Alola again, everyone! We're back with two straight chapters for "The Challenge of a Lifetime" before it goes on hiatus for a little bit! I'm gonna be working on the last couple chapters of "Mind" and starting "Omni Force: WORLD HEROES' MISSION" after that, so there won't be much in terms of this story for a while.
That said, I'm very excited with how these next two chapters are looking to go. Last time we left off, the Ketchum twins started their eighth trial to gather flower petals for Mina. Now they're both about to get their last one each, but they first have to battle Kahili and Nanu respectively.
We'll see how things go as we head toward the end of the island challenge! Welcome back to "The Challenge of a Lifetime"!
POKÉMON SUN & MOON
THE CHALLENGE OF A LIFETIME
"So you're the last trainer I have to fight?" Erika inquired of Kahili as she approached.
"That's right," the golfer responded with a nod, "If you beat me, you'll get your very last petal," she promised, holding up a white flower petal in her gloved right hand.
"And I'll be officiating this match," Olivia chimed in as she approached, "You should know that Kahili actually beat me the first time we ever faced," she mentioned to the Ketchum girl, who blinked in surprise, "Her Flying-type team is something else…" she recalled with a giggle.
"But this'll just be a one-on-one match per usual," the golfer assured in reply as her Toucannon stepped forward, "I'm looking forward to seeing how much you've improved since we last fought," she affirmed with anticipation in her voice, "Will you be using Lycanroc? Or someone else?" she wondered curiously. Erika hummed in thought, staring down for a moment. Part of her did want to use the Wolf Pokémon, especially considering that he'd have a type advantage. But she remembered something that her older sister had helped her with the night before…
FLASHBACK
"What is all this?" Erika inquired, seeing the four jars upon the tray that Leslie set onto the table in front of them.
"You know how you've got an Oricorio, right?" she questioned, sitting down next to the trial-goer, who nodded, "Well, I couldn't help but notice that she's a little different than before…" she pointed out.
"Oh, you mean when she changed styles…" her little sister realized.
"Oricorio'zzz got four stylezzz in total, zzt!" Rotom buzzed as it floated over, getting her attention, "The only one yourzzz hasn't become izzz the Sensu Style, zzt," it pointed out.
"Sensu Style?" its user repeated in confusion. The Pokédex pulled up an image upon its screen. It was an Oricorio with feathers that were mainly purple. The tips of her wings broadened into a fan shape, and she had a fan-shaped crest on top of her head. At the base of her crest were four feathers with light blue tips. There were two of these feathers on each side, resembling ornamental hairsticks. On the side of each eye were small, light blue markings that resembled eyelashes. The edges of her wings, fans, head crest, and long tail all had a double border of pale purple with a light blue on the outer edge.
"Oricorio, the Dancing Pokémon, Sensu Style," Rotom began, "This Oricorio has sipped purple nectar. Some dancers use her graceful, elegant dancing as inspiration. She summons the dead with her dreamy dancing. From their malice, Oricorio draws power with which to curse her enemies," it explained thoroughly. Erika paled.
"Scary…" she shuddered out. Leslie chuckled.
"Ghost-types aren't that bad, you know," she noted, "You have a Drifblim and a Palossand after all," she mentioned, causing her little sister to blush sheepishly in embarrassment, "Anyways, what do you think?" she inquired curiously, "Wanna let Oricorio try a new look for a change?" she offered. Looking at the jars of nectar, specifically the purple one, Erika took a long moment to think. And then, she smiled.
"Only if she wants to," she replied, giggling a little.
END FLASHBACK
The Ketchum girl grinned confidently, pulling out a Poké Ball from her bag and enlarging it with the press of its button.
"We'll do what we do best no matter who's battling!" she vowed to her opponent. She opened the spherical container, letting its light pour onto the sand. It dissipated after forming to reveal her Oricorio, which had now taken on the Sensu Style as depicted by Rotom.
"Koree…" she chirped calmly as she posed.
"An Oricorio, hm?" Kahili noted, putting her right hand onto her chin, "That's quite the choice you've got there," she pointed out with a grin, "Well, shall we get things started?" she assumed. Erika placed the Flyinium Z upon her Z-Power Ring.
"Yeah!" she responded, determined to win. Back on Ula'ula, Nanu and Calvin were taking their places on opposing sides of the dirt field they were going to use, while the former Team Skull members and Plumeria watched intently from the sidelines.
"A little more formal than the last time we battled…" the kahuna noted, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly, "Don't expect me to take it easy on you," he remarked as he reared his right arm back.
"Trust me, I won't," the Ketchum boy affirmed in reply. At the same time, the two of them threw their respective Poké Balls forward. They bounced off of each other, bursting open as their lights spilled onto the field, shaping into form. After dissipating, they revealed Araquanid and a Krookodile.
"Krooo!" the Intimidation Pokémon bellowed out.
"A Krookodile like Dad's and Leslie's, huh?" Calvin noted aloud. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a Z-Crystal. Those formerly of Team Skull blinked in surprise to see that it was a Buginium Z, which he set onto his Z-Power Ring.
"Hm," Nanu huffed upon noticing, "Haven't seen one of those in a long time…" he pointed out, "Sure you know how to use it?" he inquired. The Ketchum boy took a deep breath. He was a little nervous for sure. But after getting some much needed help from his sister, he was ready.
FLASHBACK
"You gotta raise your arms like this…" Leslie began instructing, holding her hands up as if she were a praying mantis, "and then swipe across with your right arm!" she exclaimed, demonstrating. Her little brother was with her on the dock outside the Pokémon Center, copying her motions as best he could. He seemed to be struggling just a little. But with the Unova Champion Master encouraging him, he wasn't worried at all.
"So Araquanid doesn't need to be out here to learn how to mimic my motions?" he inquired curiously.
"No, not really…" Leslie replied, "The key is making sure you and he are ready to pull off a big Z-Move together," she pointed out, placing her right fist against his chest, "You remember how Uncle Laxus would tell you to always stay in control?" she questioned, causing him to blink in surprise before he nodded, "That's what you've gotta focus on in that moment with your Pokémon," she affirmed, "Remember to do your best, okay?" she requested.
"I will!" Calvin promised in response as he smiled.
END FLASHBACK
"You're ready, right Araquanid?" the Ketchum boy inquired of his partner.
"Kwah," the Water Bubble Pokémon responded with a nod of his head. It was time to move forward and win. For both Calvin and Erika.
OPENING
Insert "Rise Above" by Rainych
Opens with the sun dawning over Mount Lanakila. In spite of its freezing air, Calvin and Erika stand firm alongside their full teams of Pokémon as the wind rushes by. Near the base of the mountain is the site of what will be Alola's first ever Pokémon League, where Kukui stands with an excited grin on his face.
A rainbow of flower petals washes over the logo as we cut to Calvin lamenting on the boardwalk of the Seafolk Village, sitting alone and wondering if he can really take on the rest of the island challenge. At the same time, Erika is lying on her bed upon her side, thinking about the exact same thing. They both clench their fists determinedly, ready to see things through.
