Hala pressed his thumb on a button of the Page Rider until the screen finally lit up. The screen changed to a countdown time, along with the picture of a Tauros as well as a registration number. A red dot indicated where it was on a small zoom-in map of Melemele Island.
"There, that should do the trick. Now then…" Hala looked up from the small screen and overlooked the view of the island. While he waited, he might as well have some time to relax and enjoy the scenery. The Pager Tauros wasn't supposed to be here for another hour. To him this was a shock. 'Seems that I've picked a wrong time to call for a ride. The business must be booming if all the Tauros are out.'
For a moment, the Kahuna thought about an alternative. Taking a Pager Charizard felt like another bright idea, it'd be a lot faster and a lot more convenient to do so. But the thought of his feet leaving the ground made his huge gut feel light for a second. He tried to keep his head up so he didn't look out of it in front of the townsfolk.
Now that he had a good look at it from the kukui wood battlefield in the middle of town, the people looked fairly lively. A child was chasing down his Lillipup across the dirt road while another pair of kids were skipping rope with a Pichu. There were a number of folk that were up and about today under the sun. The air was pretty mild, so it wasn't uncommon for them to enjoy the nice weather. Better than some days where the humidity would get staggering like in the jungles of Akala Island. Odds were that it was because of the climate and the land formations directing winds. Melemele was known for having large peaks to the north, maybe that explains the drafts. Then again, he wasn't a meteorologist, so he wouldn't know.
'There's been some unusual patterns happening as of late. I hope that it doesn't affect the people and Pokémon here. That's the biggest concern we have right now.' He looked up at the sky, watching the bright sun beam down on his dark caramel skin. 'Tapu Koko, what is it that's going on?'
An unsettling breeze blew against Hala's back. Normally the winds would be nothing but a cooling factor to him, but this wind had an energy that jolted his nerves. It perked him right up. He turned around and looked back at the trail that lead northward. "What was that just now? I could've sworn that I heard something." He looked up the trail's peak that faded into the woodland areas. "It couldn't be…could it?"
The more he thought about it, the more pragmatic it's gotten. He saw Tapu Koko earlier today, and he seemed extremely anxious about something, and it had to do with Nic and Erza from before. It could've been coincidence, but if Tapu Koko was acting this antsy, something had to be up.
'Now that I think about it, that couple from before said they weren't from Alola. Tapu Koko wouldn't be interested in much folk unless for a good reason.' He saw the trail and stood up. He thought – no, he knew – something was wrong here. And it had to deal with the those two from before.
With the stinging sensation clinging to his back, Hala started for the trail. He had to hurry if his senses were so sure Tapu Koko was up to something. "What is Tapu Koko so worried about? It seems I'll have to find out for myself then."
He took one more look at the townsfolk to see they were still busy with their own works to notice. He saw a nearby local still reading the newspaper from this morning and made a mental note. He'd have to get a copy right after he got back from his errand. Once again, an uneasy cry shrilled his spine. The calls of Tapu Koko beckoned him. He dismissed his surroundings and rushed for the trail to aid the guardian of Melemele.
"Nic. Erza. Do mind yourselves…the deity is fickle…but may he have mercy on you if you cross him."
The river flowed with the wooden planks carried across the gorge far below. The current had picked up for a short while as the tension across the altar's former bridge was electric to say the least. Literally. Electricity crackled around Tapu Koko as he eyeballed with astonishment at the two outsiders that had mysteriously taken up new forms. One had adorned some kind of armor, and the other's coloration of his clothing had changed, too. Despite there being jo seismic activity, Tapu Koko could feel the air rupture from this change in pressure. Just what the hell was he looking at right now?
Nic and Erza stood an even space apart from each other as they glared at Tapu Koko. They didn't dare to take their eyes off him. He started this fight, now it was their obligation to finish it. The air had gone completely stale at their standoff. One wrong move, and they could wind up like that parasite that went for a swim.
"Nic…we have to be careful. Who knows what this thing can do." Erza kept her voice down so Tapu Koko wouldn't hear them. "It's Melemele's deity, right?"
"Yeah, just like Hala said." Even as he whispered a response, Nic didn't take his eyes off the antsy beast. "He was wound up by us before. He must be anxious because of our powers."
"What do you think we should do?"
Tapu Koko gave them an inquired brow as he accusingly jabbed at them. "(Hey! I asked you both a question! Just what are you guys, seriously?)" More electricity crackled around his eyes. "(If you don't tell me right now, I swear…I'm gonna make you wish you'd answer sooner!)"
Even now, it was too late. The air around them had started channeling a yellowish hue. The weeds close by were crackling static that somehow didn't fry them upon contact. Nic and Erza took brief glances around and recognized the affects.
'It's using Electric Terrain?' Nic pondered. Thanks to his earth Form, his hair wasn't standing on end, but he could still feel a strong static everywhere. 'There really is no going back. I was hoping we could settle this with talking, but…guess he doesn't want that.'
He turned towards Erza. "Erza. We're gonna have to fight him to calm him down."
"Understood." She twirled her javelin overhead and struck a pose. "We'll have to be vigilant. Remember, he's fast."
"(I said…talk!)" Tapu Koko's impatience resulted in his generating another sphere of electrical energy between his palms. He threw it at the pair at lightning speeds.
Nic stepped in front of Erza and brought his forearm in front. He reached out to the spherical projectile and grasped it in his palm. Thanks to his typing, all that ran through his palm was a tickling sensation. He swung his arm and deflected the Electro Ball off to the side, where it exploded in the dirt with a bright yellow flash. The reaction timing startled Tapu Koko enough to make him flinch.
'We have to keep him low to the ground. He looks more mobile in the air as he is.' Nic evaluated as fast as lightning itself. He eyed the Tapu with an overall evaluation. 'The PokeDex said he's part-Electric and Fairy-type. Plus he's fast.' He thought back to when they fought the parasite. 'And I can't put him to sleep because of the terrain, nor can I paralyze him. Which means…we have to use whatever he's special in, and turn that on him. He just need to keep focus on what he does next.'
He looked at Erza, who reciprocated that same resolute stare. She knew where he was getting at. They both pulled out two capsules, which gravely alarmed the Tapu.
"(Not on my watch you don't!)" He raised his beak-like hand, setting them off. They watched as Tapu Koko plunged the hand into the ground, causing glittering ripples to erode from the jab across the terrain. It spread rapidly with multicolored static heading over towards them.
'An attack from the ground?' Erza thought.
The ripples fanned out towards them, but Nic was prepared. He stomped his foot on the ground and made a fissure open up between them and the discharging energy. The trench spread deep enough to where the ripples met at the end, bringing up a seismic wake that blasted rock and dirt skywards. The attack pulse multicolored lightning through it that flashed repeatedly.
…
Hala was making way up Mahalo Trail and turned the corner. He was deadest ahead when he heard a rupture from up ahead. "Hm? What was that?" He looked up at the trail's peak. He heard an echo of what sounded like an eruption of sorts.
An uneasy feeling attacked his large gut again. He could feel the wrath of Tapu Koko piercing through the ground already. It could've been Electric Terrain, but the hairs on the back of his neck were tingling. He had a bad feeling he might already be too late.
'Tapu Koko, what is happening?'
…
Tapu Koko watched the dust erode away in front of him. He watched with an inquired brow at where his attack landed and if he hit its mark. His nerves were jumpy all over that he couldn't wait for an answer.
"(Did I get them…?)" He was so anxious that he didn't hear the ground beneath him crack. He looked down, only for a slim spout of mud to blast him in the face. The mucky substance was enough to make him backpedal as his vision was temporarily blinded.
On the other side of the fissure, Nic was revealed to have plunged his hand into the ground earlier to have sent his Mud-Slap through the earth. With his opponent blinded and wary, now was the time. "He's blinded, go!"
"Right!" Erza twirled her staff and took careful aim. She directed towards Tapu Koko before firing green lightning bolts that flashed across the atmosphere after him.
Rubbing away the mud, his mohawk twitched. He could sense electricity heading his way. He perked up and reacted barely in time as swift as lightning. He zipped out of the way in a blur as the lightning bolt struck his spot, but he had since disappeared.
"His speed's picked up." Erza evaluated. "It must be using Agility."
True to form, the Tapu beamed left and right around them. He zipped forward and back, to and fro. He was zipping left and right so fast that electrical impulses rippled at his sudden turns across the thunder field. Nic and Erza had to be careful to keep an eye on his movements. Every move he made had a trace of lightning that zipped and swung in all directions. This action made Nic and Erza get back to back for precaution.
'He was fast before, but…' Nic picked up on something bright above. He glanced up with Erza to watch times slow down around them. Tapu Koko already had a hemisphere of electricity at the ready. They had to act fast.
Without a word of insistence, Tapu Koko fired it down onto them. He expected the attack to hit, but he was surprised when, once again, Erza used her javelin and made a shield made out of ions. The attack struck the shield, creating a bright yellow explosion that encompassed a small smoke area. It fluxed outwards, discharging outwards while Tapu Koko glared down at them.
With a wary disposition, he watched the electric field disperse ever so gradually. He needed to know just who these guys were, but he couldn't help it. Every nerve in his body jolted because of what he was seeing. All the anxiousness he's had bottled up for a while was springing loosely at the sight of these abnormal humans with powers. It was beyond him.
When the smoke cleared, much to his surprise, they were still standing, like nothing happened. The attack looked like it didn't faze them even. "(What? But how did they…?)" He looked down at the ground around them, seeing mud splattered against the dirt. The electricity inside the mud crackled and dissipated gradually. "(My attack had no effect?!)"
"That Mud Sport should give us some time for his Electric attacks." Nic evaluated. "Now then…" He held up a Poke Ball. "Let's go! Arbok!"
Erza threw a Net Ball. "Scizor, I need your assistance!"
The two capsules flew wide open, making two bright flashes. In a broad expanse, Arbok was laced in coils as he glared at Tapu Koko. Whereas for Erza's Scizor, she swung her pincers around and out until she crossed them in front of her chest. They stood apart from Tapu Koko as the deity looked shocked at them.
"(Just tell me where I need to stab, Erza. I'm ready and able.)" Scizor prompted.
Arbok hissed and flicked his tongue up at Tapu Koko. "(Nic, what isss it you desssire?)"
"His attacks are a lot faster because of that Agility." Erza grunted. "We'll have to turn that around."
"I can handle that. Arbok…" Nic's edging glowed, taking a partial Mind Form. "Watch yourself. He's extremely wary of us. We'll slow him down enough to get a shot at him."
"(Underssstood.)" The cobra opened his mouth, giving an audible hiss while showing off his razor-sharp teeth.
Nic stood perfectly still. His gaze was half-heartedly on Tapu Koko while static crackled with the deity's nerves. He knew what was going to happen was going to be harsh, but he wasn't going to be taking chances with this guy. He was already on edge enough as he was.
Tapu Koko didn't like this one bit. He gave them a suspicious glare and unleashed a broad Discharge. The lightning bolts scattered everywhere, but a great sum of it conducted into the Mud Sport. They streamed after Arbok and Scizor, who did nothing while Erza sped in front, requipping into her Adamantine Armor and blocking the bolts heading for their Pokémon.
