. Bye!" said Collin, leaving the shop and Lillie. He walked out of the city after healing his Pokemon and headed to what was known as Memorial Hill. After fight some wild Pokemon and trainers, he was just about to reach the end of Memorial Hill until he spotted some interesting people. It was two Team Skull grunts, an Aether Foundation grunt, and some lanky man. They seemed to be deep into a conversation.
"Oh you two! Leave the Slowpoke alone!" shouted the the Aether grunt.
"Yeah right! Like we'd do that!" said the male Skull grunt.
"Yeah, these Slowpoke tails go for high prices! We'll be rich!" said the female grunt.
"Slow?" cried the Slowpoke, confused as ever. The lanky man stood up right and sighed.
"Oh dear. Seems we'll have to stop you by force." he said with a monotone voice.
"Ha! Like you can do anything to us old man!" said the male grunt. Collin had enough and made himself known to the group.
"Oh? Then how about me?" said Collin, walking in between the Aether members, smirking his wicked grin that he was getting used to using when Team Skull grunts were around.
"Uh...no way man!" said the male grunt running off.
"HEY! DON'T LEAVE ME HANGING!" shouted the female grunt, running away herself. Collin cracked his neck and let out a sigh.
"Ugh, fucking Team Skull." he said in a low voice.
"Ahem, excuse me!" said the Aether grunt behind him and Collin turned around. "Thank you so much for getting us out of that bind. I'm sure Slowpoke is grateful too."
"Po?" cried Slowpoke.
"Indeed." said the lanky man. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Aether Branch Chief Faba. Faba for short if you please. I must congratulate on taking care of those annoyances."
"It's no problem. The fuckers aren't a problem, don't see how everyone is worried about them." he said bluntly.
"...quite right...what was your name?" asked Faba.
"Collin. Name's Collin."
"Collin, fine name. Anyway, as a token of my thanks, I ask you to meet me at Hano Grand Resort back in Heahea city. Right after you finish your battle with the Kahuna that is. I assume you are on the Island Challenge." said Faba, awkwardly rubbing his hands together.
"Sure...yeah sure I'll see you there." said Collin, reluctantly so.
"Great. Well I think we best be off. I'll see you soon young Collin. Good luck with your battle!" said Faba, as him and the Aether grunt walked back to Diglett Tunnel. Collin couldn't help but get this odd vibe from Faba. Something was off with that man, and Collin didn't like it.
After clearing Memorial Hill, Collin now ended up what was known as Akala Outskirts. He could smell the sea air better than the city and decided to take a breather. His little break was cut short upon hearing footsteps behind him.
"So, you're the one my brothers and sisters were talking about." said a female voice. "Hmph, you don't look so special to me."
"Who's asking?" said Collin, turning around to see a woman just a little bit taller than him wearing eye shadow and tattoos across her lower body.
"I'm Plumeria. And I help keep Team Skull together. I'm like the big sister to all the idiots in the team." she said.
"Oh you're the "big sister" the pricks were talking about! Glad to meet you." said Collin with a fake warm smile. "Now get lost." he said bluntly.
"I would, but do you realize who those "pricks" are to me? Like I said, I'm their big sister. And seeing you bullying my cute, idiot brothers and sisters really pisses me off!" said Plumeria, anger showing in her eyes.
"Well maybe if you grunts quit and actually make something worth of their lives and not waste it acting that some fake gangsters, maybe I wouldn't be like that to them!" he shouted.
"You've stepped into something deep, prepare to get your ass whooped!" she said, getting her Pokeball ready.
"Not before I whip yours first!" he said without realizing what he said.
"GO GOLBAT!"
"GO SALANDIT!" They sent out their Pokemon and prepared to battle. "Use Flame Burst on that Golbat!" said Collin and the flames came flying.
"Dodge and use Air Cutter!" shouted Plumeria. The gust of wind was blown across the battlefield, hitting Salandit hard.
"Come on girl! You can do it! Focus and use Flame Charge!" The flamed covered Pokemon charged forward and knocked out the Golbat.
"Ugh! Return!" shouted Plumeria. "GO SALANDIT!" Out came her own Salandit and the two began to hiss at each other. Collin got Salandit's ball just before it attacked recklessly.
"Return! GO PRINPLUP!" Out came Prinplup and began to sharpen it's wings. "Let's make this quick! Use Bubble Beam!" The jet of water managed to hit Salandit and knock it out completely.
"Phooey! Return!" said Plumeria and she returned the Pokemon to it's ball. "You're pretty strong I'll give you that. But mess with Team Skull again and I'll show you how serous I can get."
"Oh no I'm shaking in my fucking boots. Give me a break." said Collin, mockingly.