We cut to Calvin flying aboard a Charizard, while Erika's aboard a Pelipper. They fly throughout each of Alola's islands, smiling all the while. They see Ilima, Lana, Kiawe, Mallow, Sophocles, Acerola, Mina, Hala, Olivia, Nanu, and Hapu along the way as they arrive at the Pokémon League.
There, they're greeted by their parents and their big sister, who encourage them as they enter through the doors into the stadium. Inside, they find Hau, Pyrrha, Paige, Trent, and Gladion there. Others like Ryuki, Plumeria, and even Guzma are present. The Ketchum twins both grin excitedly, prepared to engage in some amazing battles.
The scene changes to Calvin commanding his Toucannon to use Beak Blast to take down a Machoke, while Erika has her Lurantis use X-Scissor to down an opponent's Bisharp. Hau's Decidueye goes up against Gladion and Silvally. The Synthetic Pokémon evades his foe's arrow quills before landing a powerful Fire-type Multi-Attack. Decidueye endures it, while Hau prepares a green Z-Crystal with a symbol similar to his partner, cracking a smirk.
We cut to Paige revealing a Key Stone around her neck as she uses it to Mega Evolve her Blaziken, who speeds out to attack Pyrrha's Typhlosion with a Blaze Kick. He counters by using Flamethrower. In the meantime, Trent commands his Alolan Ninetales to use Blizzard on Ryuki's Turtonator. The Blast Turtle Pokémon endures the freezing winds, unleashing a Flamethrower that appears to engulf his foe.
Calvin and Erika are then facing off, with Incineroar and Primarina battling for them. The two collide via a Flare Blitz/Aqua Jet, resulting in a powerful blast. As it clears, we witness Lycanroc slamming his clenched paws against the ground for a Stone Edge aimed to take down Araquanid. However, the Water Bubble Pokémon blasts the incoming stone pillars apart with Liquidation. Oricorio in her Baile Style comes out to unleash the searing fireball of a Revelation Dance toward Toucannon, who endures the attack and retaliates with Hyper Voice.
As the dust settles, we see Lurantis enduring Trop Kicks from Tsareena, gathering sunlight to unleash a Solar Blade onto the Fruit Pokémon. Mimi comes out from the dust, unleashing Shadow Claws onto Starbright, who endures them. She then strikes back with a Meteor Mash, merely busting the costume of the Disguise Pokémon as she chases after her opponent. Finally, we have Marowak using Shadow Bone to bash the incoming icicles of Sandslash, who dives down at him with an Iron Head.
The dust clears again, revealing the Ketchum twins staring at each other confidently with their teams. They're prepared for whatever else is ahead for them as they stand outside the stadium as the sun sets…
END OPENING
Fairy Strong!
"Whoa…" Josh uttered, being amongst the crowd on the resort beach as he watched both Oricorio and Toucannon stalk each other upon the sand as their respective trainers had yet to issue a command. The tension in the air was thick as Erika and Kahili stared each other down with determination in their eyes. Everyone could tell that they were about to witness a serious battle.
"If both trainers and their Pokémon are ready…" Olivia began as she held her right arm up, "you may begin!" she exclaimed, swinging her arm down.
"Oricorio, Air Slash!" Erika commanded, sticking her right hand out. Having her fan-like feathers upon her wings shine a bright blue, the Dancing Pokémon unfolded them to unleash several shuriken-like blades of air toward her foe.
"Seed Bomb!" Kahili called out. Touckey opened his beak, firing off a white ball of light surrounded by an orange energy. It struck the incoming air blades, causing an explosion of grey smoke between him and his opponent.
"Ergh…" Erika growled in frustration.
"Erika's going to have quite the battle against Kahili…" Lana noted from the sidelines, getting the attentions of Kiawe and Mallow, "Oricorio's Ghost-type attacks won't affect Toucannon…" she pointed out.
"And Toucannon's Normal-type moves won't do a thing to Oricorio!" the Grass-type trial captain mentioned with a snap of her fingers.
"It'll all come down to who's ultimately stronger…" Kiawe realized, folding his arms over his chest.
"Now Rock Blast!" Kahili commanded. The black tip of Touckey's beak glowed a silvery-white, forming several shining rocks. He fired them out as they headed for Oricorio.
"Dodge it!" Erika yelled immediately. Swiftly and calmly, the Dancing Pokémon weaved away from the incoming rocks. Everyone in the crowd watched in amazement at the battle unfolding. Erika was a bit embarrassed, but appreciated the fact that they were there. This was a culmination to her journey. "Oricorio…" she began, "Hurricane!" she commanded.
"What?!" Kahili gasped in shock. The Dancing Pokémon's wings glowed a bright sky blue before she hopped up and started flapping rapidly. A cyclone of wind formed around Touckey, who winced from its force.
"Her Oricorio learned Hurricane, huh?!" Mallow noted loudly over the rushing wind.
"She's become much stronger!" Kiawe pointed out, shielding his eyes from getting sand in them.
'Well, I'm definitely impressed…' Kahili admitted inwardly as she narrowed her eyes, 'Erika's relying more on tactics over type advantages…' she added through her thoughts, 'That said, we're not finished just yet!' she declared to herself.
"Touckey, Hyper Voice!" she ordered. Within the massive vortex, her Toucannon perked up. He opened his beak, unleashing a powerful screech that made a blue wave of energy rush out and burst the cyclone apart instantaneously.
"Ah!" Erika gasped.
"Hm," Kahili huffed with a grin, "Now Seed Bomb!" she commanded, swinging her right arm forward. The Cannon Pokémon launched another white ball surrounded by orange energy from his mouth, striking his target as she tumbled back from the blow.
"Oricorio!" the Ketchum girl exclaimed.
"Korrr…" she groaned out, "Koree!" she chirped determinedly, staying on her feet.
"Huh…" her trainer exhaled with relief. She looked out to her opponent, who still had a confident expression upon her face.
'What do we do?' she wondered inwardly, 'Hurricane was Oricorio's strongest move, but even that wasn't enough to take Toucannon down…' she noted to herself. She looked to her partner, wondering if it was wrong for her to chosen the Sensu Style for this battle. And then she remembered something. Whether it was Pom-Pom, Pa'u, Baile, or Sensu, all forms of her Oricorio had one thing in common: she loved to dance. 'I got it!' Erika concluded with a grin.
"Oh?" Kahili uttered upon noticing the change in her opponent's expression, "Seems like you've got yourself a new plan, Erika…" she noted curiously.
"Oricorio, use Revelation Dance on the sand around Toucannon!" the Ketchum girl instructed of her partner.
"Ree!" the Dancing Pokémon responded, waving her wings as the fan-like feathers upon the tips shined a bright purple. They formed a small orb of ominous violet energy, which she fired off onto the sand, causing a plume to erupt. She launched more energy orbs, striking the ground and veiling her opponent entirely in a cloud of sand.
'What is she up to?' Kahili inwardly wondered, narrowing her eyes.
"Touckey, Hyper Voice!" she called out. Opening his beak, her Toucannon unleashed another powerful screech, blowing the sand cloud around him away completely. However, Oricorio wasn't in front of him, much to his surprise. "Behind you!" his trainer exclaimed. The Cannon Pokémon whipped around to find his foe there. But it was too late.
