Chapter 15
After getting back to Jubilife Village, we are greeted by Beni. He says, "Found her by the scent of my mochi, did you? Of course, you did. When you have my level of skill, your handiwork can be recognized from a mile away. Remember to be thankful for getting to eat such masterful mochi when you come for dinner later."
"We'll do that later," I reply.
"But first, don't you owe Kamado a report? Your meal can wait," Beni insists.
After that, we head into the Galaxy Hall and meet Kamado, who says, "So you successfully calmed Lilligant."
"We do, sir." We reply at the same time.
Kamado nods, "Excellent. There may well be times when the Galaxy Team will be forced to fight against Pokémon, but it is all for the sake of creating a new home for ourselves, free from war and strife! ...Strangers fall into our world from a rift in space-time... Then frenzies are induced by strange lightning, which likewise falls from that very same rift... But you have no connection to the lightning. Isn't that right?"
"We don't," Rei affirms.
"We may need to investigate the rift itself to prove your motives are beyond impugning," Kamado says.
Then we decide to do more things at Crimson Mirelands until we get the fifth rank ready. We get our fifth star and also get a recipe for Wing Balls, which are the stronger version of Feather Balls.
After Akari and Laventon arrive, we manage to order some more potato mochi, and Beni brings a giant plate to the table. "There you go. Piping-hot potato mochi, fresh from the stove."
After he leaves, Laventon says, "Now this is the life, eh? Enjoying tasty potato mochi with friends, sharing the latest findings from our Pokémon research, and topping it all off with a good night's sleep... Truly, who could ask for anything more!"
Akari says, "I don't disagree... Yet I keep doing the same thing day after day - is it really getting us anywhere? With our research or with carving out a life here?"
"Don't worry, our research is doing great. We've already recorded over half of the Pokémon found in the Hisui Region, and we've completed a lot of research tasks as well," I reassure.
"Ah, well. Here's a flashy new recipe to try, Ash, Rei, and Alice. It's for an item that should help scatter these gloomy thoughts," Akari says as she hands over the recipe for the Scatter Bangs, which need a Pop Pod and a Caster Fern leaf.
"I was thinking when we're going to get this since some of the research tasks require us to scare Pokémon," Alice says to me, and I nod. "With this, our missions get easier."
Laventon says to Akari, "Come now - don't worry yourself so, my girl! As a wise man once said, 'Trust in yourself, and you will find your way.' These words are worth taking to heart! As long as we truly believe in ourselves, I'm sure we'll even complete that Pokédex of ours someday!"
After talking some more, we decide to go back to our quarters to rest. While watching the full moon, I have Ursaring hold the Peat Block and let it evolve into an Ursaluna.
Ursaluna: The Peat Pokemon: Ground and Normal Type. Evolved from Ursaluna with Peat Block during a full moon. I believe it was Hisui's swampy terrain that gave Ursaluna its burly physique and newfound capacity to manipulate peat at will.
The next day, the three of us are ready for a new day as we hear a voice, "Mornin' sleepyheads!"
The three of us turn around and see Arezu with an old lady. Rei asks, "Arezu? What are you doing here?"
"You'll never guess what! Adaman! I'm gonna start working at the hairdresser's shop! Now you'll be able to try out my own original hairstyles! Isn't that super exciting?"
"But what about your duty as Lilligant's Warden?" Alice asks.
"Oh, I'm still gonna be Lilligant's warden and all. I'll be burnin' the candle at both ends, but I can make it work - don't you worry!" Arezu says. "Anyway, come on over to the hairdresser's when you can, Ash, Alice, and Rei. I'll give you a killer hairstyle."
"No thank you," Rei says. "I think I'll pass that."
"I am pleased that you have found a worthy successor for your establishment, Edith." Just then, Kamado appears in front of us, and Arezu is surprised. "M-Mr. Kamado, sir...Err...so about that whole Ursaluna situation..."
"If you are to work here in Jubilife Village, you are family to us, no matter who you are or where you're from. Welcome, Arezu," Kamado says.
"And you three, Ash, Rei, and Alice. You will come with me to Prelude Beach!" Kamado suddenly says the last three words with a roar, causing us to flinch.
We follow Kamado to the beach, only to see a lot of people entering the beach by boats and ships. "These people have just arrived here in Hisui. They will live together with us in Jubilife Village. When we of the Galaxy Team first arrived on this land, we came ashore on Prelude Beach. It is where everything began. This is where a new life for all of you will begin as well."
The man named Bosley says, "We've heard that the Hisui region is inhabited by many powerful and frightening Pokémon..."
"But we've also heard the Galaxy Team knows a great deal about Pokémon and uses their mysterious powers to help Jubilife Village grow," another man named Kochika says.
"Indeed, you have both heard correctly!" Kamado says. "And the reason such tales have reached your ears is largely thanks to Ash, Rei, and Alice here, three of our Survey Corps recruits. Through the combined efforts of all our team members, let us continue to develop our village and thrive here in the Hisui region."
"We look forward to doing our part, Commander," Bosley says as the other members nod.
After showing them the way to the Jubilife Village, Kamado turns to us. "The advancement of our understanding of Pokémon - thanks to the Survey Corps - has expanded the areas where we can operate safely. That is what allows us to welcome newcomers like them. Ash, Rei, and Alice... You truly do love Pokémon, don't you?"
"We do, we love them with all our heart," I say.