"Hmph, you won't be laughing once Guzma get's involved." she said. This peaked Collin's interest.
"Who's Guzma?"
"Tch, wouldn't you like the know." she said with a smirk and walked off. Collin watch her walk away, confused but honestly not worried and continued his way to the Ruins of Life. When he just about got to the foot of the hill of the ruins, someone was behind him.
"Collin!" shouted a voice and he smiled.
"Hey Lillie. Did you get Hau?" he asked.
"Yeah he's on his way now, still eating Malasada's." she said, thinking about their little joke between them.
"I'm just about to challenge Olivia. Wanna watch?"
"Hell yeah!" she said before covering her mouth and blushing. "um...I mean...heck yeah..." Collin couldn't help but smile at the poor lady.
"You should curse more. I think it's cute." he said walking off.
"H-Hey! Wait for me!" she cried running to catch up with Collin. The two spotted the dark skinned lady standing just at the exit of the Ruins of Life.
"Excuse me, Kahuna Olivia." called Collin, making her turn around.
"Ah, you are Collin right?" she asked.
"Yeah that's me."
"And you must be Lillie." she said turning to Lillie.
"Y-Yes Kahuna Olivia." responded Lillie.
"Oh just call me Olivia you two, you'll make me feel old!" she said laughing. "I assume you read the letter at my shop and are here to battle me."
"That's right. I'm ready when you are." said Collin.
"Alright then! You've completed all the Trials on Akala Island. Now you face me, Kahuna Olivia. Are you sure you're ready to face me?" she asked.
"I'm more than ready!" confirmed Collin. Lillie moved to the side to allow the playing field to be clear.
"Good luck Collin!" cheered Lillie and Collin gave her a thumbs up.
"Alright, get ready to face my rugged Rock Types!" shouted Olivia. This gave him a clue in what she used and already set a plan in motion.
"GO NOSEPASS!"
"GO PRINPLUP!" Both Pokemon were sent out to battle and were ready. "Open with a Bubble Beam!" shouted Collin and the jet of water made contact with Nosepass. The attack looked powerful enough to knock it out, but it was still standing. "CRAP! STURDY!"
"That's right! Now hit Prinplup with a Spark!" Collin was so caught off guard that he forgot to tell Prinplup to dodge so the attack hit, sending sparks threw the Penguin Pokemon.
"Damn, you're Paralyzed!" said Collin, his plan already falling apart.
"Finish with another Spark Nosepass!"
"Try to dodge and use Bubble Beam!" shouted Collin. It was a struggle, but Prinplup managed to move out of the way just in time and leaded the Bubble Beam on Nosepass, knocking it out.
"Return Nosepass! GO BOLDORE!" When Boldore came out, Collin was ready to return Prinplup. However, Prinplup didn't move.
"PRIN!" it cried.
"You wanna stay out? You're pushing yourself! Are you sure?" A simple nod was give to him. "If you are sure. Keep trying to dodge and use Bubble Beam again!" he shouted.
"You'll need luck Collin! Headbutt!" shouted Olivia. Just at the last moment again, Prinplup dodged and the Bubble Beam connected.
"Now finish off with a Metal Claw!" Olivia didn't get a chance and the Metal Claw connected, causing Boldore to faint.
"Return!" called out Olivia. "Your Prinplup is good. But I doubt it's ready for Lycanroc!" she said, throwing out a Pokemon that looked like it belonged in a horror movie.
"Okay Prinplup! Bubble Beam one last time!" shouted Collin. But Prinplup didn't move. "NO PRINPLUP!" Collin knew he was in trouble now that the paralysis kicked in.
"Now's our chance Lycanroc! UNLEASH Z-MOVE!" she shouted and twisted the Z-Crystal. She performed a dance that ended with her flexing her muscles and an aura surrounded Lycanroc. "NOW USE CONTINENTAL CRUSH!" Lycanroc leaped into the air with rocks and boulders from all shapes and sizes gathered around the Pokemon and formed a large chunk of land. Prinplup tried to move as the land hoovered above his head, but it was too late and the chunk slammed down on Prinplup. When the dust cleared, Prinplup was out cold.
"PRINPLUP!" shouted Collin rushing over to his falling Pokemon. "You okay?" he asked.
"Prin...plup." it said weakly but gave a nod.
"Phew. You need a rest." he said returning the Pokemon to his ball. Collin was wondering how he could come back from it. And then it hit him and his wicked smile was appearing on his face. "GO DARTRIX!" he shouted, throwing out the bird.
"Heh, I thought you threw in the towel there for a second." said Olivia.
"Yeah well I don't give up easily. In fact, this worked in my favor! I would have thought Kahuna's would have used their Z-Move until they were sure it was the last Pokemon." said Collin.