"Teeter Dance!" Erika yelled. The Dancing Pokémon began waving her wings, letting a pink mist waft off from her body as it washed over Touckey, who started stumbling around the beach in confusion.
"Touckey, no!" Kahili screamed.
"Now use Air Slash!" the Ketchum girl commanded, thrusting her right fist forward. Folding her wings in as the fan-like feathers upon them glowed a bright blue, Oricorio swung them out to unleash another flurry of shuriken-like air blades. They struck her foe, who cried out in pain as he tumbled along the sand. As he pushed himself up, he was still bumbling about.
"Ergh…" his trainer growled in frustration.
"Oricorio, Hurricane!" Erika ordered. The Dancing Pokémon's wings glowed a bright sky blue as she leapt up and started flapping them again. Another cyclone of wind was formed, engulfing Touckey as he screeched in agony.
"Touckey!" his trainer cried out. Her Toucannon suddenly regained its composure upon hearing her voice.
"Too, tookah!" he chirped out to her, getting her attention.
"Use Beak Blast!" she ordered, sticking her right hand out. The Cannon Pokémon had his beak heat up, glowing a bright orange. He opened it up while still engulfed in the vortex, unleashing a powerful beam of light that tore through it instantaneously. Not only that, it struck a surprised Oricorio in a fierce explosion.
"Oricorio!" Erika screamed. Fortunately, the smoke cleared to reveal that the Dancing Pokémon was fine, standing up firm with scrapes along her body. Touckey was the same, descending back onto the sand.
"Hm," Kahili chuckled, "It seems we're a bit more evenly matched than I thought we'd be," she noted aloud.
"Yeah…" Erika agreed, wiping the sweat off of her right cheek, "I think it's time we settled this!" she insisted, crossing her arms over her face as the Flyinium Z upon her Z-Power Ring flashed brightly.
"I agree!" the golfer replied, readying her own Z-Crystal. Sky blue light shrouded both trainers as they swung their arms around, crossing them over each other. They then flapped their arms as if they were wings, crouching down and shooting their respective left fists into the air. The light building around them shot out it streaks to their respective Pokémon, being absorbed into their bodies before the Z-Move symbol flashed in front of them.
"Oricorio!" Erika exclaimed.
"Touckey!" Kahili yelled.
"SUPERSONIC SKYSTRIKE!" they bellowed simultaneously. Both bird Pokémon rocketed into the air in that instant, energized by their trainers' Z-Power. Everyone below watched as they started diving toward the sandy beach below. From their current trajectories, it would seem that they'd collide with each other before reaching the ground. They screeched as they did in a fierce shockwave, blowing everyone back instantaneously. A huge cloud of sand erupted from the impact as well.
"Agh…" Erika groaned as she sat up, grabbing her hat as it had fallen off, "Rotodex, are you okay?" she asked, looking around for her Pokédex.
"I'm fine, zzt…" it buzzed in response, having gotten blown back into a wall from the blast. Everyone on the sidelines, including Olivia, got back up onto their feet. The sand cloud was slowly starting to settle.
"Did you see who might've hit first?" Mallow questioned to Lana in a whisper.
"It was too hard to tell…" her fellow trial captain responded with a shake of her head.
"That was still incredible…" Kiawe noted aloud. The dust finally settled, revealing that both Oricorio and Touckey were still standing, much to everyone's surprise. They were facing away from each other, appearing to grimace as they struggled not to falter. The Dancing Pokémon appeared to buckle first, which her opponent noticed. But all of a sudden, he groaned and fell over onto his side, having swirls in his eyes. Seeing that, Olivia grinned.
"Toucannon is unable to battle!" she announced as she lifted her right arm up, "Oricorio wins!" she declared, motioning toward the still-standing Dancing Pokémon, "Therefore, the victory goes to Erika!" she exclaimed. The crowd on the beach and clapped and cheered.
"We won…" the Ketchum girl realized, slowly starting to smile, "Oricorio, we won!" she yelled excitedly as she ran over to her partner, going down onto her knees and embracing her warmly.
"Ree!" she chirped happily. In the meantime, Kahili returned Touckey to his Ultra Ball in a beam of red light. She sighed, upset with her loss, but proud to have battled such a strong trainer. Moments later, she handed the white flower off to Erika.
"Thank you, Miss Kahili," she said in gratitude as she bowed her head.
"And that makes five petals for you now, right?" Olivia assumed as she approached, getting her attention, "Which means now, you'll have to head back and give them to Mina!" she pointed out.
"Yep!" the trial-goer responded with a determined grin, "Thanks so much for all your help!" she called out gratefully as she ran off toward where Pelipper was waiting, with Rotom floating after her. The trial was nearing its end for her. And she could only hope her brother was having similar luck in his battles.
X
"Sandstorm!" Nanu called out on the dirt field.
"Krooooh!" Krookodile bellowed as sand swirled around his body before expanding outward, creating a storm that rushed through the field.
"Ergh…!" Calvin grunted, shielding his eyes with his arms. He could tell that Araquanid wasn't fond of the change in weather, looking extremely uncomfortable. But he still seemed determined to win the battle for his trainer's sake.
"Now Dig!" the kahuna ordered, enticing the Intimidation Pokémon to burrow under the earth.
'So that's his plan, huh?' Calvin assumed through his thoughts.
"Araquanid, use Liquidation on the ground!" he instructed quickly. The Water Bubble Pokémon lifted his front legs, having water erupt from the bubbles and swirl around. He slammed them against the dirt, causing the ground to crack up as water sprayed out.
"Huh," Nanu huffed out, "Not bad, kid," he remarked in a complimentary tone, "But you're a little too slow," he mentioned to the trial-goer's surprise. All of a sudden, Krookodile burst up from the ground behind Araquanid. "Crunch!" his trainer commanded. The Intimidation Pokémon's teeth shined a bright white and sharpened. He chomped on his opponent from behind before he could react.
"RRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" he screeched in agony.
"Shake him off!" Calvin called out. Desperately, the Water Bubble Pokémon tried to get Krookodile off of him, but he had a firm grasp on his backside. And it was only getting worse as the sandstorm continued to vex him.
"What're gonna do now, kid?" Nanu inquired with his hands stuffed into his pockets, "Can't imagine you got a backup plan up your sleeve…" he noted aloud.
"Hm," the Ketchum boy chuckled out, "That's where you're wrong!" he proclaimed proudly, "Araquanid, Spider Web!" he yelled. The Water Bubble Pokémon perked up, unleashing a strand of sticky thread from his spinneret that split into the form of a net as it ensnared Krookodile, knocking him back down onto the ground.
"Kroo…!" he grunted out, trying to free himself from the sticky thread.
"Now Lunge!" Calvin ordered. A yellowish-green light shrouded Araquanid as he turned around, leaping up as he was about to crash down onto the Intimidation Pokémon.
"Dig!" Nanu shouted. Krookodile broke free of the sticky thread ensnaring him, burrowing into the ground just before his foe could collide with him.
"Shoot!" Calvin yelled in frustration, clenching his teeth together. The kahuna smirked. Meanwhile, the former members of Team Skull and Plumeria continued to watch the battle intently, while Guzma sat the windowsill and narrowed his eyes. Seeing the boy that had beaten him twice struggle against Nanu intrigued him. It reminded him a lot of his own past as a trainer.