With the cover needed, Erza gave a command. "Scizor, use Swords Dance!" Scizor spread her legs apart behind and crossed her pincers. Bright blue energy swords circulated around her, increasing her Attack sharply through a red aura.
"Arbok, use Coil!" Nic ordered. Arbok laced coils around himself, tightening his muscles. The lean cobra had his own red aura, increasing his Attack, Defense, as well as Accuracy all in one broad boost.
Once the Discharge receded, the bolts diffused into the mud. Erza kept her shield in front while Scizor spread her metallic wings and flipped onto Erza's shield and sprung off it like a springboard. She sailed up after Tapu Koko, who was more than ready with another hemisphere of electricity charged up.
"Trick Room!" Nic lowly shouted.
A large bright blue rectangle with light blue transparent walls and a ceiling appeared around them. The walls faded around them, just as Tapu Koko fired his speedy attack. It went speeding after Scizor, but to his shock, Scizor became a blur and vanished.
"(What?!)"
A red blur zipped behind Tapu Koko. He didn't have time to look back to see Scizor's claw glowing bright blue.
"X-Scissor!" Erza shouted. Scizor swiftly crossed her pincers and slashed into an X-formation. The X crashed into Tapu Koko's face just as he turned around. He shrieked as he was pushed towards the ground.
Nic passively glared. "Ice Fang!"
"(Asss you wish!)" Arbok opened his maw, making his front teeth glow bright blue as icicles and icy blue energy fangs protruded from the maw. He slipped after Tapu Koko's falling figure, who couldn't react in time when Arbok's mouth was the only thing he saw. The next instance, ice burst in midair, followed by a blistering shatter sound. Through the falling ice, Tapu Koko crashed into the ground, his body cringing while Arbok and Scizor landed several meters away from him.
The Trick Room that glistened around them blinked once before fading. It was still in effect though. Nic stood perfectly still while holding a serious disposition.
Tapu Koko grunted as he was dazed from that attack. He shook his head, with his sides immediately burning from a frost that covered it. He winced heavily at the pain inflicted. He staggered upwards, giving Arbok and Scizor a serious glare. "(I…don't know who you think you are, but…I'm fed up with you. Who are you people, seriously?)" He paused to grunt at the inflicted damage. "(Just…how can you…?)"
Arbok gave the deity a scoff. "(BAH! What'sss the likesss of you have that I could possssibly care for? We don't have to anssswer to sssome jumpy upssstart.)"
"(In light of my colleague's choice yet crude remark, it's best that you settle down now. We're only trying to help.)" Scizor insisted, holding her pincers up. "(We implore you, stand down.)"
Tapu Koko gave them a crude glare back. "(Not…while I still have a single crackle left.)" he lifted his beak-like hand up. "(This is for the sake of Melemele Island!)"
Erza squinted. "Incoming!"
Tapu Koko plunged his hand into the muddy ground once again. "(Nature's…MADNESS!)" Eloquent yet majestic ripples spread across the ground, fanning out towards everyone ahead of him. Multicolored static erupted across the ground heading towards the team. The attack bolstered through the earth, but it was very slow to act. It gave the others plenty of time to act.
"Bullet Punch to the ground!" Erza shouted.
Scizor reeled back her pincer, which glowed bright blue. She swept a heel in front and plunged the speedy and sturdy punch into the ground. The Steel-type move sent a shockwave that rippled out enough to reach Nature's Madness heading their way. The two attacks met dead-center, creating a burst of rock that erupted around them. It created a large dust surge that scattered across the shrine trail.
With the shroud as cover, neither Nic nor Erza could tell where Tapu Koko was coming from, nor where he was going. Erza glared through the dust to see where his trail would lead. Her brown eyes gleamed back and forth, keeping a watchful eye on any notable patterns brought up.
'It travels in more zigzag fashion than up front.' She realized this upon realizing when Tapu Koko used Agility earlier. 'If we can read it…we can hit it.'
The lightning around the atmosphere and across the ground gradually faded. The terrain's effects gradually receded to ill-existence. Crackling static faded away along with it.
In front of everyone, a crackling jolt alarmed them. They all got on their guard, save for Nic, who was immune to the Discharge. The sheer voltage diffused across the terrain, fanning out the smoke and dust whipped up by that earlier attack. The bolts were much slower, and not nearly as accurate due to the earlier Mud-Slap's accuracy deflection. Arbok and Scizor didn't have to even move this time around. This gave Tapu Koko the chance he was looking for.
Using Agility, he managed to move a little faster than usual. Still rather on the slow side, he was still able to hold true to his impressive speed and dashed his way past Erza and after Nic himself. The redhead looked back with shock at Tapu Koko's intentions.
'He's going after the biggest threat first?!'
Tapu Koko closed the gap between himself and a mildly glaring Nic. He stared passively as his Legendary opponent was mere feet from his face. "(I'll deal with you first!)" He peeled back his fist to ready another plunge. "(After this, then you'll have to answer to me!)"
He drove his beak-like palm into the ground, but was cut short when Nic's hand snatched the hand with quick reflexes. The Tapu was left shock at Nic's reflexes – even more so with his iron grip. He froze in place at the paralyzing look of dead seriousness in Nic's eyes.
"(I-Impossible…how did you…?)"
"You wanted to fight, didn't you?" Nic tightened his grip. Without a need to hold back, he pulled Tapu Koko inwards and drove his knee into the deity. He gagged haphazardly at the strike, and before he could get his second wind, Nic swapped grasps in a split second, pulled him down again, and drove his fist into an uppercut right into the face. The impact was so intense that it sent the Tapu spiraling spontaneously through the atmosphere.
When Nic's foot tapped the ground again, he felt a tingling vibration. He felt something coming. Someone was on their trail. 'Someone's coming. I have to finish this now!'
With a step back, Nic whipped up a large cloud of dust. It spread vastly towards the back of Mahalo Trail, up to where the small wave was fanning towards Hala's direction.
The Kahuna, in turn, was nearing where Nic and Erza were. He had just gotten to the last turn up Mahalo Trail when he saw a large wave of dust head in his direction. The cloud was fairly thick, thick enough to make him recoil away so it won't get into his eyes. "Gngh! What is this?" He hid behind a pillar a fair distance away. The sand wave stirred around him to where it was borderline uncomfortable for him. He tried looking back. "Tapu Koko…what is becoming of you?" He got an increasingly bad feeling about this. He furrowed his brow as he reached for his Poke Ball.
Tapu Koko spiraled out of control and adjusted in the air. He saw the huge dust wave beneath that restrained his visual. He looked everywhere for them…but all he saw was a purple glint.
"Arbok, Gunk Shot!"
"(Asss you wish!)"
Tapu Koko heard them, but the countdown was too fast. A hole tire open in the cloud that the deity was directly overhead of. When he looked down, all he saw was a blur before the dark purple garbage bag drew closer. He was stupefied when the attack had made eminent impact with him. A ripple of poisonous energy echoed overhead. A large, gunk-like explosion overtook the atmosphere and sent shockwaves across the terrain. Nic and Erza stood their ground as their Pokémon stood before them. The already dazed Tapu went spiraling out of control when the force of the attack was so great that he sailed out of the toxic cloud and down the gorge.
"Nic!" Erza warned.
"I know." Nic teleported out of sight. As the Tapu was plummeting, he wasn't even conscious to realize what was happening. Nic appeared in midair next to him and grabbed him before teleporting away a second time. In no time he was back at Erza's side.
Erza watched Nic gently set the Tapu down gently. She requipped back to her Heart Kreuz Armor. "How is he?"
Nic kneeled down next to the unconscious Tapu Koko. He overlooked his body to find it greatly damaged. Not enough to cripple him, but it did in fact wear him out plenty. He furrowed his brow. "…it doesn't look severe, but he's taken some beatings." His glare turned soft at his own sense of reflection. 'Guess we didn't hold back quite enough. We're sorry.'
Inside the dust cloud dissipating, the wind of a fist pulled back got Arbok's attention. "Nic!"
Picking up on his cobra's warning, Nic felt the vibrations and felt the attack coming from behind. He turned around, where he and Erza held their ground as a strong wind backlashed all the dust and sand from before. It drove it all away and past them down the gorge's mouth.
When it all cleared away, Nic and Erza uncovered their faces with their forearms and saw a familiar face, next to a large, hairy white crab-like creature. It had huge fist-like pincers and a hut-like top for hair.
Erza's eyes narrowed in uncertainty. "Don't tell me…"
Nic stayed completely silent. He looked back at Tapu Koko's unconscious form and back at their attacker. Hala certainly didn't look too pleased. In fact, the Kahuna looked fairly serious on the matter.
The Kahuna was looking ahead with complete shock. He noticed something off about this scene, and it wasn't just the fact that the entire bridge was destroyed. He looked over at Tapu Koko, who was unconscious beside Nic. The way he looked and positioned didn't distill any sense of morality. "The island's deity, Tapu Koko…what has become of him?" He gave Nic and Erza a serious glare, though his eyes were still closed. "You two…what happened?"
This wasn't the most compromising situation for them. With Hala and his giant crab glaring them down, they needed to prepare for the worst case. 'He doesn't look too happy.' Nic worried. He glanced at Tapu Koko, then back at Hala. They had to react, and fast. "Erza, can you…?"
Erza stepped forward, scoffing. "Fine." She straightened her back as she faced Hala down with Scizor by her side. "But don't think I'm taking this as an excuse from you just so you don't have to deal with people."
Nic eyerolled. "I'll try to consider that."
Erza lightly snickered and directed her attention towards Hala. "Scizor." At her beckoned call, Scizor stepped in front. "Return."
Scizor understood. "(Alright then.)" Humbly, she converted to energy and sapped herself back into the Net Ball.
Erza took a short breath and looked at Hala with a serious disposition. "Listen, Hala. If you will allow us the time. We can explain everything."
The Kahuna gave her a furrowed brow. "Is this supposed to be a mistake that I see?" He glanced over at Tapu Koko. "If so, then why is Tapu Koko lying there like that? Did you both perhaps…?"
Erza got what he meant, though to be frank, she wasn't liking the notion. However, she wasn't one to back down from a hard-pressed point.
"And if so?"
Hala spread his heels apart. "Then, as Melemele's Kahuna, as well as he who was past judgment by the great Tapu Koko himself, I will have to hear you through. But right now, I need to see for myself. This situation, certainly I cannot ignore. Hope you understand.)"
By his side, his giant crab smashed a fist into the ground. "(Bring it on! I'm itching for a fight here!)"
Erza pulled out her PokeDex and looked it up on the search engine. The screen popped open, revealing the image of the white monster itself.
"Crabominable, the Woolly Crab Pokémon. Before it stops to think, it just starts pummeling. There are records of its turning back avalanches with a flurry of punches."