"WHAT?!" cried Olivia, realizing her mistake.
"UNLEASH Z-MOVE!" cried Collin, twisting the Grassium Z that Mallow gave him. He performed the dance that looked like a blooming flower and the aura surrounded Dartrix. "NOW USE BLOOM DOOM!" shouted Collin. A flash of light blinded Lycanroc and the arena was surrounded by flowers. A light shined down on Lycanroc and burst of energy practically cooked the Pokemon. When the flower field cleared and the light was gone, Lycanroc was defeated, and so was Kahuna Olivia.
"Lycanroc, return." she said slowly and let out a sigh. "My my my, you really had me done there Collin. Your Pokemon are stronger than I thought they'd be and that goes to show how good a trainer you are, and how much your Pokemon care about you. You have passed the Grand Trial!"
"YES!" shouted Lillie, rushing over to Collin to tackle him into a hug. "You were amazing Collin!" Collin was at a lost for words for a moment but came back to his senses.
"Thanks Lillie." he said, looking at her and smiling.
"Ah...young love." said Olivia wishfully. Collin and Lillie blushed by the adults comment but strangely didn't get out of the hug until a few seconds after. "Well, for winning the Grand Trial, you get the Rockium Z." she said handing over the Z-Crystal. "Now watch as I perform the dance. Watch and learn." She did the same dance that she did during the battle. Lillie stared closely and a small blush appeared on her face, considering what she was looking at.
"Ahem...So, next Island then Collin?" said Lillie catching herself out of the trance.
"Actually, I was invited by the Faba of the Aether Foundation to visit him in Heahea? You wanna come with?" Lillie's mood changed drastically.
"Um...actually...I'm gonna pass on that...oh look here's Hau!" she said distracting Collin.
"Aw man I was hoping to see the battle!" said Hau.
"Oh don't worry Hau, I'm sure you'll prefer actually battling me rather than watching right?" said Olivia.
"That's true." he said and his mood perked up.
"Sorry Hau but I gotta head back to Heahea. Feel free to join me there when you finish. You sure you're not coming Lillie?"
"Actually Collin, I think I might stay and watch Hau. If that's okay." said Lillie, shyly.
"Of course. I'll see you all later! And good luck Hau!" said Collin walking away from the group. Something was off with Lillie and it didn't sit right with him at all. He made his way into Diglett Tunnel and walked back to Heahea City.
Upon reaching Heahea, he asked around for Hano Grand Resort. When he finally found it, Hau ran up beside him.
"Hey Collin! I just finished my battle with Olivia! She was tough but I still won!" he said, showing his new Z-Crystal.
"That's great Hau! By the way, where's Lillie?"
"She said she wanted to stay with Professor Burnet for a bit. She didn't give me a reason though." said Hau. This started to make Collin think about what was going on.
"Something's not right Hau but I can't put my finger on it." he confessed.
"Ah don't let it get to you for now. Mind if I join you in the resort?"
"Sure." said Collin and the two walked in. As soon at they walked in, Collin spotted Faba standing right in the middle of the main hall.
"Ah welcome Collin and...sorry what's your name?" he asked turning to Hau.
"Hau sir!" he said cheerfully.
"Ah yes, great to meet you. Now Collin, as a token of helping me and my assistant out earlier today, I would like to invite you for a tour of the Aether Paradise itself. You will come, won't you?" asked Faba.
"Sure. Might as well see what it's all about." said Collin.
"Can I come too?" asked Hau.
"Sure, I don't see why not." said Faba just as Olivia and Kukui entered the resort. "Ah, I see Kahuna Olivia has come to see you two off?"
"That's right. As Kahuna of Akala, I must see the Island Challengers off. Wouldn't be very Kahuna like for me if I didn't." she said.
"Indeed. Well boys, when you are ready meet me at the pier and we'll set off to the Aether Paradise." said Faba, walking out of the resort. Kukui stepped in front of the two and smiled.
"I have my own business to attend to, but I'll see you on Ula Ula Island when you finish your tour of Aether Paradise. I'm sure it will be an eye opener for you two! When you two finish, meet me at Malie Garden!" said Kukui as he exited the resort.
"I wish you luck on your Island Challenge boys!" said Olivia, following Kukui out the exit.
"Come on Collin, let's not keep Mr. Faba waiting!" said Hau.
"Sure, let's go." The two made their way to the pier and they boarded the boat that was taking them to Aether Paradise. However, Collin felt that something was defiantly off, and he was sure it wasn't paranoia.
I'm gonna take another day break from the fic. It was actually a struggle to finish because I was so tired. But anyways, reviews and comments of any nature are welcomed and as always, I'll see you in the next chapter. Cheerio!