"Stone Edge!" the kahuna commanded. Bursting out from the ground, Krookodile landed in front of his trainer before bending forward and palming the dirt with his hands. Light blue stone pillars shot up, surging toward Araquanid.
"Liquidation!" Calvin called out. Water swirled around the Water Bubble Pokémon's front legs as he brought them up. He bashed through a few of the incoming stones with relative ease, but was suddenly struck at his underside by one that shot up beneath him. "Araquanid, no!" his trainer cried out, seeing him fly up before crashing down in a heap, groaning out of agony. The sandstorm wasn't helping him feel any better as he was slow to stand back up.
"Wasn't that pal of yours strong enough to beat my Krookodile last time?" Nanu inquired aloud with a shrug, getting the trial-goer's attention, "Well, I guess he was just a Krokorok back then…" he admitted as he chuckled. The Ketchum boy clenched his fists together. He knew the kahuna was just trying to egg him on in order to make a mistake.
'I've gotta think of a way to turn the tide…' he noted to himself, closing his eyes in order to think, 'If Krookodile's going to use hit-and-run tactics to hurt us, then we'll have to counter that with our own,' he decided through his thoughts, exhaling a deep breath.
"Araquanid, Aqua Ring!" he instructed.
"Kwahh!" the Water Bubble Pokémon responded, making multiple rings of water form around his body before a greenish, healing aura enveloped his body.
"Hm," Nanu huffed, "Aqua Ring would help a lot better if it could give you more of your health back…" he pointed out, "But the fact is, you decided to wait on using it…" he mentioned, putting his hands into his pockets, "Stone Edge," he ordered simply. Once again, Krookodile dug his hands into the earth, causing light blue stone pillars to burst up and surge toward his target.
"Use Lunge!" Calvin commanded. Cloaking himself in a yellowish-green light, Araquanid leapt up, evading the incoming stone pillars. He hopped from one to another, getting closer to the Intimidation Pokémon.
"Not bad, kid…" the kahuna remarked, "Dig!" he yelled. Krookodile burrowed into the ground again, avoiding his foe before he could crash onto him.
"Use Liquidation on the hole!" the Ketchum boy instructed quickly to Nanu's surprise. Water swirled around all six of the Water Bubble Pokémon's legs as he hopped onto the dug hole. The water surged into it, followed by the ground erupting nearby.
"Krrroooohh… kahhh…!" Krookodile gasped, flying through the sandy air as he flailed his arms and legs.
"Now Spider Web!" Calvin called out. Araquanid whipped around, unleashing a thick strand of sticky thread from his spinneret to ensnare the Intimidation Pokémon. He yanked him down, making him crash down onto the ground. In that moment, the sandstorm subsided completely.
"Okay then…" Nanu uttered, sounding impressed, "Crunch!" he ordered. Perking up, Krookodile burst out of the thread ensnaring him as he got back onto his feet, charging toward his foe.
"Lunge!" the Ketchum boy commanded. The yellowish-green aura shrouded the Water Bubble Pokémon once again as he leapt out, colliding with his opponent in a fierce blast of dirt. Those on the sidelines braced themselves from the impact, with Plumeria being the first to look and see what had happened. Both Pokémon were still standing, glaring at each other fiercely.
"I think it's time I get a little more serious…" the kahuna decided, readying his Z-Power Ring as a Darkinium Z was upon it. Calvin took on a determined expression, seeing him start to pose as he swung his arms about. The violet energy building up around his body shot out in streaks to his partner, becoming absorbed as the Z-Power symbol flashed in front of him.
"Krrooohkraaahhh!" the Intimidation Pokémon roared.
"Black Hole Eclipse," Nanu simply said. At that moment, a spiraling sphere of purple, red and black energy formed at the end of Krookodile's snout. He threw it up into the air, letting it grow into a miniature black hole that started to suck in anything close by. Araquanid dug his legs into the ground to keep himself firmly in place, but he too was starting to get pulled in. His trainer grimaced, but then he took notice of the Buginium Z upon his Z-Power Ring. And with that, he knew it was time for him to act.
"Araquanid!" he called out, getting his partner's attention as he looked back to see his trainer cross his arms over his face as his Z-Crystal flashed brightly, "Let's do this!" he exclaimed, swinging his arms around.
'Wait…' Plumeria uttered inwardly, noticing the Buginium Z that the Ketchum boy was using, 'He's actually going to use that move?!' she inquired through her thoughts as her eyes widened. Guzma watched on, curious to see how successful the Z-Move would be. He watched as Calvin raised his arms as if he were a praying mantis, while the yellowish-green aura was building around his body.
"We've come too far to give up now!" he proclaimed, swiping his right arm up and across. The aura that was shining around him shot out in streaks to Araquanid, merging with his body before the Z-Move symbol flashed in front of him. "Let's wrap this up!" his trainer yelled, "SAVAGE SPIN-OUT!" he bellowed fiercely. The Water Bubble Pokémon spewed out a thick strand of thread from his mouth, heading toward Krookodile. It wrapped around him completely into a cocoon, much to everyone's surprise. They watched as Araquanid swung him down onto the ground before flinging him up into the black hole.
"Ah!" Nanu gasped, while everyone else on the sidelines widened their eyes. The black hole shrunk before imploding, followed by the Intimidation Pokémon falling helplessly before crashing onto the ground in a flurry of dirt and dust. Once it cleared, it revealed that he had swirls in his eyes, groaning out of agony.
"Yeah!" Calvin exclaimed as he pumped his right fist up in victory.
"Ah, kwaaahhh!" Araquanid squeaked with delight. On the sidelines, those formerly of Team Skull were in disbelief.
"He used the old man's Z-Move against him…" A noted as he shook a little.
"That kid's crazy strong compared to when we first saw him…" G mentioned as she started to sweat.
"Yeah…" Plumeria agreed with a simple nod. Nanu returned Krookodile to his Ultra Ball in a beam of red light, exhaling a sigh as he looked over to see the trial-goer congratulating his partner for a job well done.
"Sheesh…" he muttered with a grin, walking over to the Ketchum boy while pulling out a black flower petal from his pocket, "Kid, you never fail to surprise me, huh?" he assumed, getting his attention.
"Guess not," he responded with a shake of his head, accepting the petal from the kahuna, "Thanks, Mister Nanu," he said in gratitude.
"Yeah, yeah…" the sheriff grumbled out as a reply, "Look, just don't cause any more trouble for me, alright?" he requested.
"I promise I'll try!" Calvin responded as he returned Araquanid to his Net Ball in a beam of red light. He then hurried off, waving goodbye in the process. As he left, Nanu heard some approaching footsteps and let off a small grin.
"So, you wait until after the battle to actually come out?" he inquired, glancing back to see Guzma there. Red tape crossed out the Team Skull logo on the back of his jacket, and his tattoos and locket were both gone. He glanced over to the people who were once known as his subordinates, who seemed surprised that he had come out.
"Huh…" he sighed, "That brat really did a number on me," he grumbled as he stuffed his hands into his pockets, "Him and his stupid twin sister," he mentioned.
"Guzma…" Plumeria uttered out worriedly. He walked forward and turned to face Nanu.
