Chapter 11
After school, all of us are invited to Mallow's place for dinner because the restaurant has a new menu for us to taste. However, we're also confused when Mallow asks Pikachu to use Thunderbolt on the food that she's making.
After the stew dish is served, apart from Trenor and me, everyone who tastes the soup gets shocked by the electricity. I inquire, "Are you okay?"
"What exactly is this dish, Mallow?" Kiawe mutters.
"You could get addicted to that tingling aftertaste, couldn't you? It's precisely this aftertaste that characterizes Mythical Alola Stew!" Mallow says.
"I wouldn't say it was tingling, but rather..." Lillie mutters.
"Shocking..." Lana adds.
"It was almost like being hit by one of Pikachu's electric shocks..." Nate adds.
"Is that really shocking?" I remark. Trenor attempts to remove the Earth Plate and take a bite, experiencing the same effect.
"I tried adding a Thunderbolt to the stew as a finishing touch!" Mallow admits. "Was that a bit too much, maybe?"
"What exactly is 'Mystical Alola Stew,' if I may ask?" Rosa inquires.
"Well, you see..." Just then, Mallow's father joins us and shares the story of the stew. In the past, it was always prepared for festivals or ceremonies, but with time, it was completely forgotten.
"So that's why it's Mythical..." I mutter under my breath.
"If the stew was completely forgotten, then how did Mallow make it?" Lillie queries.
"Well, you see..." Mallow reveals a cookbook created by her brother. She explains that her brother embarked on a culinary journey and included instructions about adding Yellow Nectar to create a tingling aftertaste. Due to a scarcity of nectar during this season, she attempted to replace it with Thunderbolt.
"I don't get it, why a Thunderbolt?" Kiawe asks as Mallow can only sigh in defeat. "I wanted to finish it one way or another and make it the signature dish of Aina's Kitchen, though..."
Then, in an effort to assist Mallow, we decide to search for the Yellow Nectar, known to be located in Melemele Meadow. On the weekend, we convene at the Pokémon Center on Route 2 and set off toward our destination.
On our way to Melemele Meadow, the Pokédex hints that Oricorio might assist us in finding the location. With this information, the seven of us set out to explore, with Rowlet and Pikipek enlisting the help of their fellow Pikipeks in the search.
Suddenly, we spot an Oricorio in front of us, but it swiftly flies away. To lure it back, we decide to use Bounsweet's enticing scent, hoping it will attract the Oricorio and guide us to Melemele Meadow. As we follow, we're amazed by the abundance of yellow flowers and witness a red Oricorio drinking the nectar, transforming into its Pom-Pom form.
"You know, maybe we can catch that Oricorio!" I suggest, excited by the idea.
"Oricorio changes types depending on the nectar; now that it's Yellow, it's Electric type. A Rock or Ice type Pokémon can help out," Trenor adds, offering strategic advice.
Kleavor! I choose you!" I exclaim as I send out the Pokémon, stunning those who aren't familiar with it.
"What's that Pokémon?" someone asks in surprise.
"It's a Kleavor, but those are extinct Pokémon..." Rosa remarks. "Where did you get one?"
"I traveled to the past of Hisui..." I explain. "Time travel, my brother's good at it."
With determination, I direct Kleavor to use its Rock-type moves strategically to subdue the Oricorio. As the battle unfolds, the Oricorio, now an Electric type, dances, and zaps with powerful electric-type Revelation Dance.
"Kleavor, use Stone Axe!" I command.
Kleavor responds swiftly, launching a barrage of sharp stones towards the Oricorio. The attack connects, weakening the Oricorio and making it more receptive to capture.
Oricorio (Pom-Pom Style): The Dancing Pokemon: Electric and Flying Type. It creates an electric charge by rubbing its feathers together. It dances over to its enemies and delivers shocking electrical punches.
While Mallow is engrossed in gathering the Yellow Nectar, Lillie notices a vibrant Cutiefly flitting around the meadow. Intrigued by its adorable appearance, she reaches for a Poké Ball, determined to add it to her team.
"Go, Popplio!" Lillie calls out, releasing her Popplio from its Poké Ball. "Let's try to befriend that Cutiefly!"
Popplio nods eagerly, ready to assist Lillie in her endeavor. With careful precision, they approach the Cutiefly, trying not to startle it. The small Fairy-type Pokémon hovers nearby, its delicate wings fluttering gracefully.
"Popplio, use Aqua Jet gently to get its attention," Lillie instructs.