She stopped to process what that meant for them. 'I see, so that gust of wind we felt…those were its fists blowing away the dust? And it's Fighting and Ice-type as well. If that's the case…'
As Erza pulled out a Poke Ball, Nic looked at Arbok and gave him a small notion. "Arbok, shield us if you can. We don't want Hala to see."
"(Asss you wish.)" The cobra snaked himself down and used his hood as a guard to keep them from view of Hala and Crabominable.
Erza held up her Poke Ball and looked seriously at the Kahuna. "Go, Talonflame!" She whipped up the Poke Ball, bringing out the falcon in a flash of energy. Talonflame spread her wings and sailed around through the open air with a shrilled shriek. She gave Hala serious look. "I've been wondrous of your strength all this time. I'm curious, just what power a Kahuna has per se."
Hala frowned disapprovingly. "Then, you insist on this after all. Very well then…" He slid his right foot back and levered his large gut downwards. He clutched his right fist tight and struck out the palm of it. "Then if we must! I shall see to it that the Kahuna brings judgment upon you! Crabominable!"
Crabominable levered his insectoid legs across the ground towards Talonflame. The fat and broad arms wailed around mightily, showing his enthusiasm. "(HERE WE GO! GET READY TO HURT!)"
"(I won't hold back like my Trainer and friends have done with your so-called deity.)" Talonflame scoffed. "(If we have to fight to make a point, then let it be so. I'll gladly take flight for the challenge.)"
Hala stamped his foot on the ground and thrust his left palm out, sliding his right heel ahead for a punch. "Crabominable, Ice Hammer!" Crabominable didn't hesitate for a second when his gargantuan arms swung around, measuring up bright blue, icy energy that amassed like hammers. He bulldozed across the ground towards Talonflame, who was waiting in midflight for the attack.
Erza swiped her arm. "Talonflame, Acrobatics!"
Crabominable raised his huge icy fist and drove it down onto Talonflame. The inferno falcon took the initiative and backed off in time; the ground sundering with ice chunks in its wake. She shined bright blue and blitzed left and right around Crabominable. Her lightning-fast agility led to her blindsiding the Pokémon up to where she appeared directly above just when her tailwind swept behind.
"Just speed…" Hala gasped.
"Go!"
"(Right!)" Without further ado, Talonflame divebombed at full speed directly down onto Crabominable's head. The impact made a bright blue burst of energy that erupted spontaneously. A smoke cloud exploded in Crabominable's spot, where he staggered away while Talonflame sidewinded out of range and flew around.
Hala raised his arm and directed towards Talonflame. "Stone Edge!"
The smoke cleared away, revealing Crabominable raising a mighty fist. He smashed it against the earth, where it sundered about before large wakes of blur-colored precipice pillars jutted out and shot after Talonflame. The falcon steered clear of the attack heading her way and twisted her form to look back at the stone pillars spiking into her direction.
"Steel Wing!"
Talonflame's wings glistened with metallic gray energy and batted after the incoming Stone Edge. She accelerated into the attack with wings spread and glided past the stones. Her right wing flanked down each stone, shattering the tips and leaving them to crumble away. Whereas she continued her way after Crabominable.
"Ice Hammer!" Crabominable raised his huge icy arm again and brought it up towards Talonflame. Thankfully with Stone Edge slowing down the wings enough, she was within visibility. Talonflame zipped in and lashed her wing, while Crabominable drove his fist forward in retaliation. The two attacks met centerfield yet again, this time making a bright gleam that resulted in frost and smoke flaring. Crabominable slid back, where Talonflame flew higher into the air.
Both Pokémon had a blue and red aura envelop their bodies. The blue indicated a Speed drop for Crabominable, whereas Talonflame's red aura indicated her Defense rising.
'He's strong.' Erza figured that would be the case. She knew right from the get-go he must be the case. 'But even so, we have to keep him focused on us.'
Hala kept his eyes fixed on the battle. He had to be careful himself. "Now! Go, Crabominable!"
As they swarmed after each other through the distraction, Nic looked back at Erza and Talonflame to find them immersed in taking on Hala. "Looks like they're fully distracted. Okay then." He turned towards the unconscious Tapu Koko, holding up a Max Revive. "I'll have to make this fast. Good thing Erza kept these on supply."
He held up the Max Revive towards Tapu Koko and pressed it against his forehead. The medicinal remedy seemingly melted into the body and filtered through the deity's systems. It didn't take much longer for him to stir and twitch his brows.
Nic took a step back and kept low with Arbok still hovering behind to keep the others from seeing. He kept a high guard while watching Tapu Koko gradually open his eyes. "(Gnngh…what just hit me? It felt like I was stampeded all over by Tauros…)" He warily moved his head towards two blurry figments. The effects of Mud-Slap healed along with his wounds, but it was more due to the dizziness he suffered from that attack. "(Huh…you?!)"
"Hey, you alright?" Nic's tone was completely neutral despite the cold, receptive look he was given by the Tapu. Much to his indifference, he jerked away in shock.
"(What…what are you doing?)" He staggered in his wording. Much to even his own surprise he sounded just as mortified as he was confused.
"Giving you medicine. You took some big hits just now."
"(Big hits?)" Now that he thought about it, everything was blank after Nic's knee strike. Even now, he couldn't move too well because of the pain in his stomach. He had no idea such humans could hit that hard. Just what kind of freak was he?
"Don't move so hastily. You'll suffer backlash if you move like that."
"(I'm…fine!)" Stubborn as he was, Tapu Koko managed to get up, only to feel another dizzy speel almost throw him off. He caught himself and gave Nic and Arbok a serious but also wary glare. "(What the heck did you guys even do? Just…what the heck is this? And you!)"
"(Hmph! You better quit your sssquaking thunder turkey. They sssay the loudessst onesss are alssso the mossst dumfounded onesss at that.)" Arbok sniped.
"Easy, Arbok." Nic warned. The snake immediately backed off. He gave Tapu Koko a serious glare. "Look, we're sorry, but you didn't give us time to explain ourselves. You snapped before anything else could happen."
Once again, impiety washed over Tapu Koko. It was all coming back to him now. All his attacks were dealt with promptly. It was like they turned everything against him, and to make matters worse, he didn't even realize it due to his impulses. And now he was being shown mercy? He couldn't feel anymore ashamed if not befuddled by these guys.
An explosion snapped them back to the battle that lied ahead. Talonflame cawed as she flew circled around Erza's head while Crabominable staggered back once more. The snow crab wa son his last leg – literally.
"Hmph! Very well then. It would seem you are most formidable." Hala retorted. "Therefore…allow me to show you the extent of what Alola has to offer to you." He reached for his Z-Ring, something that Erza took notice of.
'Is he going to use a new power like Joey explained before?' The Requip Mage spread her legs to prepare just in case of something failed. Nic watched carefully from close by as well.
The air gradually shifted around them as the air darkened its hue. The bright light that wasn't the sun came from the Z-Ring that Hala wore. Its radiance cascaded a glow that empowered Crabominable as he stood tall. The red-orange crystal in the middle sent out a signal that could've been felt through the ground. Nic and Erza braced themselves as they were seeing Hala lift his leg up, quite impressively high at that! He grunted as he brought it down and bent his legs with clutched fists. Shockingly enough to them Crabominable mimicked these movements. "The wills of Melemele, Tapu Koko, as well as myself…to be one!" He stomped with his left leg, then stood straight up and crossed his arms over each other. "I am…KAHUNA HALA!" He spread his fists out as the air gradually morphed itself around him to creating a Fighting-type aura. Its wavy flares shot out towards Crabominable, who still mimicked all his moves and copied the insignia of the Z-Crystal.
Erza's glare hardened. 'This power…'
Talonflame kept a watchful eye on the new attack she was seeing, but even now she didn't like where this was going. She and Erza watched as both Trainer and Pokémon pulled back their fists to induce striking poses. The power tensed up around the latter.
Hala's eyes opened for once, showing dark brown, small pupils inside. "This is our combined might!" Hala thrust his palm out. "Go, Crabominable! ALL-OUT PUMMELING!" Crabominable's fists pulled back and he unleashed a flurry of super-strong punches. They bolted into Talonflame, who used her wings to take cover. Ethereal red and yellow outlined fists pulsed in rapid succession of one another into her feathers. Each blow ruffled them and sparked flares. The barrage didn't let up, not even for a second. Shockwaves of the attack made rock and wind fly past Erza, who covered up with her armored forearms.
The shockwaves of the attacks ran close towards Nic. Thankfully Arbok was there to shield from loose pebbles and winds with his back. Nic was completely taken back by the raw power of the attack as it pummeled away. But he wasn't entirely fazed by it due to his typing, let alone the distance. Still, the amount of damage it was doing astounded him.
'Joey was right. You can use a special attack with those crystals…and they're strong, too.' His brow furrowed. 'But…'
The pummeling barrage continued its thing until it finally receded. The rock and dust around Talonflame let up until it all simmered away. Crabominable was panting like he was about to fall over. They all watched as Talonflame was on her back, laying in a crater in front of Erza. The Requip Mage gasped in shock.
"Talonflame?!"
Hala balled his fists. "You see? This is the might of what a Kahuna has. I protect, as does Tapu Koko! H'oh!" He thrust his palm out.
Erza balled her armored fists tightly as she looked at what that attack had done. It wasn't anywhere near the destructive force that a Legendary Arts would do by Nic, but it was still compacted. She needed to be more careful, a mistake on her part.
She focused her attention on Talonflame, who was struggling to get back up. "Talonflame, can you keep going?"
The falcon's wings fluttered haphazardly until she was able to breach momentum to where it made her fall forward onto her talons. She shook her head and spread her wings. "(Don't worry, I think I'm good! Let's keep going!)"
'She's taken a surprising amount of damage from that blow. Plus there's Stone Edge to worry about.' Erza cascaded her attention towards Hala. 'But, it looks like its attacks have slowed down considerably. We'll have to be quick about this, but, this should do the trick.'
She swiped her arm outwards, initiating her strategy. "Now, Talonflame! Use Roost!" Talonflame obeyed and tucked in her lean wings. Her body relaxed as she perched on the ground with a light blue wave reenergizing her health. Slowly, her body was getting back up to speed again.
Hala saw her recovery process and knew this had to be the time. He thrust another palm outwards. "Now, Crabominable! Stone Edge!" Crabominable raised a mighty fist and plunged it into the ground yet again. Sharp stones shot up from underneath and projected a path towards Talonflame. With her perched on the earth it should make things much easier for Crabominable's attack to hit.
However, Hala realized something. The stones were coming up slower than usual. "That Ice Hammer from before…"
True to his speculations, Talonflame recharged just enough to ascend back into the air sheer second before the last stone shot beneath her. Sheskillfully soared in between each stalactite and barreled skywards until she was directly above Crabominable. The white crab was too slow to react in time as he noticed scorching feather igniting upon themselves.
"End this! Flare Blitz!" Erza shouted.
"(You're…finished!)" Sailing in at incredible speeds, Talonflame's body seared in flames that were bright blue. The heated inferno gradually climbed until it made her entire body look like a flaming arrow that smashed down onto Crabominable. The heat waves of the attack spread thinly towards Hala as he covered up using his forearm. Though it quickly receded enough for it to be visible again.
