Chapter 31
Back in Alola, we make our way to Hau'oli Cemetery, where Braiden, a skilled Umbreon user, is paying a visit to his deceased wife's grave. As he prepares to leave, he remarks, "I suppose that's enough for today... I'd better hurry home or that son of mine will go berating me again for wandering off..."
Curious, I ask, "Are you the strongest Umbreon user? Kagetora wants us to battle you."
"... That tale is decades old by now. How old are you, boy?" he responds, but then recognizes the name I mentioned. "Well, you're not wrong. I was once known as Braiden the Umbreon User. And you know young Kagetora? How is that little whippersnapper?"
"He's doing fine," Lillie responds.
"Sure, I don't mind battling with you... Though I'm due to check in to the hospital soon." I decide to send out Lucario to battle his Umbreon.
The clash begins, Umbreon moving swiftly to evade Lucario's attacks. It utilizes its defensive abilities expertly, dodging and countering with precise strikes. Lucario, guided by its Aura instincts, tries to predict Umbreon's movements. Both Pokémon exhibit remarkable skill, each landing calculated blows on the other.
"Let's finish this, Lucario! Unleash All-Out Pummeling!" I call out, confidence fueling my voice, as I do the Z Move with Lucario.
Lucario channels the power of Aura into a devastating display, launching a relentless series of punches infused with incredible strength. The sheer force behind the Z-Move overwhelms Umbreon, battering it with an unstoppable storm of energy. Despite Umbreon's resilience, it struggles against the relentless assault of Lucario's All-Out Pummeling. The power is too much to withstand, and eventually, Umbreon succumbs, signaling our victory.
"...While there are times when there's a full moon, there are also times you can't see the moon at all," he muses. "No night can ever be endless. Dawn comes and snatches away the dark. I feel that light creeping into my life, blotting out the stars and stealing away the night. People used to talk about me once, said I was immortal, and such nonsense. I was just in the hospital for a long while, that's all. But human life does end. Anyway... give Kagetora my regards."
"We will," we respond with a nod as we bid him farewell.
Back at school, our curiosity about Komala and its perpetual state of sleepiness persists. To test whether it is truly asleep or not due to its Comatose ability, we decide to have Brionne use Sing on it. Despite our efforts, even after using Sing, we remain uncertain about Komala's wakefulness or slumber. The mystery behind its constant sleepiness continues to elude us.
The chaos with Selene's Rotom unfolds as it accidentally swaps places with another Rotom, triggering a series of mishaps. In the confusion, it inadvertently finds itself in various forms at our classmates' homes—a Heat Form in Mallow's kitchen, a Fan Form in Lana's house, a Freeze Form in Sophocles' residence, and a Mow Form in my house. Unbeknownst to us at that moment, my Mom later reveals this unexpected visitation.
As we visit the Pokémon Center, the misplaced Rotom finally appears in its Wash Form. However, upon encountering Pikachu's shock, it jolts back to its original state, returning to its standard form. The sudden discharge of electricity from Pikachu inadvertently resolves the swap, bringing an end to the chaotic mix-up.
Encountering Mareanie's first love and mentor during our shopping trip was unexpected. However, things took a turn when jealousy consumed the older Mareanie, triggering its evolution into a Toxapex. Fueled by emotions, it attempted to poison me, only to realize I was immune.
Perceiving me as a hurdle in its pursuit to win Mareanie back, the Toxapex challenged me to a duel. Reluctantly, I accepted, understanding the significance of this battle for Mareanie. The confrontation, though intense, turned out to be underwhelming. My Pokémon and I emerged victorious, but it wasn't a challenging fight.
Mareanie, witnessing the battle, made its choice. Joyously, it reunited with us, indicating where its loyalty lay. As Mareanie happily returned to our side, the former mentor Toxapex, accepting defeat, retreated, allowing Mareanie to follow its own path.
During lunch the next day, Lana starts recounting a story to our classmates about Harper and Sarah getting lost and receiving help from a mysterious Pokémon that gave them each a red berry. As Lana describes the encounter, we search the Rotom Phone and identify the berries as Haban Berries. Suddenly, Mallow lets out a gasp, and Lana's expression changes, remembering "Grandpa Forest," whom she assumes her sisters must have encountered.