Popplio executes the move with finesse, creating a small stream of water that sparkles in the sunlight. The Cutiefly notices the shimmering water and flies closer, curious about the playful display.
"Great job, Popplio! Now, let's offer it some food," Lillie suggests, taking out a sweet-smelling treat from her bag.
The Cutiefly seems enticed by the treat's aroma, drawing nearer to investigate. With patience and a gentle approach, Lillie extends her hand, offering the treat to the Cutiefly. After a moment of hesitation, the Cutiefly accepts the gesture, happily nibbling on the snack.
"Would you like to join us, Cutiefly?" Lillie asks softly, holding out the Poké Ball.
The Cutiefly gazes at Lillie and Popplio, seemingly understanding the invitation. It nods its tiny head in agreement before allowing itself to be captured in the Poké Ball.
"Welcome to the team, Cutiefly!" Lillie smiles, delighted by the successful capture.
Cutiefly: The Bee Fly Pokemon: Bug and Fairy Type. It feeds on the nectar and pollen of flowers. Because it's able to sense auras, it can identify which flowers are about to bloom.
"Nice work, Lillie," Selene acknowledges with a smile.
"Yeah," Lillie responds, but her expression suddenly changes as she notices something amiss with her bag. "Nebby! Nebby, where are you!"
Her distress catches our attention, and we all start looking around. "Nebby is gone?"
"Nebby... It got out of my bag again..." Lillie says with a frown, clearly worried.
We quickly spot Nebby heading inside a nearby cave. "There's Nebby!" I exclaim.
"But why would it want to go in that cave...? And right after it got into so much trouble on the bridge, too... What if a wild Pokémon attacks it? It doesn't have any moves it can use to battle!" concerns rise among us as we observe Nebby's actions.
In the cave, Lillie and I are surprised to encounter Dulse and Zossie. Lillie's grip on Nebby tightens, a mix of concern and apprehension evident on her face.
"Phew... Running around like this sure is tiring! Whoa! So the people of Alola meet in places like this, too, huh?" Zossie remarks with a casual tone.
"Calm yourself, Zossie. So it's you two again... and you're with that Cosmog..." Dulse acknowledges, his demeanor more composed.
"So, you're here to take it back from us?" I inquire cautiously as Lillie continues to hold Nebby protectively.
"We've been informed about the situation by Captain Phyco. Don't worry, we have no intention of taking Cosmog back. We've also learned about your mother's actions. However, there's one thing we're here to confirm. We need to find someone capable enough to protect the Blinding One. Let us see if you might be the one!" Dulse states, his tone serious and determined.
He sends out Furfrou and I decide to go with Absol. Furfrou charges towards Absol with great speed, aiming to land a powerful Take Down. However, Absol displays remarkable agility, dodging Furfrou's attack and retaliating with a lightning-fast Quick Attack.
"Absol, now use Razor Wind!" I command.
Absol gathers energy, creating a whirlwind of sharp blades that it releases towards Furfrou. Dulse reacts quickly, instructing Furfrou to evade by using its agility to dodge the Razor Wind attack.
"Furfrou, Double Team and then hit with Return!" Dulse orders.
Furfrou swiftly creates multiple illusions of itself using Double Team, confusing Absol momentarily. Seizing the opportunity, the real Furfrou strikes back with a powerful Return attack, aiming to capitalize on the distraction caused by the illusions.
However, I'm ready. "Absol, detect the real Furfrou and counter with Iron Tail!"
Absol focuses its senses and identifies the true Furfrou among the illusions. With precision, it strikes Furfrou with a powerful Iron Tail, effectively knocking it out.
"I see... So that is a Pokémon battle... We had tried to investigate what it meant to battle with Pokémon, but it is quite different when you do it yourself. At least it seems that the Poké Ball we tried to create has worked properly to capture us a Pokémon here in Alola. And I have seen for myself how strong you are, Ash and Lillie," Dulse acknowledges, reflecting on the experience.
"So, Dulse, what're we gonna do?" Zossie inquires.
"Ash and Lillie, you should know that this one here warps away if it is threatened in any way... And the holes that are torn open as a result invite dangerous beings into this world. But perhaps things will be all right as long as there are Trainers like you in Alola... as long as no one is foolish enough to open a path that could lead here from Megalo Tower. Let us carry on, Zossie," Dulse explains before they take their leave.
As they depart, Lillie speaks up, "Megalo Tower... that's in the Ultra Metropolis, right?"