"Hrrrm... Pokémon have done grave injury to many of our fellows in the Galaxy Team... And yet you still find love for these creatures in your heart. I suppose that is a necessary quality for one in the Survey Corps. Remember this, though: Pokémon are terrifying creatures. It is imperative that we study them and learn all we can about them, whether we wish to live alongside them... or not. And be warned... As the leader of the Galaxy Team, I am prepared to make harsh decisions in order to protect Jubilife Village."
"Commander? Irida from the Pearl Clan's arrived." Just then, Akari arrives and she tells him the news.
"Good. I believe I know what she's here about," Kamado says. "As for you, Ash, Rei, and Alice. You should see for yourself how Jubilife Village is changing thanks to the Survey Corps' efforts. Then you will come to my office."
"We will," We nod as we see the commander leave. After looking around the area, we decide to climb upstairs and head to Kamado's office.
Now in Kamado's office, Alice, Rei, and I walk into Kamado's office. Irida is also there as Kamado says, "I commend you on your successful research of the Pokémon living in the Crimson Mirelands. Your next orders are to begin the survey of the Cobalt Coastlands. I will let you know in advance - there are no Pokémon nobles in the Cobalt Coastlands."
"What do you mean by that?" I ask.
"Allow me to explain," Irida says. "We did have a lord in the coastlands... until a few years ago. A tragedy took him from us."
"Now, we've had reports of people seeing strange, shadowy figures on the island the lord used to call his home. We have also received word from both the Security Corps and Supply Corps. It seems some of their members were attacked by a ghost while out gathering materials around Firespit Island," Kamado says.
"These are serious concerns - and moreover, my clan just can't tolerate this desecration of our late lord's seat! Normally, I'd entrust this to our warden in the coastlands, but her situation is... complicated," Irida says.
"I trust my intentions are clear by now. I hereby order you to investigate these reports," Kamado says.
Alice, Rei, and I nod, and Irida frowns, "I'll meet you in the Cobalt Coastlands. I do love it there - it's a beautiful area. Oh, and... I know this must be a bewildering situation to be dropped into. I'm sorry."
"Think nothing of it. Ash, Rei, and Alice are talented and hard-working members of the Galaxy Team. I'm sure they will sort things out." Kamado says.
"Indeed. Ash, Rei, and Alice quelled the Lord of the Woods. I've seen both their strengths and their kindness firsthand."
As we arrive at Captain Cyllene's office, Captain Cyllene says, "The next area for you to investigate will be the Cobalt Coastlands. It is farther afield than the Crimson Mirelands - much farther - and the path is long and trying. With your current rank, you should be capable of braving the Cobalt Coastlands. You know your mission. Investigate Firespit Island."
"Okay," I nod, and the other two agree as we leave the office. Before heading to Cobalt Coastlands, we hear a voice, "Ah, if it isn't Ash, Alice, and Rei."
We see Lian approaching us and he says, "Though I suppose it's to be expected that I'd run into you in the village. Where are you going to study Pokémon next?"
Rei says, "Irida is going to show us around the Cobalt Coastlands, so we're heading there."
"Oh, the Cobalt Coastlands? Palina's certainly in a bit of a situation over there."
"Palina?" Alice asks, and Lian says, "She's a warden, and yet she has no noble to see to. There are even some people in the Pearl Clan that speak ill of her, though not to her face."
We notice his frown, and then he suddenly says, "Oh, but do forgive me. Perhaps I shouldn't be airing dirty laundry. A piece of advice, then, as an apology for wasting your time! Some Pokémon are strongly affected by certain stones, which hold mysterious powers. With the right stone, you can even evolve some Pokémon. You need to look no further than Kleavor for proof of that!"
I notice he's looking at Pikachu, and I say, "Pikachu refuses to become a Raichu, so don't think of asking me to use a Thunder Stone on it."
"Don't worry. What I'm trying to say is basically this: if you and the Survey Corps want to learn all there is to know about the Pokémon of this region...then the stones you find throughout Hisui will be very important. There's even a tale of a stone that contains the power of creation - the very same power almighty Sinnoh used to create the universe! I trust you'll take my advice to heart and not underestimate how important stones can be. To help grind this fact into you... Here. I'll give you some rather handy stones and things I found."
He gives us two Grit Pebbles and three Grit Gravels, and then he says, "And should you want some stones that can help Pokémon evolve, I believe the Gingko Guild has them from time to time!"
Then Lian leaves, and I mutter, "A stone that contains the power of creation... I wonder what kind of stone that is..."
Here is a new chapter, and the next chapter will begin the Cobalt Coastlands. I hope you like this chapter.
Ash and Alice's Pokemon (Hisui):
Pikachu, Quilava, Espeon, Torterra, Infernape, Empoleon, Lucario, Uxie, Mesprit, Azelf, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Cresselia, Manaphy, Dewott, Lilliegant (Hisuian), Tornadus, Thundurus, Landorus, Sliggoo (Hisuian), Dartrix, Wyrdeer, Kleavor, Ursaluna, Overqwil
Ash and Lillie's Pokemon (Ultra Dimensions):
Charizard, Butterfree x2, Lapras, Meganium, Steelix, Mantine, Sceptile, Gardevoir, Milotic, Absol, Glaceon, Gallade, Samurott, Audino, Zoroark, Hydreigon, Meowstic x2, Aegislash, Hawlucha