"Old man…" he began, "I think it's time I finished my own island challenge," he decided firmly.
"Hm," the kahuna huffed, "Then by all means, I'll take you on anytime," he promised in reply.
X
As he rode Charizard back to the Seafolk Village, Calvin took notice of his twin sister waving to him from afar, standing alongside Mina outside of her home.
'She beat me again, huh?' he noted to himself, letting off a little smile with a sigh. The Flame Pokémon descended down and landed upon the dock, being returned to the Ride Pager's Poké Ball in a beam of red light afterwards once the Ketchum boy disembarked.
"Did you get all your petals?" the trial captain asked of him.
"Mm-hmm!" he answered with a nod, reaching into his bag and pulling out the five flower petals he had gathered, "Here you go," he offered, handing them to her.
"Hm," she hummed with a small smile, "Congratulations, you two," she said.
"ALRIGHT!" Erika exclaimed as she pumped her right fist up into the air.
"But the trial izzzn't even over yet, zzt…" Rotom pointed out, causing its user to grimace.
"That's right," Mina responded, "Let's go inside," she beckoned to the twin trial-goers, enticing them and the Pokédex to follow her into her Whiscash-themed home. A few minutes later, the trial captain combined all ten of the flower petals they gathered into one beautiful flower upon her easel. "There we go," she said as she stepped back.
"So… what happens now?" the Ketchum girl inquired, arching an eyebrow.
"I think getting all the flower petals together might summon the Totem Pokémon, right?" her brother assumed.
"Mm-hmm," Mina affirmed in reply as she nodded, "So then…" she continued, looking around, "where is she?" she wondered aloud.
"…Huh?" Erika uttered out.
"You don't know where the totem is?" Calvin inquired.
"Nope," the trial captain answered with a shake of her head, causing the Ketchum twins to fall forward in exasperation, "I would've assumed the scents of the petals would've brought them both here…" she told them, putting her hand onto her chin.
"Geez…" Erika grumbled.
"Wait, did you say 'both'?" Calvin questioned, thinking he had misheard Mina. At that moment, the two trial-goers heard a buzzing coming from outside. They took notice of the door opening as they stood back up seeing, seeing a figure fly in.
"Whoa!" the Ketchum girl yelped. Buzzing about the room was an insectoid Pokémon with a large head, slightly smaller body, and thin arms and legs. She was covered in fluffy, yellow hair and had a white face and lower body, and a tuft of hair on her back. She had big eyes with one white and one brown square speck in the center. Over her eyes were white hairs similar to eyelashes, and she had two black antennae. Around her neck was a brown scarf with a needle-like projection on the front. Two wings nearly as large as her body sprouted from her back. The wings were white with three brown loop designs near the base. Her four thin limbs had bulbous hands or feet.
"Bom-beeee~!" she sang in greeting.
"That's… the Totem Pokémon?" Erika assumed as she blinked twice, "Uh, Rotodex?" she said to her Pokédex, getting its attention.
"Leave it to me, zzt!" it responded, pulling up an image of the totem upon its screen, "Ribombee, the Bee Fly Pokémon," it began, "Some of Ribombee's pollen puffs are highly nutritious. They are sometimes sold as supplements. She can predict the weather from moisture levels and wind direction. Ribombee only reveals herself when there are a few clear days in a row," it explained thoroughly.
"I'm guessing she's a Bug-and-Fairy-type…" Calvin assumed.
"Then I know just the Pokémon to battle her with!" his twin sister declared, pulling out a Poké Ball and enlarging it with a press of its button.
"Bomm!" Ribombee buzzed, flying out through the door.
"Ah, hey!" Erika yelled, chasing after her outside. Rotom and Calvin followed, heading onto the boardwalk. "Where the heck did she go?" the Ketchum girl inquired as she looked around. And then she noticed that she could see her own breath. There was a chill in the air as the sky darkened with clouds. A light snow was starting to fall over the Seafolk Village.
"What's going on…?" the Ketchum boy wondered aloud, while Mina had just exited from her home.
"Oh, so she's on her way," she realized upon seeing the change in weather.
"Wait, who is?" Erika inquired.
"Look!" Rotom cried out. The Ketchum twins looked over to see that the ocean water was starting to freeze over. They also saw a figure coming towards them.
It was a Ninetales, though she was different than her Kantonian variant. Her coat was pale blue, and her fur was more flowing and wispier. The tips of her tails and crest, as well as the lower halves of her legs, were white. The crest on her head was longer and her nine tails were less distinct from each other. Finally, she had larger eyes, which were blue, and small tufts of fur in front of her ears.
"Arrroooooo!" she howled as she leapt onto the boardwalk, landing before the two trial-goers.
"Bom, bombee~!" Ribombee sang as she flew over, getting the attentions of the Ketchum twins as they looked back to see her floating above them. Both she and Ninetales had yellow auras flare up around their bodies respectively.
"So that's an Alolan Ninetales, huh?" Erika assumed.
"Yep, zzt," Rotom responded, pulling up an image of the Alolan Fox Pokémon upon its screen, "Ninetales, the Fox Pokémon, Alolan Form," it began, "She creates drops of ice in her coat and showers them over her enemies. Anyone who angers a Ninetales will be frozen stiff in an instant. Possessing a calm demeanor, this Pokémon was revered as a deity incarnate before she was identified as a regional variant of Ninetales," it explained thoroughly.
"That one came all the way from Mount Lanakila," Mina pointed out rather bluntly.
"What?!" Erika yelped in shock, "All the way from there?!" she inquired loudly, earning a nod in response from the trial captain.
"Looks like she's an Ice-type, too…" Calvin noted as he narrowed his eyes. He then readied a Poké Ball in his right hand. "Erika, do you wanna battle her?" he asked of his twin sister.
"Yeah, we'll take her on!" she assured in reply, standing back-to-back with her brother, "Let's go, Lycanroc!" she called out, flinging the Poké Ball in her hand forward. It popped open, and the light that shot out from it formed upon the boardwalk surface, dissipating to reveal the Wolf Pokémon.
"Ry kann!" he barked, having a wicked grin upon his face.
"Okay then…" Calvin uttered, flipping the Poké Ball in his hand, "Incineroar, you're up!" he declared, throwing it forward. It opened up, with its light taking shape in midair and dissipating to reveal the Heel Pokémon. She landed upon the boardwalk, taking on a ready stance.
"Sehh rawr!" she exclaimed.
"Beeheehee!" Ribombee giggled as she flew around her opponent, much to her surprise as she blinked. She watched as the totem Bee Fly Pokémon flew off toward the wilds beyond the village.
"Ah, hey!" Calvin called out. In the meantime, Ninetales started to run off to the coast in the near distance.
"What're they running for?" Erika wondered aloud, arching an eyebrow.
"They don't wanna make a mess of the village," Mina answered, "Anyways, go after them," she advised, "I'll be sure to know if you win your battles or not," she affirmed on with a small grin.
"Okay…" Calvin uttered out, "do your best, Erika," he insisted of his twin sister, getting her attention.
"You too, Cal," she responded. They both hurried off with their Pokémon, heading after the two totems. This was going to be their toughest challenge yet.