"Yeah," I confirm as we start making our way out of the cave, thoughts swirling about the implications of their words and the potential dangers that could emerge from Megalo Tower.
As we step outside, we're greeted by the surprising sight of Mallow's Bounsweet evolving into a Steenee. Trenor, intrigued, asks, "Did you manage to find Nebby?"
"He's here," Lillie responds, turning her attention towards the Pokémon. "Back into the bag, please, Nebby. I know there aren't many people around to see you here, but that's hardly an excuse! And I suppose it's time for us to head off now..."
As we step outside, we run into Hau, who greets us with his trademark enthusiasm, "He-e-ey, guys!"
"What are you up to, Hau?" Nate inquires.
"Just finished up my trial! Heh! Hey, Ash! I wanna see if I really learned anything from my trial. Let me battle you again!" Hau challenges eagerly.
Excited for another friendly battle, I accept Hau's challenge. Observing his team, I notice he now has a Noibat in addition to his Pikachu, which evolved from Pichu. I decide to use Oricorio, Popplio, and Togekiss in our battle.
The battle commences, and Hau proves to be a formidable opponent, displaying newfound strategies and skills. However, my team manages to overcome his Noibat, Pikachu, and other Pokémon with the combined strength and tactics of Oricorio, Popplio, and Togekiss.
Despite the competitive spirit, the battle ends in a friendly atmosphere, and Hau grins, "Aww, man! I wanted to show off my Pokémon's best side more! So you and me beat that Totem Pokémon, huh, Ash, Lillie? Looks like we're getting pretty strong! And I'm not stopping now. I'm gonna use this momentum to beat my old gramps, too!"
Professor Kukui also arrives and says, "Alola, so what are you guys up to?"
"Professor, we're on a mission to find Yellow Nectars for Mallow's latest recipe," Rosa explains. "And Hau just challenged Ash to a battle."
Upon hearing this, Professor Kukui's eyes light up with curiosity. "What's this then? Hau, you finished your first trial, too? I bet you used some stylin' moves, yeah?"
"Heh heh, yeah... All thanks to Rowlet!" Hau chuckles, acknowledging his Pokémon's contribution.
"Hala's probably rubbing his hands together in glee right about now, oh yeah!" Kukui beams.
"What do you mean?" Selene asks, curious about the conversation.
"It's all a part of the trials, yeah? After you clear one island's trials, you gotta battle that island's kahuna!" Hau explains.
"Taking on the island kahuna in battle is called the grand trial! For someone like me who's researching Pokémon moves, nothing could be better than the chance to see some more fierce Pokémon battles! Woo!" Kukui expresses his excitement.
"I don't know about fierce..." Hau mutters, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.
"I'll be the judge of that! Come on! Back to Iki Town! Catch that Tailwind and blast through Route 3!" Kukui exclaims, ushering Hau as they depart.
After their departure, we decide to head back to Aina's Kitchen first to try out Mallow's new recipe. Gathering everyone together, Mallow successfully prepares another batch of stew. The atmosphere is filled with anticipation as the aroma wafts through the air. Additionally, there's an air of excitement as Bounsweet evolves into Steenee, marking a significant milestone in their journey together.
With the stew finally ready, everyone eagerly takes a bite. To our joy and relief, each person's face lights up with delight upon tasting it. The flavors blend perfectly, eliciting smiles and satisfied murmurs from all present. It's a heartening moment, seeing everyone enjoying the dish.
Moreover, it becomes apparent that the bond between Mallow and her newly evolved Steenee has grown stronger. Their teamwork and companionship are palpable, adding to the warmth of the moment.
As the evening continues, the joyous occasion not only celebrates the success of the new recipe but also reinforces the friendships among everyone gathered, making it a memorable and heartwarming experience for all.
Here is a new chapter, and now we're done with the Route 3 and Melemele Island part. I hope you like it and we're going to the Grand Trial in the next chapter.
Ash and Lillie's Pokemon:
Charizard, Butterfree x2 (One Pink), Rattata (Alolan), Pikachu, Raichu (Alolan), Meowth (Alolan), Grimer (Alolan), Lapras, Meganium, Typhlosion (Hisuian), Steelix (Crystal), Mantine, Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Milotic, Absol, Infernape, Lucario, Togekiss, Gallade, Samurott, Audino, Zoroark, Hydreigon, Meowstic x2, Aegislash, Hawlucha, Rowlet, Popplio, Pikipek, Yungoos, Grubbin, Crabrawler, Oricorio, Cutiefly, Magearna (Shiny), Kleavor