Talonflame ascended back into the air as red electricity engulfed her body. She got over the cringing quickly and looked down at the crater that still had char searing the dust. She saw Crabominable laying on his back with swirls in the eyes to indicate he could no longer continue. It was a high-flying victory for her, and she careened her head up and chirped whimsically to prove it.
"Crabominable!" Hala hurried over and overlooked his Pokémon. He had fainted hard. "You did your best, please rest for now." He recalled Crabominable back into his Poke Ball. "Young lady…" He stood up to face Erza. "Tell me, what is it that is happening? Exactly what did you do to invoke Tapu Koko's wrath?"
Erza gave Hala a serious frown. "That's need to know. We're sorry."
"What?"
She whipped her head back. "Nic, now!"
Hala turned his head towards Nic and Arbok, but the former had already closed the gap between them. Tapu Koko was left befuddled by that level of speed. '(So fast!)'
Nic seized Hala's head with the palm of his left hand. The Kahuna was left in a numbed state as a bright purple light resonated from Nic's palm. "Sorry about this…hope you understand." Nic's eyes gleamed brightly, staring directly into Hala's. The Hypnosis gradually did its job and wore him down to where he fell to his knees, unable to hold his conscious for much longer. Hala's eyes shut as he fell forward for Nic's Arbok to slither in and use his tail as a bunker. The man laid on his stomach, while Nic kept his hands pressed on his forehead to ease the memories he was trying to work with.
With Hala sprawled on Arbok's long body, Erza and Talonflame reconvened slowly. They watched from the distance as the cobra sat the Kahuna down as gently as he knew how – thankfully much less forceful by Nic's standards The serpent gingerly slipped away as Nic administered the last of the mind assortment touch and backed away from Hala's unconscious form.
Nic sighed heavily and stepped away from Hala. "Well, that takes care of that problem." He turned around. "But…" He locked eyes with Tapu Koko. "What about you? What are you gonna do now?"
Tapu Koko looked at Nic with an exasperated shock. No words could come to his mind at what he just witnessed. Did a human actually use some kind of mental powers? And Hypnosis? He was almost certain that humans using Pokémon moves shouldn't be a thing, but if it wasn't for the fact that his face and his gut still stung from those attacks earlier, he probably would've mistook this as a dream.
Out of pure disbelief, he became a bolt of lightning and shot away from them. He jettisoned back across the bridge and into the shrine, where he disappeared inside.
"…sorry." Nic was way too late. But he didn't have the luxury to go haphazardly chasing after Tapu Koko. He was better than that.
Erza stepped towards his side. "You think we should chase after to clear this up?"
Nic thought for a moment before reaching his own conclusion. "No. Not right now. Besides…" He looked down at Hala. "Now we have another problem we have to cover up."
"Exactly what part of his memories did you erase and change?"
Nic furrowed his brows. "Well, I can't tell what he saw on the way up here. I just erased when he arrived up here." He bent over and picked up Hala over his shoulders. For a big guy he wasn't as hefty as he thought. "C'mon, if we're lucky enough we'll make it back to the town without anyone noticing."
Erza nodded. "Right." She pulled out Talonflame's Poke Ball and recalled her. "Thank you, Talonflame. Rest up for now."
"You too, Arbok. Thanks for your help."
Both the falcon and cobra returned to their Poke Balls and were put away. Erza latched onto Nic's other shoulder and stayed close while he teleported them off the broken edge of the Ruins of Conflict.
In a split second they returned to Iki Town, though it was right along its side. Just out of sight from the other villagers, Nic and Erza found themselves within the perimeters of the small native hometown of Hala.
They took a close look around, hoping their coast was as clear as crystal. When they saw that it was as such, Nic glowed and reverted to his standard form once more. He moved slightly, which stirred the large Kahuna on his back.
'He's coming around already.' Nic was very surprised at how short of a rest that was. He hurriedly sat the groaning Kahuna down against the wall of the hut they hid behind and stepped back. They tried to be as quiet as possible as Hala was coming around and moved his eyelids to make them seem like he was awake.
"Hm…hm? Where is this…? Where…am I?" The Kahuna looked around, recognizing the vicinity. "Iki Town? But I thought I was up on-gngh!" He clutched his head tightly, feeling a sudden ache in his head. He hunched over and gritted his teeth. "Oof! What? My head hurts! Gnngh…!"
A set of footsteps was heard. "Hey, you okay?"
Hala heard the familiar voice and froze up. He looked up, seeing the two familiar faces he thought he recognized. "Huh? Nic? Erza?" he paused, processing what happened. But unfortunately he came up short. "What happened? I feel like I'm drawing a blank. I was up by Mahalo Trail last I recall, but then…it all went dark."
"There was a small earthquake that happened while we were hiking in that direction." Nic's explanation was crisp and flat. It was borderline matter-of-factly.
Hala looked surprised. "An…earthquake?"
Nic looked towards Erza, who chose to follow along. Thankfully she caught the notion and she followed his lead. "That's right. We were trying to take a shortcut up to the meadows, but we've miscalculated. When we reached the temples there was an earthquake." She looked at Hala. "We found you on the way down. You looked like you hit your head when you tripped."
"I see…" Hala rubbed his aching temple. "That would explain why it feels like a Tauros stampeded over me. Hm…yes, I do recall going up Mahalo Trail to check on Tapu Koko. Wait. That reminds me-" He gave them a shocked look. "Did you by any chance see Tapu Koko?"
Nic and Erza had to think about it carefully. They had to be as convincing as they possibly could. With something this delicate, it was best to roll with the punches. Thankfully Nic was one to prepare with a snap of a finger. Or in this case, a raised brow as he looked up into the sky. "Well to be frank with you, we were too wrapped up in the earthquake ourselves. We didn't get a good look at it, even if we saw it by chance."
Hala lowered his chin. "I understand. Then, perhaps what I saw before…it must have been a false alarm." He adjusted his legs and crossed his arms. "Tapu Koko is a very finicky Pokémon indeed. He normally wouldn't take interests in people unless they had some matter of potential that he was aware of." He scrunched his brows further in jest. "It may all be coincidence, but with the great Tapu Koko's spirits running so rapid, one can't help but wonder."
Erza put those notions to the side and stepped forward. "Are you hurt anywhere else? You look like you might still be out of it. Perhaps you should find some water?" She put a hand behind her back, making a subtle yet small flash of magical power to requip the Aegislash thermos that Joey gave them before. It came in handy for something after all. "Here, you should drink this."
"Why, you're too kind." Hala accepted the thermos an unscrewed the lip. He careened backwards and allowed the cold water to run down his throat. He could feel his queasy insides ease from the cold rush down his gullet. He pulled back when he had his fill. "Ah! That hit the spot! I actually feel much better now! Thank you both!"
"You sure you want to move around so soon?" Nic asked.
"Nonsense. Believe me when I say, though large I am, my heart is far larger!" He beamed with a boastful laughter as he slapped his large gut. "But really now, it's good to see you both well. If Tapu Koko were around, I'm sure we'd have some kind of trouble."
Nic and Erza looked at each other quizzically. The manner in which Hala spoke about the Tapus sounded like he was worshipping them all, or something along those lines. But this only served to give them some questions.
"Excuse me, Hala." Erza persisted. "I understand your consolation of just waking up, but I'm curious. Just what exactly is the story with these Tapus? You said they were guardian deities that personified Alola, right? We didn't get to ask more before we left."
Hala looked down at his gut. "Hm, well, that's a rather vague testimony myself. The Tapus have all been our guardians for generations within Alola's realm. If there is something amongst Alola that even one is aware of, it's most likely a matter that they can handle. Then again, it's uncertain how much just one thinks of them as well."
"How so?" Nic furrowed his brow. He was getting interested to where it unsettled him.
"Well, I'm sure you might have been aware of this before, but, when an incident occurred across Alola, all the Tapus reacted towards them. We, the Kahunas, have nearly an impeccable connection towards them. Thus if they feel any means to a threat, it's our jobs to observe. And, if needed, act out of best interests. It's a sacred art that is relied upon by urges. But, it's rather difficult to judge, too. But, for the safety of Alola, they know what's best."
Once again, another unsettling wave washed over them. It was making the hairs on the backs of their necks stand on edge. Though they were well in suppressing them until they had some space to process this.
"But…" He stood up fully with hands to his sides. "The Tapus have long since resolved to stay out of human affairs. So you all have nothing to worry about!" He laughed uproariously.
"That's good, I guess." Nic turned to Erza. "Erza, I think we should head back to town. We could use a little break."
"Exactly my thoughts, Nic." She turned towards Hala. "What will you be doing then?"
"Hm? Me? Well, supposed I should still head on down to see what the commotion was earlier." He pulled out his Page Rider, but saw the screen. "Oh! Look at this, my Pager Tauros will be here any minute! Where has my time gone?" His closed eyes turned towards them. "Well when he gets here, would you like a ride back?"
Nic shook his head. "Thanks for the offer." He pulled up a Poke Ball. "But we have our own ride." He tossed it skywards, summoning out an energy that brought out Charizard. The dragon raised his head and domineered right by Nic's side. He levered himself downwards and allowed Nic and Erza onto his back.
"I see." Hala smiled. "Then do be well, you both. If you need anything, don't hesitate to try and look for me."
"We'll keep that in mind." Nic looked down at Charizard. "Alright Charizard, Fly!"
"(Alright, off we go!)" With a beat of his wings, he took off from the ground and sailed into the air. His silhouette flew off to the distance towards the south, where the tail flame fanned in a streaming blaze while Hala watched from below.
'Those two…it feels like something is amiss here.' He heard trotting from nearby and saw the Pager Tauros coming into view. 'Well, we'll have to see then. But Tapu Koko, tell me…what omen is befalling us?'
In the middle of the ocean, there was a large island, with nothing but a white tower that could've rivaled – no, surpassed Lumiose Tower.
Aether Paradise was a landmark all to itself. It sat within the borders of Alola, but still far away that one had to cruise there. Refined greenery and small flatlands of gardened soil filled with people working on ploughing with machines and Pokémon beside them were at nearly every corner. Thanks to being in the middle of the ocean it was always a nice breeze, so despite the white long sleeves all the workers wore, they were anything but sizzling. There were a large number of people scattered with checkboards and at least one Pokémon accompanying them. Green Grimer with teeth and gray Meowth were paddling and slinking with others. It isn't hard-pressed to say sanitation and white was all that could've been noticed from the outside. It was just as ecstatic on the inside, too.
Even inside, the inner elevator was at the very core of the paradise. One elevator up and down, with not even stairs to operate the basis. Each floor held various functions. At the root was the docking area for outgoing and incoming docking for supplies and care packages they assemble. Above the docks were a few other floors that had workers everywhere. They had small gardens around included, with nurseries and a greenhouse for even the floral and wild creatures of the world to enjoy and feel just as at home as they would be outdoors. The top flopr was just as expansive, in fact…no. The other floors didn't compare to what the top floor was like. I
It had the model of a green plateau that stretched as far as the eye could see. Even from an altitude so high, there were safety bars at the end to ensure no one would have to suffer a near half-mile plummet. There were buildings that were spread to the foundation's main area all the way to a regal house that looked to have a crossed architectural reference with mansions and a lab. This was where Aether Paradise's proud founder and CEO was hard at work, and everyone knew it.