Mallow and Lana open up about their childhood, reminiscing about a time when they, too, got lost in the forest and were aided by a large Pokémon. Mallow confesses she can't recall what the Pokémon looked like, and despite their attempts to find it, they've never come across it again. Lana expresses her desire to thank the Pokémon for its help, prompting me to suggest that our group should embark on a quest to find and express gratitude to this mysterious Pokémon.
The Pokémon turns out to be a Drampa. Lana and Mallow step forward to confront Drampa, who immediately recognizes the girls and pulls them into a warm embrace. Lillie and I are equally astounded to meet Drampa, and we can't resist the urge to hug the gentle creature.
Lana and Mallow express their heartfelt gratitude to Drampa for rescuing them and Lana's sisters. To commemorate the moment, we gather some Haban Berries from the nearby trees and distribute them among everyone. Lana and Mallow excitedly take a bite of their shares, only to once again be startled by the unexpected bitterness of the Berries.
Then a few days later, we're in the midst of learning all about Pokémon Ping-Pong, guided by the knowledgeable Ilima, a Pokémon School graduate who's showing us the ropes of the game! Ilima has a plan to compete in an upcoming Pokémon Ping-Pong tournament, aiming to settle an old score by defeating Ikari, the previous year's champion.
Ilima firmly believes that considering and respecting his Pokémon partner is crucial for success. On the other hand, Ikari adopts a more aggressive strategy in his approach to the game. During the intense final match of the tournament, Ikari's aggressive tactics lead him to berate his partner, Mienshao, disrupting their coordination and causing a rift between them.
In contrast, Ilima maintains a harmonious bond with his partner, Smeargle, demonstrating mutual respect and understanding. As the tension mounts, Ilima and Smeargle showcase remarkable coordination and sportsmanship. Eventually, their strong partnership pays off, leading to their victory over Ikari and Mienshao in the tournament's final game.
Excitement fills us as we anticipate a day of real-life work experience at the Pokémon Center. However, our plans take an unexpected turn when we find out that Nurse Joy has fallen ill with a severe cold. Suddenly, our learning experience turns into a day of practical hands-on work as we take charge of running the Pokémon Center for the day.
Throughout the day, we immerse ourselves in the responsibilities of managing the Center, gaining a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved in caring for Pokémon. We quickly learn that different Pokémon have unique needs and requirements.
Amidst the bustling day, we encounter Team Skull's Garbodor, suffering from a serious poison blockage. With quick thinking and the knowledge gained from our experience, we spring into action to help Garbodor. Working together, we address its ailment, providing the necessary care and treatment to alleviate its condition.
As we tend to the Pokémon, Nurse Joy begins to recover from her illness. By the time Garbodor is healed and feeling better, Nurse Joy is back on her feet and ready to resume her duties. Our day at the Pokémon Center turns out to be an invaluable learning experience, providing us with hands-on knowledge of Pokémon care and showcasing the importance of teamwork and dedication in assisting these wonderful creatures.
While Kiawe dedicates himself to work on his family's farm on Akala Island, an uninvited visitor, Viren, arrives with intentions that spell trouble. Viren aims to purchase the farm to raze it and construct a resort hotel in its place. Kiawe's parents firmly decline his offer, refusing to sell their beloved land.
Frustrated by the rejection, Viren resorts to dubious tactics. Initially, he purchases land upstream from the farm, severing their water supply and causing severe distress to Kiawe's family. Undeterred, Viren escalates matters by threatening to bring in bulldozers to destroy the farm entirely.
Faced with this dire situation, Kiawe steps up and proposes a high-stakes deal. He suggests a Pokémon battle between Viren's Electivire and his own loyal partner, Marowak. The terms: if Electivire triumphs, Kiawe's family will consider selling the farm.
The battle ensues, and the bond between Kiawe and Marowak shines brightly. Their partnership and synergy lead to an intense showdown, culminating in a spectacular Z-Move that overpowers Electivire, knocking it out cold.
Just as the dust settles and Kiawe emerges victorious, Officer Jenny arrives on the scene, investigating Viren for his fraudulent actions. With evidence of deceit uncovered, Viren faces the consequences of his underhanded schemes and is promptly arrested.