X
Ribombee flew about the wilds gleefully, giggling with excitement. She glanced back to see Calvin and Incineroar in pursuit of her. She smiled, having a multicolored aura shroud her body. All of a sudden, she unleashed several streaks of rainbow-colored light towards them.
"Watch out!" the Ketchum boy yelped, jumping aside to evade the streaks with the Heel Pokémon as they struck the ground in bursts of dirt and dust, "Geez…" he grumbled out.
'Totem Pokémon are crazy strong as usual…' he noted through his thoughts, standing up as the clouds cleared to reveal Ribombee giggling cheekily.
"Rrrrrr…" Incineroar growled, clenching her teeth together.
"Yeah, let's get this over with!" her trainer insisted, "Flare Blitz!" he commanded, pumping his right fist forward. Light red fire erupted around the Heel Pokémon as she launched out at her foe with orange streaks of flames swirling about her form. Her target didn't appear to be frightened, swiftly evading her and flying away.
"Rah?!" Incineroar yelped in surprise.
"What the…?!" Calvin exclaimed, seeing how fast the totem Bee Fly Pokémon was buzzing about. Her opponent came to a stop, looking around for a sign as to when she could attack her foe. But with her flying all around so swiftly, it was hard to determine where she'd attack from next.
She wound up appearing right in front of the Heel Pokémon, preparing a purple ball of pollen upon her tiny arms. She struck her foe's gut with it, causing her eyes to jolt open as she gasped in agony. Stumbling back, Incineroar winced with agony as she fell onto her right knee.
"Incineroar!" her trainer cried out.
'What the heck was that?!' he inquired inwardly as he grimaced. He then saw Ribombee twirl around in midair as her body glowed a bright white. After a moment, a reddish aura flowed up her form. 'That's Quiver Dance…' the Ketchum boy realized, 'That raises special attack, special defense, and speed…' he listed off as he looked to his partner, 'No wonder Incineroar was caught off guard…' he added through his thoughts.
"Bom-bee~!" the totem Bee Fly Pokémon sang, having a multicolored light shroud her body entirely again before shooting out in streaks toward her foe.
"Dodge it!" Calvin yelled. Perking up, Incineroar leapt away from the incoming streaks, letting them harmlessly strike the ground. "Now use Darkest Lariat!" her trainer commanded. Dark red flames erupted on the Heel Pokémon's hands before she spun forward, heading toward her foe. Ribombee giggled, thinking she'd be able to easily dodge her again. But to her surprise, her opponent managed to nick her from below, sending her tumbling upwards.
"Beeeee!" she shrieked, unable to correct herself.
"Cross Chop!" the Ketchum boy ordered, enticing Incineroar to cease her spinning. She looked up at her tumbling foe and smirked, crossing her arms over her face as they glowed a bright orange. She leapt up and swiped hard at the totem Bee Fly Pokémon, sending her hurdling down to the ground. She managed to regain her balance in the nick of time though, shaking her head.
"Beee…" she buzzed angrily, floating back up as her foe landed down. She then flew speedily around her foe, looking for another opening to attack.
"Darkest Lariat!" Calvin called out. The Heel Pokémon had dark red flames ignite upon her hands once again before she started spinning. She swatted Ribombee away as she approached, making her crash onto the ground as she grimaced. She growled a little, floating back up.
"Bommm… BEEEE!" she exclaimed, cloaking herself in a multicolored light once again before streaks shot out, bombarding the spinning form of Incineroar in bursts of smoke. Once it cleared, it revealed that she was fine, standing firm with gnashed teeth.
"Nice going, Incineroar!" her trainer complimented, "Just gotta keep up the pressure!" he declared firmly.
"Pelll!" a voice squawked from above, getting his attention as he glanced up to see a Pelipper soaring overhead. All of a sudden, clouds started to form as rain began coming down onto the wilds.
"A Pelipper with Rain Dance…?" Calvin noted, confused by the Water Bird Pokémon's presence. Without warning, he suddenly opened his beak and sprayed out a stream of boiling hot water toward Incineroar. She quickly jumped out of the way to avoid it, landing beside her trainer. They watched the Pelipper come down and flap his wings to remain airborne, being beside Ribombee.
'So she's got an ally…' the Ketchum boy realized as he grimaced. This battle had gotten a lot more complicated. Meanwhile, Erika breathed heavily in exhaustion as she had her hands upon her knees.
"I… hate… running…" she grumbled in between breaths.
"Rahhhkk…" Lycanroc groaned out of exasperation. They had just arrived at the Poni Breaker Coast, with Ninetales standing before them as her coat wisped beautifully with the wind. She narrowed her eyes onto her future opponent, who took a ready stance.
"Alolan Ninetalezzz is an Ice-and-Fairy-type, zzt," Rotom told Erika, who wiped the sweat off of her brow as she managed to compose herself, "You're going to need to be careful, Erika…" it pointed out to its user.
"Yeah, I know," she responded with a confident grin, "Ready, Lycanroc?" she asked of the Wolf Pokémon beside her.
"Rahk!" he barked in reply, letting off a wicked grin of his own.
"Araaaaaahhhhhh~!" the totem Alolan Fox Pokémon sang up into the air. A thick fog started to form around her as hail started to rain down. It nicked Lycanroc, making him wince.
"Hail, huh?" Erika noted aloud, "Well, that's not gonna stop us!" she declared firmly, "Lycanroc, Stone Edge!" she commanded. The Wolf Pokémon clenched his right paw, slamming it against the ground. Light blue stone pillars shot up from the earth, surging toward Ninetales. However, they appeared to phase right through her as she disappeared. "Wait, what?!" the Ketchum girl yelped.
"That'zzz Ninetalezzz' Snow Cloak!" Rotom exclaimed, getting her attention, "When it'zzz hailing, she can dodge all sortzzz of attackzzz easier!" it explained quickly.
"So landing a hit's not gonna be easy…" Erika realized, grimacing a little. Lycanroc looked around for a sign of his foe, feeling the hail continue to nick him. The totem Alolan Fox Pokémon suddenly leapt out, opening her mouth. A light blue ball of energy formed in front of it, unleashing zigzagging rays that were heading for her foe. "Dodge it!" the Ketchum girl cried out.
The Wolf Pokémon jumped back to avoid the rays, which struck the ground and froze it up in ice. He ran away to avoid them as they continued their pursuit, cornering him. He grimaced as they got closer.
"Howl and then Stone Edge!" his trainer instructed, getting his attention.
"RAAAAHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" he howled into the sky, causing a reddish aura to flow up his body. He then slid to a stop, whipping around and slamming his clenched right paw against the earth. More light blue stone pillars shot up, defending him from the rays. A few managed to nick Ninetales, who jumped back. A multicolored light began to shine around her body as she narrowed her eyes onto where her foe was. She unleashed several streaks of rainbow-colored luminosity, zooming out and striking the rocks where her opponent was hidden in a burst of white smoke.
"Lycanroc, Crunch!" Erika ordered. Leaping out from the smoke, the Wolf Pokémon had his teeth shine a bright white and sharpen, about to come down onto the totem Alolan Fox Pokémon. She howled into the sky herself, suddenly causing an aurora-colored shroud to surround herself. As her foe closed in, she was protected by the shroud, only getting blown back a few feet.