Managing through the mansion, a woman with bulbous dark violet hair with a small lab coat to show off her tight pink sweater and bust came hurrying through. She had a number of papers in her hand that she had neatly stacked before arriving.
The woman rushed through a set of metallic double doors that slid open automatically. She moved right in. "Miss Lusamine, are you here?"
On the far end of the large white lab-like office, equipment was set up leading up towards a large rectangular white desk that had a ceiling made up of plated glass. Under the Alolan sun basking through, a woman in her 40s with green eyes and bleached blonde hair that went down her back. Her attire was nothing but white with no sleeves and green outlining. A figment of beauty, grace, and plenty of intelligence to back that claim up.
"Yes, I understand. Thank you. Yes, you as well." Lusamine pulled the phone away from her ear and pressed a button to end the call. She sat the device down and leaned back in her seat with a loud groan flooded with deterioration. "Well, glad that's taken cared of. Now I just have to get to those documents and fill out the paperwork…"
"Um…Miss Lusamine?"
Opening an eye, she noticed one of her scientists drawing herself closer into the office. "Hm? What can I do for you, Wicke?"
Wicke politely bowed. "Oh, sorry ma'am. I didn't realize that you were on your schedule. Did you need me to wait a little longer?"
"It's not a big deal. Believe me, we've had worse days here." She tapped her index finger against the countertop. "But I swear, being stuck in this office all morning is going to start giving me cramps. With the number of phone calls I'm getting I'm starting to think that my voice might get sour. Did you by chance bring me any water?"
"Sorry, Miss Lusamine, not this time. But I'll be sure to pass that along." She chimed.
"Right…anyways, Wicke, what is it? Do you think we can keep it brief?"
"Why yes, certainly." She walked up to the desk and stopped on the other side. She placed the documents she had on hand onto her desk. From the look Lusamine gave her, she seemed greatly curious. "Ma'am, this report just came in this morning. There's been an anomaly increase that our radars have been picking up across the region."
Lusamine took the handheld sheets and started with the first one. She read over it carefully, seeing the numerous charts and graphs that showed a spiked level of energy in a diagonal line steeping. Above it showed classified information detailing locations, temperatures, and even spatial energy. The level it entailed was what sparked shock with Lusamine.
"And this is all accurate, you said?" To her indifference, her tone was mildly calm. But her look was genuinely surprised to say the very least.
"Yes, ma'am. There was a spike in Ultra Beast activity just the other day. The radar was going haphazard that night because we couldn't process its origins. We're still trying to uncover the original dimension of where it came from, but it's still too foreign to decipher." She watched Lusamine turn the page. "What's more, is that just recently, that same energy has been growing around the region as well."
"You don't say…" Lusamine was trailing off as she continued reading the report. "These spatial readings certainly do bring up a number of questions. Is this all we have to work with?"
"For the moment it seems. Faba is working hard to get through with the analysis the best he can. We're very much certain that it's Ultra Beast activity, otherwise our sensors wouldn't be going off as much as they should. And also…" She shuffled her feet to and fro. "There was an accident this morning."
Lusamine blinked. "What kind exactly?"
"It happened on Melemele Island. There was what appeared to be a local fisherman who was off the beach limits after midnight. There weren't any witnesses around, so no one could deduce what happened. But there were similar reports of him hospitalized shortly after." She paused. "And if you turned the page, you will see a similar case that happened just recently."
Lusamine flipped another document across the clipboard and saw the report. It had a black and white picture of a couple who was having their photo taken. Beside it was another picture that related to an enclosed hospital bed with blue curtains surrounding the body in the sunlight. From the details shown it was clearly another victim who suffered serious injuries related to something.
"I think I understand now." Lusamine responded, folding her fingers. "And you're certain that this follows an Ultra Beast?"
"We don't know how many, but…cases like these are extremely uncommon, ma'am. The two victims today are currently in neuro ICU. We're doing everything we can to send information with them if it comes to the case it was in fact an Ultra Beast attack. But for now, the actual culprit remains gravely at large."
Lusamine gingerly sat back into her seat. She looked genuinely indulged into what was said just now. She knew much about these creatures and what potential they could have. She mentally dismissed her self-esteemed logic and focused on the task. "Very well then. Have our recon on standby if you can. If it truly is an Ultra Beast in the works, then we must act accordingly."
Wicke nodded. "Yes, of course, ma'am!" She turned and hurried out as fast as her stout legs could carry her. "Oh, and I'll make sure someone gets you that water!"
As soon as she left, Lusamine sat her chin on her folded fingers. Her eyes dulled at the silence her office had taken. She was becoming increasingly concerned with something that pressed against her brain, and it wasn't just the report that irked her. She scrunched her brow and sighed heavily.
"Ultra Beasts…such beautiful creatures. Why? Why must it be so?"
A ring in her phone got her attention. She immediately went to pick it up and held it to her ear to start the next call.
The ocean waves swayed forward and back. It was a rocky, but the waves' sways were carrying along smoothly from the bays out towards the deep depths. It seemed to be the case here that the bridge's broken rope and driftwood had fanned out. And yet somehow still clinging to driftwood, the parasite's translucent tentacle laced around the wood. After several turns around the axel, the parasite's top was finally able to get some fresh ocean air. Its top inflated as show of some means of refreshment to the oxygen.
The creature hissed as the driftwood continued bobbing it up and down. It wanted to move, but that blast from the sky completely left it worn out. And it was much too exhausted to open up a wormhole all on its own. It had very little options to work with at the moment, so with what strength was available, this wall all that was affordable.
It sacked on the driftwood and deflated slightly. It looked so diffused that it couldn't even mutter a hiss. Yet something sharp and jolting entered its head. And it's what made it relate slightly.
'My…light…d-id you…anyone…find my liiii~ght?'
The parasite could hear the telepathic calls of its master loud and clear. It meekly gurgled, a response that made it internally rumble. 'Gnnnngh…strange light…fight back? Light…but no light.' The enigmatic voice growled. 'Find my light…give me it…give me my LIGHT!'
The parasite weakly hissed.
'…you find light there…I…shall bring to you…the force you need…to find it…and make it mine…do it!'
Its top inflated slightly. It seemed like a compliance. The creature swiveled along the driftwood until it was out of the ocean water. Its body rocked against the waves that carried it over towards an island with a large snowy mountain on it.
The door to the hotel room shut itself behind Nic. He faced the door and pushed the handles' lock in to ensure that they wouldn't be bothered. For caution's sake, he grabbed the handle and jerked it just enough to misplace the lock. He walked back into the hotel room with Erza, who was carrying their groceries in two paper bags for their late lunch.
He joined her on the cushions in the den area of the hotel room. He sat down on the seat adjacent to her and unfolded the wrapping paper around his footlong sub. It was still warm, so it would still be good.
"Well, this can most certainly be chocked off as a very interesting morning." Erza responded. Her order for the take-out was a large salad with a side order of some pasta soup. It had curly noodles drenched in some broth with spices and tomatoes for flavor and texture. "But at least we've gotten to see a good fraction of the island beforehand." She paused to lift and fork and take a bite of the pasta bowl first. To her surprise it was pretty good.
"Yeah, that's one thing we got off easy with." Nic replied, getting the wrapping off the sub in the process. "But things could've gone much worse out there if we didn't act rationally enough…"
Erza swallowed and frowned. "Yes, I'm aware…we were much too callous with how we settled matters with Tapu Koko. And, what's worse, Hala. Are you certain he won't remember?"
He shot her a glance. "Don't worry about it. It looked like he believed us for the time being. So we shouldn't have to worry unless we get into another battle. But…" His brow furrowed. "What happened up there, that was a tough call to make. And I have no doubts that our impression with Tapu Koko wasn't the best either."
"That's a rather common occurrence with our guild." Erza teased lightly. "Comes with the territory." She lifted her fork and chewed again. "But still, I have to agree…we were far too careless back there. Had it not been for your quick thinking, it could've compromised our mission."
Nic but into his sub's end. As expected with it being toasted, the end was crisp and crunchy. But the meat and the onions that hit his taste buds managed to subdue any of the lingering adrenaline that was bubbling from the combative situations they were in. He completely disregarded the crumbs on his face and closed his eyes. "Yeah, you've got a point. We've gotta keep ourselves restricted of our powers, at least only as a last resort. We've got enough eyes looking at us as it is…especially after what Tapu Koko saw."
Erza crossed her arms and hummed. "Yes. And it seems like what Hala said before might mean something, too. Remember, the Tapus are the islands' deities and guardians. He said that they will deal with a perceived threat in order to protect their own." She scrunched her brow. "Only problem here is, if what we're investigating is the threat, then why was he after us?"
The room fell silent at their ponderance. Why was Taou Koko so antsy and jumpy with them? It was difficult to say. He just went up and attacked out of the blue like a frightened Rattata, only it didn't run away like one till after getting demolished.
After consideration, Nic gave his Z-Ring a look. He looked at the empty cartridge where the stone was placed and waiting for something. An idea came to him of what transpired. His critical thinking came into play. The parasite fleeing their world and falling into this one, Z-Rings and Z-Crystals disappearing, and now strange people with powers from another world show up from out of nowhere. When he thought about it like that, he couldn't blame Tapu Koko for feeling that way. Maybe his actions were unwarranted, but if he were to step in his shoes – or bottom-half in those case, maybe he'd get where this antsy feeling would come from.
He got hungry and opened wide to chew on his sub in silence. The crunchy bread mixed with assortments was tingling his taste buds. He eventually swallowed.
"I think we need to take a step back. Maybe we should go off on what we already have."
Erza nodded. "Agreed. Let's see…" As Nic munched, she crossed her arms and thought about everything. "Well, what we know so far, is that the unknown specimen that we are after is still relatively at large. Judging by the fall it took and the direction of the river, it's likely to have been washed out by the ocean. We also know that there are four islands, with each one holding a guardian deity. And as ambassadors towards them they have the Kahunas, who are in charge of their islands. We know Hala is the Kahuna here, which means there are three more just like him."
Nic swallowed and looked down at the Z-Ring. "And also, let's not forget this, too." He held it up to Erza. "We've just witnessed a Z-Move in action, just like Joey and Dereece pointed out before. Only this time, it was related to Fighting-types. If that's the case…"
"Then there may be others out there as well." Erza responded. "And I can surmise that there might very well be one for each type as well. And each one has destructive power." She glanced away. "And Hala said that it was because of the bond he and his Pokémon share. At least, that's what it seemed to be."
"Then there might be 16 other types of crystals out there." Nic pondered. "You think there's one of each?"
"That's hard to say really. Remember, there's more than one type of Mega Stone for Pokémon out there as well. My Scizor and your Charizard aren't the only ones who can Mega Evolve."