"Rrrr…" Lycanroc growled in frustration.
"What the heck was that?" his trainer wondered aloud.
"That must've been Aurora Veil, zzt!" Rotom answered, getting her attention.
"Aurora Veil?" she repeated, arching an eyebrow in confusion.
"It'zzz a move that workzzz like both Reflect and Light Screen combined, zzt!" the Pokédex explained in reply, "But it can only be used when it'zzz hailing!" it mentioned.
"So that's what happened…" Erika realized, remembering when the totem Alolan Fox Pokémon had endured the last few of Lycanroc's attacks. Just then, Ninetales opened her mouth, forming another light blue ball of energy in front of it before unleashing several zigzagging beams. They struck the Wolf Pokémon at his left side, freezing him in ice.
"Rahk!" he yipped out to his trainer.
"Use Stone Edge!" she quickly commanded. Clenching his right paw again and letting out a mighty roar, Lycanroc slammed it against the ground. More light blue stone pillars shot up, surging toward the totem Alolan Fox Pokémon. However, she leapt up onto them in order to evade the attack, jumping from one to another in her approach of her foe.
"Arrroooooo!" she howled as a multicolored shine came off of her body, followed by streaks of light shooting down and striking her opponent endlessly as he cried out in agony.
"Lycanroc!" Erika screamed, seeing him fall onto his back, clenching his teeth together, "Ergh…" she growled in frustration, seeing Ninetales narrow her eyes onto them with disappointment. Compared to other Totem Pokémon, she was definitely one of the toughest.
X
The rain coming down onto Calvin and Incineroar wasn't too bad. But the former knew that it'd hinder his partner's firepower, especially if they wanted to take down Ribombee as soon as possible. First, they'd have to deal with Pelipper.
"Darkest Lariat!" the Ketchum boy ordered. Dark red flames erupted upon the Heel Pokémon's hands as she spun forward and leapt up, heading toward the Water Bird Pokémon. However, he flew aside to evade his foe, who landed down and growled in frustration. At that moment, Ribombee zipped over, readying balls of purple pollen upon her arms.
Incineroar was quick to jump away before she could be struck, knowing that one hit from the totem Bee Fly Pokémon would be bad, especially considering how powerful she had already gotten from using Quiver Dance. But at that moment, she was blasted in the back by a spray of hot water from Pelipper, causing her to crash hard onto the ground.
"Rrrr…" she growled angrily. Her trainer was just as frustrated, clenching his fists tightly.
'If we dodge Ribombee's attacks, we'll be left wide open for Pelipper…' he noted to himself, 'And if we can't find a way to stop this rain, we're gonna be in even bigger trouble…' he concluded. He looked down at the Z-Power Ring upon his right wrist. 'If I could still do a Z-Move with Incineroar, then maybe we'd have a better shot…' he added inwardly.
"Sehh, rawrr?" the Heel Pokémon asked, getting his attention as he looked to see her stand back up.
"No, I'm okay," he assured with a grin. He looked to see Pelipper fly down and float beside Ribombee, both prepared to act whenever their foe did. "Use Outrage on Pelipper!" Calvin commanded, pumping his right fist forward.
"RAWWWRRRR!" Incineroar roared mightily, making her eyes glow a bright red as a reddish aura burst up around her. She lunged out toward the Water Bird Pokémon, who squawked in surprise. He took a big gulp of air, making his body inflate like a balloon before taking the first strike from his foe, sending him flying back a half dozen yards.
"So you're using Stockpile, huh?" the Ketchum boy realized, narrowing his eyes, "Keep it going, Incineroar!" he called out. The Heel Pokémon continued her assault of Pelipper, all while Ribombee narrowed her eyes, waiting for an opening. The Water Bird Pokémon kept inflating his body to increase his defense. But ultimately, his foe managed to land a critical blow, sending him crashing into a wall in an instant.
"Pellll…" he squawked weakly as he fell onto the ground with swirls in his eyes.
"Yes!" Calvin exclaimed, pumping his right fist. However, his excitement vanished immediately once he saw Ribombee zip over instantaneously to his partner. "Watch out!" he screamed. Unfortunately, Incineroar was left in fatigue from her assault of Pelipper, leaving her completely unaware of the totem Bee Fly Pokémon. She giggled before floating beside the Heel Pokémon's right cheek, kissing it. Lines of light yellow waves flowed off of her onto Ribombee, who had a green, healing glow shrouding her body as she floated away.
"Rrrraaaahhh…" Incineroar groaned, falling onto her hands and knees.
"Incineroar, no!" her trainer cried out. At that moment, the rain finally stopped as the sky cleared. However, it seemed to be too late as the totem Bee Fly Pokémon had a multicolored shine come off of her body. Streaks of light shot out from her, striking her target in fierce blasts of white smoke. The Ketchum boy grimaced, thinking that his partner had just gotten defeated. But just then, he saw a blazing orange aura erupt, blowing the smoke cloud away. Both him and Ribombee widened their eyes to see Incineroar stand back up, having a confident smirk upon her face.
"Rawrrr!" she cried out to her trainer. He let off a reassured grin.
"Incineroar, Flare Blitz!" he commanded. The Heel Pokémon enveloped herself in reddish flames, launching forward in an instant. Ribombee didn't even have a chance to react in time as her foe collided with her, resulting in a huge blast.
Incineroar landed down with red sparks coming off of her body as she winced. She glanced back at the cloud of smoke where she had struck the totem Bee Fly Pokémon, seeing it start to clear. Once it did, it revealed that she was lying upon the ground with swirls in her eyes as she groaned.
"Alright!" Calvin exclaimed with delight, realizing that he emerged victorious. His partner came over and picked him up in her arms as he yelped, hugging him happily. "Easy, Incineroar!" he pleaded in between laughs, "You're still a little worn out, aren't you?" he assumed.
"Rawrr!" she retorted with a shake of her head. The two of them shared a grin.
"Oh, so you already won?" a familiar voice chimed in, getting their attentions as they looked to see Mina approach, "That means you've passed," she noted, giving the Ketchum boy a thumbs up, "Nice work," she said.
"Thanks!" Calvin replied with gratitude, "But what about Erika?" he asked as Incineroar put him down.
"Dunno," the trial captain bluntly answered to his surprise, "Wanna go find out?" she guessed, gesturing toward the coast in the distance.
"Yeah," Calvin responded as he grinned.
"Ryy… ryy…" Lycanroc breathed heavily as he looked up at his foe, who stared down at him with disdain.
"Lycanroc, Howl!" his trainer called out.
"RAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" the Wolf Pokémon howled mightily into the air, causing a reddish aura to flow up his body. However, it left him wide open for Ninetales to open her mouth, unleashing another set of zigzagging beams of blue light. They struck him directly, freezing him up in ice.
"Oh, shoot!" Erika yelped.
"Thizzz izzz bad, zzt!" Rotom buzzed, "I don't think Lycanroc'zzz gonna be able to take much more…" it mentioned.
'Unless we find a way to clear the sky long enough for an opening, we don't stand a chance!' the Ketchum girl noted through her thoughts as she grimaced. Her partner was becoming completely encased in the ice, gnashing his teeth together. All of a sudden though, a wave of orange energy burst out from the ground underneath him, shattering the ice.
"Ah!" his trainer gasped, watching as the energy swirled around Lycanroc's right paw as he closed it into a fist. He lunged out toward Ninetales, who was quite surprised. She didn't even have a moment to react as she was struck by the Wolf Pokémon, sending her crashing down onto the ground as she winced in pain.
"Rahk!" Lycanroc barked as he landed down, now more determined than ever.
"What was that move?" Erika inquired aloud.
"Analyzing… analyzing…" Rotom repeated as a loading wheel was upon its screen, "That wazzz Reversal, zzt!" it buzzed out, "It'zzz a Fighting-type attack that'zzz much more powerful when a Pokémon using it izzz low on health!" it explained.
"Ry, ryy kahn!" Lycanroc barked to his trainer, getting her attention, "Ry kan, rak!" he pleaded to her. Seeing the determination in his crimson eyes, she gave off a confident grin.
"Yeah, let's turn the tide!" she declared with a pump of her left fist, "Use Stone Edge!" she commanded, thrusting her fist onto the ground. The Wolf Pokémon clenched both of his paws into fists and slammed both of them against the surface at his feet. Several light blue pillars of rock erupted from the ground, surging toward Ninetales.
She had her body glow with a multicolored shine before unleashing several streaks of light from it. They struck the incoming pillars, breaking them down in clouds of dirt and dust. She narrowed her eyes afterwards, wondering what her foe's next move would be.
"Crunch!" Erika ordered. The totem Alolan Fox Pokémon only caught a glimpse of her opponent's crimson eyes before he rushed out with his teeth shining a bright white as they had sharpened. He chomped at her left side upon going by, making her gnash her teeth together in agony. The hail and the subsequent fog had finally faded in that moment.
Ninetales then opened her mouth once more, readying another light blue ball of energy in front of it as she whipped around to attack her foe. At the same time, Lycanroc turned to face her while also looking to his trainer. He nodded to her, and she nodded back.
"Lycanroc, Reversal!" she commanded fiercely. Another orange wave of energy burst out from beneath the Wolf Pokémon, swirling around the front of his mane. Just as Ninetales unleashed the zigzagging beams of light onto him, he charged through them. She didn't have even a chance to dodge the attack as he rammed into her head-on, sending her flying back. She hit the ground hard, tumbling along it before coming to a stop, groaning all the while. Her eyes were in swirls.
"She'zzz down!" Rotom exclaimed.
"Then that means we won!" Erika realized, happily running over to Lycanroc, who sat down upon the ground with a relieved breath. He suddenly found himself ambushed by his trainer as she hugged him, nuzzling against him affectionately. "Way to go, Lycanroc!" she complimented.
"Rahh…" the Wolf Pokémon responded, giving her a lick that made her giggle.
"Oh, it's over here, too?" Mina's voice chimed in, getting their attentions as they saw that she had arrived alongside Calvin and Incineroar, "Well, I guess that's it for your final trial," she confirmed with a nod. Both of the twins smiled with excitement. "Oh, almost forgot…" the trial captain said, reaching into her bag for something, "These are for you," she noted as she pulled out a pair of Z-Crystals. One was a pink crystal with a floral, black symbol upon it. The other was a pale yellow crystal with a symbol that resembled the face of a Mimikyu, which made the Ketchum boy blink in surprise. "A Fairium Z for Erika…" Mina began as she handed the pink crystal to the Ketchum girl, "and a Mimikium Z for you, Calvin," she pointed out, putting the crystal into his hands.
"Th-Thank you…" he stammered in gratitude.
"We finished all our trials!" his twin sister exclaimed happily as she ran over and embraced her brother.
"Yeah…" he responded with a chuckle.
X
The sun was starting to set over the Seafolk Village as Calvin and Erika returned to the Pokémon Center. Immediately, they were met with a shower of compliments and cheers from their parents and their older sister.
"Oh, I'm so proud of you!" Mirajane exclaimed as she embraced her youngest daughter tightly.
"Mom… take it easy…!" she pleaded, trying to break free of her firm grip. Leslie laughed.
"You're not gettin' out of her arms that easy…" she pointed out, much to her little sister's chagrin. Meanwhile, Calvin stood alongside his father as they watched Pikachu hop up onto Incineroar's right shoulder, while Lycanroc was grinning at them.
"Hey, where's Hau?" the Ketchum boy asked curiously, "I thought he had to prove that he could handle himself, too…" he noted in remembrance.
"He said that proving himself meant he'd have to beat his grandpa in a serious battle, so that's what he's up to now," Ash answered as he folded his arms over his chest.
"And your trial's not over yet, Calvin," Leslie chimed in as she walked over, "You've still got Hapu to battle, right?" she assumed.
"Oh, yeah," he replied with a nod, "But don't worry," he assured, "My team and I are gonna win," he declared firmly, "And after that, the island challenge will be over once and for all!" he added in proclamation.
"Yeah!" Erika agreed with a pump of her right fist. Little did the twins know that they'd be faced with a greater hill to climb afterwards. But for now, they were just excited for what they knew was ahead.
ENDING
Insert "Who Are You?" by PELICAN FANCLUB
Opens at Aether Paradise as Lillie is with her bedridden mother, sleeping by her side. In her dreams, she's imagining becoming a Pokémon Trainer herself, journeying through regions with her Pokémon by her side. She starts running along the pathway, excitedly smiling all the while.
Throughout her journey in her dream, she comes across many great things. She encounters amazing Pokémon, strong trainers to battle, and memorable sights. Her Pokémon of choice is a Clefairy which she happily lifts in her hands.
All of a sudden, the area around them darkens as a shadow looms over them. Lillie looks up in horror to see a giant version of Lusamine engulfed by Nihilego overhead. She cowers in fright momentarily, but then notices a bright light shining up above.
It turns out to be Solgaleo, who comes down with Calvin and Erika aboard. They both offer their hands to Lillie, who happily accepts them as she climbs onto the Sunne Pokémon. They hurry off, avoiding the giant rocks Lusamine chucks their way. One is about to strike, but it's destroyed as Gladion appears aboard Silvally, slashing it apart.
Together, they lunge up to attack the Aether Foundation president, engulfing her in a shining, golden light. Lillie opens her eyes, lifting her head. She finds her mother awake in bed, giving her a weak, yet thankful smile.
Lillie smiles back, gripping her hand tightly. As Wicke wanders in to check on them, they turn on the TV as the Alola League is starting. Lillie giggles at the sight of the Ketchum twins in battle once again, happy that they're seeing their dreams through…
END ENDING
And that's another chapter in the books! I gotta say, I'm really happy with my progress, especially considering that by the time this comes out, I'll be playing Legends: Arceus and working a lot more. Anyways, next week is gonna be a good chapter to close out the last portion of the Poni Island arc for the twins, as we'll be on hiatus for quite a while afterwards.
So here's the next chapter's summary!
SUMMARY
It's finally time for Calvin's grand trial battle against Hapu on Exeggutor Island! This battle is for all the marbles as it'll be what determines whether or not Calvin and Erika will get their final stamps on their passports! Will Calvin win in the end?!
END SUMMARY
See you all next time!