Nic closed his eyes. "True that…so for now, we can say that these Kahunas know more about these than we do. They're the direct source after the Tapus. And I can't say right now's the best time to go and ask Tapu Koko after that…first impression."
Erza sighed. "Afraid so. It can't be helped at this point. Let's just hope this doesn't setback our course of action. Also…" She tapped her index finger against her spoon. "That creature, we have no way of knowing where it might be. For all we know it might still be out there. No. It still is. I'm sure of it."
Nic crossed his arms, setting his sandwich down to strategize. "We're only gonna get so much from one spot. I think starting tomorrow morning, we should go over to the next island. Besides…" His eyes grew half-hearted. "After that incident, I doubt Tapu Koko would sit by idly while we roam about freely."
"That's understandable." She beamed. "And besides, I've been wanting to see what Akala Island has to offer. I heard there's a beautiful tidal pool just off the coast of it that I'm dying to look at."
Nic reached down for his sandwich. "Alright, guess we have an idea of what our next move is." He bit into the toasted bread yet again. Even more crumbs got onto his face. He reached for a napkin instinctively knowing the possible look Erza gave him.
"Right, so we should take time now to prepare for the next island. I believe it's…Akala Island, if what the map recalls."
"You mean that same map that you defaced." Nic reminded dryly. He was given another cold glare from Erza. "What? I told you that your penmanship needs work."
Erza sighed heavily in her growing frustrations. "Like I keep telling you, there's just so many places that caught my interests." She argued.
"Well the map didn't have to suffer because of that." His head shifted as a fork was thrown like a javelin. It punctured the wall off to the side, leaving Nic to lean back so casual. "And there's that, too."
Erza pulled her arm back and sat back down on her seat with one leg crossed over the other. "Honestly, you can be such a pain…"
"Yet you still hopelessly love me." He whimsically chimed. He held up his sub as a toast. "Well, let's make the rest of this trip a little more hopeful, what do you say?"
Erza smiled back and held up her pasta cup. "Let's."
The two shared a crunchy toast to their next steps to their voyage.
After a door closed behind Shiin, he turned back around to ensure that it was locked tight. Once he messed with the lock he was certain that no one would disturb him – without breaking the door down. He couldn't be too careful anymore, not after being around the guild all day.
Taking a large breath of stale air, he took the time to calmly keep to himself. After being around such a rowdy guild all day and observing their antics and habits. It's been getting to his nerves. Even his own patience was wearing thin. But finally, he could get some semblance of his sanity back.
Before anything else, he went over to make sure that the window was shut. He tightened the locks around the glass and looked out towards the view off to the horizon. He could see the sun had started setting once again. Another day was coming to an end, and that meant his report was coming to a due point. He reached for the violet curtains and pulled them closer towards each other until they overlapped. With his privacy, he could now get to work.
He walked over towards the nearby desk and turned on the lampshade that illuminated the light brown wood. He pulled the small grimoire out of his robe once more and set it off to the side. Meanwhile, he pulled out a piece of paper and a pen and began his report.
June 26th, X793
20:41
It's been officially two days since arriving in the designated area. I have begun my investigation within the perimeters and have been observing each and every individual as far as the guild members are concerned. For that, I have learned much about the ways in which Fiorians have come into contact with Pokémon.
At the moment, there have been approximately over a dozen members whose Magic Powers that I have read and measured. And each one has their own Pokémon who seemingly supports them. The following list is as confirmed by the Intelligence Bureau.
Natsu Dragneel, one of Fairy Tail's primary mages. Supposedly the person who took down the Black Wizard Zeref himself, otherwise documented on Alakitasia as Emperor Spriggan. Uses Fire Dragon Slayer Magic, and as surmised by the documents, is highly destructive. He has a fierce temper and looks for nothing but fights, indicating his one-track mindset and lackluster of intelligence. Likes: Fishing, eating, and fighting. His Pokémon are as documented: Charmeleon, Darumaka, and Tyrunt. Out of the three, Charmeleon appears to be the strongest, leading to suspect the others are backup.
Happy, otherwise known as an Exceed from the alternate dimension of Edolas. He has sizeable Magic Power, but has no offense nor defensive qualities. His magic is Aera Magic, enabling him to carry Natsu Dragneel, who, for some reason, has motion sickness on vehicles. Likes: Fish
Lucy Heartfilia. Magic: Celestial Spirit Magic. According to sources, she has acquired 10 out of the 12 Zodiac Keys. With that, she has a large sum of Magic Power to summon a multitude of spirits at once. Since Zodiacs are extremely rare, and the loss of Celestial Spirit Mages, her magic is extremely powerful. And to recent events, they were in Astral to return Aquarius to her. Likes: Reading, Celestial Spirits. Her Pokémon are as documented: Klefki and Staryu. Klefki is the Key Ring Pokémon whom Lucy allows to hold her Celestial Spirit Keys as a sign of trust.
Gray Fullbuster, another Fairy Tail Mage. Uses Ice-Make Magic, and Ice Devil Slayer Magic. I have yet to witness the latter magic, but I are say that if used, I shall take action to restrain as such. His family was killed by Deliora, a demon created from the Book of Zeref. Unlike Natsu, he is much calmer and collective. He and Natsu Dragneel share a rivalry with each other that has since calmed down in physical terms. His Pokémon are as documented: Snover, Bergmite, and Snorunt.
Wendy Marvell, another Fairy Tail Dragon Slayer amongst their ranks. Her magic is Sky Dragon Slayer Magic, dubbing her the Sky Maiden. She is a prominent healer amongst the guild members and suffers motion sickness much like Natsu Dragneel. She isn't provoked unlike her other allies, but uses support magic if needed to assist them. She is able to heal ailments and consume air to gain power. Her Pokémon are as documented: Swablu and Amaura.
Carla, a white female Exceed, her origin and magic in correlation to Happy. Like him, she can use Aera Magic. Her additional attributes include Transformation Magic to give her human form, making her easier to assist in maneuvering Wendy around.
According to what I have heard, these mages comprise of the Fairy Tail's most powerful assets. Erza Scarlet is also amongst their ranks. However, she has yet to be seen.
As it stands, Fairy Tail currently has no inkling of where I came from, nor my information gathering. I plan to keep my profile for as low as possible. I have just received the notification for the new chip and the sum from the Division Budget. I will carry out a schedule in which I will spend them mildly.
The whereabouts of the target is yet to be known. However, the behaviors of the guild members are as dullard as perceived. However, even now, I realize that I am still under watch. There are still some wary members, thus I shall do my best to pacify until the coast is clear.
I will continue in my observations of the guild members and their Pokémon. As reiteration, I shall say the conditions have yet to change. The humans have been too reliant and have been allowing the Pokémon much range amongst their domain. They have disheveled beliefs that shall be rectified upon correction.
For the magic world's sake, I shall continue in my endeavors.
~Verdade Shiin
20:59
With the closing finally accomplished, Shiin folded the letter and placed a seal on it. He reached for the handheld grimoire that sat off to the side and opened to a bookmarked page. He gave the letter one more look of inquiry before closing his eyes. He was sensing any magical power within the vicinity in case he was being led on by outside sources. Once again there was currently no one to disrupt him. He opened to an incantation page and put his hand out to make a glowing magic seal jut out and expand over the paper. He held the paper overhead, watching it slowly turn to particles until he had an empty hand. He eased his power and paused to recuperate.
"Very well, now then…" He turned to another page, which was bookmarked by a small red tab. He reached over and turned towards said page.
The inbox page was drastically different from the outgoing page. It had the same incantation circle, only all the runes were in reverse order. And the entire circle was flashing bright red weakly to indicate a message received from the other side. He reached his hand out again and focused his magic to expand the circle. Two objects manifested from upwards red particles and materialized into what looked like a sack of money with nylon rope laced for extra protection. Alongside that was a chip, which he requested earlier.
He went to the money first and undid the very thin nylon thread. He pushed inwards to the rope's bows and the ends loosened enough for the thing to get undone. It opened up, showing gold and diamonds, with a small card to show an approximate amount of 300,000 Jewel. He humbly frowned. "Just enough for a temporary housing down payment then, very well then." He piled up the money within the sac again and set it off to the side. He grabbed the new chip and pulled out his magical camera. He placed it inside, where it locked into place for more memory usage. "Very good. It seems Captain In-Sue has managed to give me enough memory as requested. I'll be able to-"
Something knocked along the window, bringing him out of his dialogue. 'Someone here?' For a moment he thought it was one of the mages, but sensing their Magic Power again confirmed its false alarm. Curiosity did pique him enough to get him out of his seat and reach for the curtains.
He pulled them back enough to allow him to see a blue beak with two teeth pecking at the glass. His eyes widened at the close-image view of a Butterfree. "What the? You again?"
The Butterfree fluttered around the glass happily, chiming all along the way. His presence was definitely a mystery to Shiin, but he didn't have the luxury to care. Nor did he really need to.
"Hmph, well in any case, it's best that you get back to where you be on your way. It's late." He sternly turned away from the window scoffing loudly. "And while you're at it, please learn to respect one's personal space. I have enough of my hands full around rambunctious humans as it is. I don't need another obstacle in my course to deter my actions."
The Butterfree's antennae shimmered. It looked like he heard him. But rather than show disappointment, he instead tilted his head and resumed tapping the window with his beak.
Shiin irritably groaned. "Are you deaf? Or perhaps you cannot comprehend human speech?" he glared away. "I'll make it clear enough to be comprehended. Leave. At. Once."
The Butterfree's wingbeats increased as he chirped loudly. Shiin's patience was visibly being driven to a breaking point. It was only because he remembered his mantra and training that he gave a death-like poker face towards the butterfly. He visibly fluttered his feet in glee to see his face. It had the exact opposite effect on Shiin, however.
"Maybe, I should say it once more…" His body was giving a very small, white outline. It was a small gesture of Magic Power, but the Butterfree's antennae were picking up the warning at last. "Leave, now!"
As though he understood, the Butterfree chose to dismiss himself and fluttered away from the window. He hovered around and escalated higher into the skies, chirping away back into the direction of the East Forest.
Shiin sighed heavily and closed the curtains. "Hmph, it seems there is much to be learned by all this. It appears there must be a show of force after all." He lowered his head and thought about his phrasing. "No. Perhaps maybe, if the Magic Government gives the word too soon, it'll jeopardize our objective. I must show patience. We cannot allow ourselves to move forward without knowing our enemies' mistakes. Intelligence means everything. I mustn't sway. I am the eye of the Government. I must see this through to the end, whatever it takes…"
He felt the room go silent once more, not even wind blowing from outside. He silently huffed and hurried towards the inn's showers to wash up after a long observing day.
The Alolan night had shined darkness down upon the island regions. If one looked up, they would've been hypnotized by the navy-blue blanket illuminated by the bright moon.
The leaves rustled as two men in lab coats and hats were paddling their boots to get through the tall grass. They gave off a wary smell, one that made the wild Pokémon nearby lift their heads and sniff the air before vamoosing. The men looked at their surroundings through their night-vision goggles. One shifted towards his co-worker, who was still typing away at his digital keyboard on rosters of a topography chart.
"Okay, I think that covers the Pokémon in this area it seems." Worker 1 noted. "What do we have listed for Ula'Ula?"
"Well on Route 10, there's been no populace change regarding the Raticate. The Ariados population doesn't appear to be in any deflection around this area unlike Malie Garden. Seems like there's an immigration between there and the gardens just like the past three months described."
"So let's see…" Worker 1 looked down at his board and calculated. "If that's correct, then there's been…a 20% populace change. That's 5% more than it was last week."
"Maybe they need much more open space." Worker 2 prompted.
Worker one clicked his pen with his thinking process. The constant clicking made nearby Raticate whiskers shimmer. "There might be a factor there. But it looks like Route 10 is alright otherwise. We'll have to report these findings and move on to the next area."
Worker 2 groaned. "Thank Arecus! This shift is long enough as it is!"
"Why are you complaining?" Worker 1 gave him a raised brow. "You were the one who wanted more hours for this job."
"I know, but they could've scheduled me during the day. I wanted to be able to go to bed at night, not when the sun comes up."
"Well it goes to show that you should be careful with what you wish for. You're at a lower chart, so last shifts are all you can really afford." Worker 1 turned away. "Alright, let's move onto the next area. For your sake if we move fast enough, the sun will still be down."
"Yeah, yeah…" A faint rustling nabbed Worker 2's attention. He shifted his attention off towards the shrubs. "Hm? Did you hear that?"
Worker 1 froze in place, his clicking stopped to catch wind of Worker 1's change in disposition. They looked around to catch sight of nothing, but at the same time, the air had gotten rather humid enough to make their hearts race.
Worker 2 turned towards the rustling bushes beyond the tall grass ahead of them. They knew to be wary enough as it is since they didn't have Pokémon on hand. Worker 2 looked at Worker 1 and back at the site. He chose to forego his lackluster of complaining and followed his gut to follow along.
"Is there a fight? Worker 1 pondered.
"I don't know. It could be." Worker 2 prompted. "Or maybe it's two Pokémon…well…you know."
"Well we'll check, then we'll bug out. So c'mon." Worker 1 took the lead with the investigation. Worker 2 followed behind slowly.
They both cautiously went up to the rustling shrubs, which have faded away. They leaned down and kept a guard up until they've peaked over the top to see what was making that noise. Surprising enough it wasn't what Worker 2's dirty thought inclined towards. It was something much more troubling. Both their eyes widened in sudden shock at something crawling weakly with black ooze.
"What…what is that?" Worker 2 whispered, his tone quivering for his life.
Worker 1's eyes were as wide as pool balls as he saw something basked under the moonlight. It was heavily disheveled, but otherwise stull maintained form. A white blob trailed black ooze across the stained grass within the vicinity. Its tentacles acted like arms that lengthened and pulled it forward. Each time it hissed was like a wheeze of exhaustion. It crawled across the underbrush of Route 10, too exhausted to even care for the moment about the Aether Paradise onlookers in a loss for words.
"Is…is that what I think it is?" Worker 2 quipped.
Worker 1 took a step back as silently as possible. His heart rate skyrocketed as he seemed to have recognized this creature. "This is…" He reached for his walkie talkie, making a click sound and he spoke into it. "This is Route 10 Recon, I repeat, this is Route 10 recon. We have confirmation on UB sighting. I repeat. We have confirmation of UB sighting. Over. Subject UB-01 Symbiont. Suspect appears to be in critical condition, doesn't appear to be alimented. PTA towards Aether UB Division requested within designated area for immediate action."
The walkie talkie ceased its functions and got the message out. Worker 1 looked back at the UB that was within sight. "Alright, I just called for backup. Should be here in about 30 minutes."
"That's good…I guess." Worker 2 looked at the parasite getting further away with each small slick. "Since that's out of the way, we just stay here or what?"
Worker 1 shook his head. "No. Protocol said that under no circumstances should we leave any Ultra Beast unattended. We have to stay in the area and monitor it until the UB Division comes in to step in for us. But even so…" He looked back at the crawling UB's condition. "I have a feeling we might be getting overtime for this."
Worker 2 shook his head. "Great, just great. First night watch, now we have a crippled UB to look after. What else to ruin this night?"
The parasite weakly groaned its way across the ground until it couldn't go anymore. Its body shimmered as it inflated its top just a little more to elevate itself just to the bushes. A wild Raticate moved across, but it was too drained to follow along, and much too fast. It needed something much easier to fight against.
That's when its tentacles tingled with the scent of human blood. Its top turned towards the scent's trail and saw two humans that were too close for comfort. Or this case, their own comfort. It floated gingerly beyond the shrubs masking it, disregarding its black bleeding gunk that stained the leaves. It drew slowly towards them for another round of feeding. After a long, stressful day, it had to feed on something. Just a little toxin wouldn't kill.
"Stay back!" Worker 1 held up a Nest Ball. "Stay where you are! You are in no condition to be moving. Stand down now, and wait for the Division with medicinal means."
The parasite didn't have the gull to listen, nor take what the man spoke of. It tilted its head and wiggled its antennae around.
''UB-01 are known to display child-like curiosity before latching onto their prey. They creep up slowly on its wary victims and then confuse it before making its move.' That's what the manual said. We have to keep our distance no matter what.'
"Uh, dude?"
Worker 1 turned around at his coworker's wary tone. "What is it now?" He looked at his slack-jawed friend, who was staring at something behind them. He blinked and turned around slowly at something flashing and distorting space. His eyes gradually widened as a portal opened a few feet above the air. The portal wasn't terribly big, but it was enough to show something slowly coming through from the other side.
They both nervously stepped back as another parasite, very similar to this one but slightly bigger, popped out and hovered off slowly towards the ground. It hissed meekly as its large bulbous top jiggled.
"Another one?" Worker 2 panicked. "Are you kidding me here?!"
The second parasite hissed again at the sounds of humans. It looked down, noticing the two below as well as the injured and barely stable lookalike. It saw its weakened state, but its attention was more or less onto the humans below. With its new arrival and expending energy on its way through the wormhole it was needing to feed itself. Its front was focused on Worker 1, who was finding his way back towards the other parasite.
"Another one? So soon?!" He reached for his mic again, but he dared not keep his eyes off of the parasite slowly coming towards him. "This is Route 10 Recon! We need backup now! We have confirmation of a second UB-01 in the area! I repeat, a second one on the premise! Please hurry at on-" A slimy tentacle grazed his shoulder. "Gah!" He whipped around in time to see the parasite he was backing into. All he saw was a moment of white before the cap opened wide and engulfed his head.
"NO~!" Worker 2 reached for his comrade, but he pulled back at the last second.
Worker 1 squealed and squirmed as he was trying to struggle his way out of the parasite's grasp, but even with a weakened grip it was hanging on tight. Its toxins were gradually infesting through the cranium, bringing the worker to his knees in a convulsive state. Neurotoxins spread so fast that his bodily functions were getting out of control. The Nest Ball he had on hand limply fell to the ground as his systems were shutting off. His muffles had gotten softer before growing silent.
Worker 2's heart rate skyrocketed. "I've gotta get out here!" He turned to leave when a venomous smoke dart came down in front and around him. He froze in place as toxic ripples spread towards his feet. "A Toxic Spikes trap?!" He felt a shadow over his head and looked up before the larger beast came down.
A loud, shrieking echo pierced the valley's night, causing nesting Fearow to stir in their sleep.
A black space was left vacant in the midst of nowhere. Arceus knows how long or for what lengths it reaches, but it goes on the say that the darker it was, the bleaker to expanse.
Tapu Koko faded into view, his ethereal presence showing his physical wear as well. He looked jumpier than usual. Normally he'd be serious and more or less composed, but the earlier experience has left him on edge in ways that are doing a number for his patience.
'(C'mon, c'mon, where are those guys?)' His beak hands were twitching with ill-patience. His mohawk shuddered when he picked up a new signal. "(Finally!)"
The first to fade into view was Tapu Fini. She graciously opened up and bowed before her nonexistent audience. "(Good evening to you…my goodness, Tapu Koko. It looks like you're under the weather. Did something happen?)"
Tapu Koko furrowed his brow. "(Hold on. I'll get to that in a moment. But first we need the others.)" His body rocked side-to-side in fidgets. "(I can understand Tapu Bulu, but at least Tapu Lele knows how to respond more promptly."
Taou Fini sighed. "(You were never the patient one amongst us. I understand your plight, but please, try and show some restraint until they get here.)" Her spear on her shell vibrated. "(Well speak of Giratina.)"
On Tapu Koko's left, a pink ethereal energy formed into shape. It made Tapu Lele's body as she swung around, giving off a flashy pose and a winky face. "(What's the sitch', yo!)" Her eyes darted onto Tapu Koko, making her gasp with hands to her mouthless face. "(My goodness, Tapu Koko! You look more worn out than a shaggy Stoutland in the middle of a hot day in drought season! What happened?!)"
"(Hello, Tapu Lele.)" Taou Koko dryly greeted. He sighed angrily. "(I'll…get to that in a minute, okay? Just please, please tell me that Tapu Bulu will be here.)"
Tapu Lele mimicked a shoving motion. "(Yo, okay boy, I gotcha. You don't have to worry about a thing. He'll be here. I made sure to give him the ole heads up. And if he doesn't…teehee…well, let's just say that I'd love to see his face when I 'redecorate' his shrine.)"
Both deities looked at each other quizzically. They knew what Tapu Lele meant by that remark, but in no way did that spill any confidence on her friendly gesture.
Tapu Fini shook her head disapprovingly. "(Honestly, Tapu Lele, sometimes your jokes just go too far that it's hard to even laugh.)"
"(Aw, now that's not very nice~!)" She chimed whiningly. "(And here I thought we were best gal pals forever! GGFs girl! Till the ends of Dialga?)"
Tapu Fini sacked her shell. "(Yes, Tapu Lele, I remember…)" She groaned annoyingly, much to the delights of Tapu Lele. Even as her gal-pal twirled around in ethereal space, her own patience was wearing thin.
Before Tapu Koko could silence his girl deities, his mohawk shuddered. He perked up as he turned and saw a green ethereal mass gather slowly around a single point. It took up a shape, forming into a ball of bright green energy that shrunk inwards and faded into green particles around a fourth occupant.
The bull-like creature with a red cap snorted tiredly, like he'd just woken from a long nap. "(Oh Arceus. Tell me that I…)" He took a long pause to expel a long, dragged yawn. (Made it…? Huh?)" He noticed the impatient stares of Tapu Koko and Tapu Fini. He nonchalantly raised a hoof at them. "(Oh, hey guys…)"
"(About time you lazy bull! Where were you two days ago?!)" Tapu Koko lashed out.
Tapu Bulu snorted in shock. "(O-Oh! Sorry about that! Didn't know it was important. I, uh…may have dozed off for some time now. Uh, does anyone know what day it is?)"
"(It's five days after the summer solstice.)" Tapu Fini answered plain.
"(Five days…?)" His eyes widened and blinked at the realization. "(H'oof! Man, I just keep doxing off that I lose track of time! Last I checked it was like Spring.)"
"(Ahem.)" Tapu Bulu looked over at Tapu Fini to see her face facing him, but her head was gesturing towards another direction. Too slow to follow up on the gesticulation, he noticed a bright crackling around Tapu Koko's body. He turned slowly and looked quietly. The energetic deity sighed and eased the static to a low voltage.
"(Thank you. Now then, I called you all here because of something that just recently happened.)" he paused. "(Earlier today, there was an incident that I sensed. You can probably guess what followed, right?)"
"(Oh, oh! I know this one!)" Tapu Lele spiked her hand up. "(You chased after it, right?)"
Tapu Fini eyerolled at her "gal-pal's" answer. "(Are you telling us that you've engaged with the source then?)"
Tapu Koko looked down worriedly.
"(Hm? Koko? You good?)" Tapu Lele tilted her head. "(Usually you'd be jumpy and all flashy. Why the glum?)"
"(That source I found…I think we were wrong.)"
"(How do you mean?)"
"(You know, as the guardian deities of Alola, we have a responsibility to protect the region…)" He lowered his head. "(And after what we learned from the humans, that we should restrict our habits so that we don't bring harm to them, or the land.)"
"(Yes. We're aware of the stakes we have built upon our dignities, but what's that have to do with…hold on a minute.)" Tapu Fini gave him a sharp look. "(Tapu Koko, don't tell me you…)"
Tapu Lele shifted in front of her at the last second. "(Girl, you crazy! He wouldn't do that!)" She looked over her shoulder to see Tapu Koko's anxiousness only rising. His frustrations grew with the static around his body. "(Um…boy? Are you okay?)"
"(Deep breaths. Just like I do.)" Tapu Bulu instructed.
Tapu Koko closed his eyes and tried doing what Tapu Bulu insisted. He relaxed his ethereal mind, enough to make the electricity dissipate. The others around him settled down and allowed him the space needed for him to continue.
"(Where was I? Hm…yeah, I know now.)" He straightened his position. "(That Ultra Beast energy we sensed; it was there alright. It was on my island for the past 2 days. I was positive that it was another Ultra Beast. I was positive. But when I finally saw the felted source, I couldn't believe it.)" His glare hardened. "(The energy I got, they were by humans.)"
Tapu Bulu snorted. "(Eh? What was that?)"
Tapu Fini floated closer. "(Tapu Koko, not that I question your motives not where you came from, but are you absolutely certain about this? I hate to sound judgmental on such a dry note, especially since I'm not Tapu Lele-"
"(Oof! Girl, now that just hurts! Why're you all mean to me~?!)" Tapu Lele closed up her shell and spun in circles. Though it wasn't anymore than muffles, they could hear her cries of annoyance.
Tapu Fini continued. "(Look, I'm not one to doubt you. Your sources are keen. Out of all of us, you act prompt and fast. You have your judgment, but are you absolute about this? Can you prove it?)"
"(I don't know how to word it any better for you guys. It's just…hard for me to believe myself right now.)" He tapped his hands together. "(I know, humans with Ultra Beast energy coming off them sounds ridiculous, but I know that energy. And my gut is telling me something is definitely up with those two.)"
"(So then, it's not an Ultra Beast you're talking about?)" Tapu Bulu pondered.
"(Yeah, exactly. At least, that's what I think. But something else happened. Something I didn't think was humanely possible…)" He gave them all a dead serious glare. One that made even the cheery Tapu Lele, who crept back out of her inside shell spats, go quiet. "(These guys have powers. One of them included has powers of a Pokémon.)"
"(Woah, woah now. Hold up!)" Tapu Lele made another brake motion. "(Now that's just silly talk. A human with Pokémon powers? That sounds like a crazy dream!)"
Tapu Bulu put a hood under his chinless face. "(I mean, it's not that I don't believe that. But really, is that even possible? I have crazy dreams too, but not like that…at least, not yet.)"
Tapu Fini gave a look to her peers to be silent before looking back at Tapu Koko. "(Go on, Tapu Koko. You were saying?)"
"(About these humans, they were…really weird. And I mean really weird. They both had this monstrous energy around them that made it hard for me to sit still around them. My heart just couldn't stop racing because of this pressure. It was like going into high orbit and having low oxygen. I can't be sure how that feels, but…)" He shook his head. "(But I have proof! Tapu Lele, you can do that thing, right?)"
Tapu Lele chimed cutely. "(Teehee! Sure do! Just leave it to me!)"
The Tapus all took a few meters gap away from each other and stayed completely still. Being in the mindscape enabled Tapu Lele to carefully close her eyes and reach out both hands towards Tapu Koko. She concentrated heavily, inhaling a sharp, long breath before exhaling the same amount. With her mind cleared away, she sent out a vague pink ripple out at him. Tapu Koko stayed quiet as he allowed for the energy mass to close in and compress into his head. His body shuddered at the feeling, but it quickly settled.
"(Now…)" Tapu Lele opened her eyes, showing hot pink irises glowing. "(Let's see what you've been through today.)" She spread her arms out to her sides. A cosmic energy mass appeared beneath all four of them and recreated what looked like the Ruins of Conflict. The scenery within the space gradually filled with all the lush life and every rock and running water of the gorge. They all saw the bridge's debris drifting far below an image of Tapu Koko, who was facing two humans who stared him down. One had very short spiky black hair, and another looked like a knight with long red hair.
"(Are these really them?)" Tapu Fini questioned. Suddenly her gut pulsed at this domineering force. Her eyes widened as she looked down in shock, along with her peers.
"(W-woah…what is this feeling?)" Tapu Bulu wheezed. He felt like he was staring down an iceberg that freezes on sight. It left every part of him cold and shivering. "(This…this is freaky, man.)"
Tapu Lele kept projecting, staying as calm and composed as she possibly could. Even inside she was trembling, too. She couldn't tell if it was excitement or adrenaline, but if she had a mouth she'd be gagging.
Tapu Koko looked at his memory with a scrupulous glare. Everyone saw Nic and Erza in combat and transforming. Another intense spike pulsed from the fluxed power they unleashed, making them freeze up in shock again. All their hearts raced when they witnessed Tapu Koko's attacks getting nowhere near them, whereas they were using attacks such as lightning from a staff with a rune incantation on the end, something even Tapu Fini didn't recognize. Even their Scizor and Arbok were looking tough. Even more so when they realized just how fast the speed shifts were when a mysterious Trick Room came out of nowhere. Words weren't exactly easy to express how they felt, but it all happened so fast that they couldn't speak to begin with. Even up to Tapu Koko's end with that Gunk Shot, it was tough to not flinch at the scene.
The illusionary background glowed bright pink and slowly faded away. It shrank into a mass that compressed into a single point between all the Tapus before dissipating into pink particles, leaving an empty void again.
Slowly, Tapu Lele opened her eyes again. "(…well, checks out. Looks like ole Koko wasn't so loco after all.)"
Tapu Fini cleared her throat, trying to calm down her racing heart. "(I…see. So then what you were saying before about these humans and powers…)"
Tapu Koko beamed in annoyance. "(Now you believe me?)"
"(I'll say.)" Tapu Bulu shuddered, his cowbell bringing like it was lunchtime. "(Well now I'm awake, thanks to that. Didn't see that coming!)"
"(A human that has the power to transform her armor, like Transform. And another human who has moves, too. What's more…the latter's powers of using mentality as well as physicality. These aren't ordinary humans at all.)" Tapu Fini gave the boasting deity a sympathetic look. "(It seems that I owe you an apology. I was speculative is all. I wasn't so sure, until Tapu Lele would point that out.)"
"(About time! After y'all have been bashing me since the moment I get here! Where's the respect? Sheesh!)" Tapu Lele huffed, turning away in a meek pout. "(Some friends you all are.)"
Tapu Bulu hovered over to give her a small hoof on her shoulder.
Tapu Fini sighed. "(We're sorry, Tapu Koko, we mean it. But now we understand what you meant by this energy. I've felt it as well. At first glance I figured they were Ultra Beasts, too. But after feeling this level…we may be dealing with something far worse than those creatures from other dimensions.)"
"(Sounds like we'll be having a lot of work on our hands then.)" Tapu Bulu chimed. "(Well, I'll just get my rest until it comes along, so…)"
He was given serious glares by his peers. Immediately he shrunk back with a snort. "(Er-hem! What I meant was, that we'll do whatever we can to prepare for them, if they go too far. Yeah. That. Not that I was worried about sleep or anything. Yeah…)"
Tapu Koko rolled his eyes. "(Oh, brother.)"
"(But now we understand, Tapu Koko. You can rely on us. Now that we are aware of their energy signatures, this will give us a lead on how we can act if they go too far.)" Tapu Fini nodded at her own resolution. "(So for now, we'll be on high alert. You should be as well…though I understand that you might feel exhausted after that last confrontation.)"
Tapu Koko shook his head, trying to rid of his own fatigue. He gave them all a resolute glare. "(I'm fine, Tapu Fini. I mean it. After what I went through, don't think I'm just gonna sit by and let my island be roamed by these freaks. These guys have nothing! I'll get them next time, that's a promise!)"
Tapu Lele clapped her hands together ecstatically. "(Oh, goodie! That's our ole' Tapu Koko again!You go get'em! And we'll be right beside you when you do!)"
"(Are they still on your island?)" Tapu Fini asked.
Tapu Koko nodded hesitantly. "(Yeah…though I wish they really weren't…)" He shook his head again. "(But I have a feeling they won't stock around for long. They might jump over to one of you guys, so watch out.)"
"(Oh, goodie!)" Tapu Lele twirled around in place. "(After that, I wanna see these people, too! I bet they'll be loads of fun! It's been getting so stale around Akala Island that just messing with the terrain alone is a gag that's a century out of date! This should really spike up my hype!)"
Tapu Fini nodded. "(You have my word, I'll keep as close of an eye as possible. They may not be Ultra Beasts…but anything like this won't go unwarranted. This could very well bring Alola to ruin if we don't act.)"
Tapu Koko gave a serious glare. "(Then it's in agreement. If they try anything funny, or mess with the region…let's just get ready. Alright, dismissed.)"
The three Tapus slowly faded away. Tapu Koko gave a long sigh as their images dissipated into the mindscape. After the long day he's had. He needs to unwind, too. Enough was enough. Maybe he could blame himself for being too jumpy on that part, but at least he knows now that humans aren't as they appear to be. He just had to keep his eyes on the prize.
'(The next time I fight, it won't end up like it did.)' He slowly faded from his mind. '(Next time, they'll be the ones sent flying.)'
Happy 4th of July people! As we celebrate Independence Day in America, I decided to update on a convenient day such as this! This is a double-whammy then! I decided to slow it down a bit with the combat and get more of the plot and descriptions cleared out. I thought I dealt with this chapter fairly enough in terms of how every move was executed. Hope you guys did so as well!
Anywho, hope you guys enjoyed another chapter! Reviews are very much appreciated! XD