In a tale of resilience, determination, and the strength of a Pokémon Trainer's bond with their partner, Kiawe not only defends his family's farm but also upholds the integrity of the land against deceptive forces.
As we explore Akala Island in search of another Eevee user, we come across Chad, a janitor at the Tide Song Hotel. Sensing our purpose, Chad inquires, "Yes? What is it? Do you need something from me?"
Lillie takes the lead, asking, "Are you the skilled Flareon User? Kagetora wants us to battle you."
Upon hearing Kagetora's name, Chad's expression softens. "Oh... Ah... I see... So you know Kagetora? You would like a Pokemon battle from me? How... nostalgic. It's been quite some time."
The battle commences with Milotic facing off against Flareon. The two Pokémon engage in an intense exchange of moves, each showcasing their prowess and determination.
The climax of the battle arrives as Lillie and Milotic harness their strength to execute Hydro Vortex, a powerful Water-type move. The force and precision of the attack overwhelm Flareon, securing victory for Lillie and Milotic.
"Yes, yes... A fire needs fuel to keep on burning. But once the fuel is burnt up, only ash remains. My working life is over. I've reached retirement. All that is left of my life is the ashes. Me and Flareon are done with battling. I'd rather just go to Iomi Iomi and relax."
Understanding Chad's sentiments and his desire for a peaceful retirement, we bid the man a heartfelt farewell and respectfully leave him to his tranquility. As we arrive at Hano Beach, we come across a woman relaxing in a bikini, likely Linnea.
"It's about time for my appointment with the beautician," she murmurs upon noticing us. Seizing the opportunity, I inquire, "Are you the skilled Leafeon User?"
"W-well... yes, I suppose I am. Who might you be, child?" she responds hesitantly.
Introducing ourselves and mentioning Kagetora's request for a battle, her demeanor shifts. "Oh! A friend of sweet little Kagetora's? Of course, I'd be delighted to battle you! I still have some spirit left in me!"
The battle unfolds between Togekiss and Leafeon, and I step up as the challenger. The intense exchange of moves between the two Pokémon heats up the battle. As the clash intensifies, I guide Togekiss to execute a powerful Supersonic Skystrike, delivering a decisive blow to Linnea's Leafeon.
"Intense battle is a lot for my old body to bear," she murmurs, contemplating the passage of time. "The flower that blooms will wilt and fall. The stalk will wither and return to the earth. But not for Leafeon and me! We refuse to accept such a reality. I will do everything that money and medicine can do to keep my looks! But my bones can't help telling the truth. At any rate, do say hello to Kagetora for me."
Recognizing her sentiments and determination to defy aging, we bid Linnea a respectful farewell.
After a few days, the much-anticipated annual Alola Bread Festival is on the horizon, and the unexpected return of Mallow's brother, Ulu, adds an intriguing twist. Ulu's participation becomes the talk of the town, especially when Nina, from the pancake restaurant, drops by to wish him luck. Determined to win for her sake, Ulu sets his sights on claiming victory.
However, a sudden setback strikes when Ulu's sweet Grepa Berries, a crucial ingredient for his entry, mysteriously disappear. Without hesitation, our heroes step in to assist Ulu in salvaging his competition entry. In a stroke of ingenuity, Mallow proposes a solution—making jelly from the sour Grepa Berries, sweetening it, and spreading it on Ulu's bread.
The plan works like a charm! Ulu's innovative bread creation, infused with the unique jelly, secures the coveted first prize at the festival. However, the joyous victory takes a poignant turn when Ulu discovers Nina is already engaged to someone else. Suddenly, Ulu, feeling a mix of emotions, abruptly decides to resume his culinary journey, leaving everyone surprised and saddened by his sudden departure.
Here is a new chapter, and this is the end of the anime parts with the Eevee quest. The next chapter is going to be the game part of Ula'ula Island.
Ash and Lillie's Pokemon:
Charizard x2, Butterfree x2 (One Pink), Raticate (Alolan), Pikachu, Raichu (Alolan), Vulpix (Alolan), Meowth (Alolan), Grimer (Alolan), Cubone, Lapras, Meganium, Typhlosion (Hisuian), Steelix (Crystal), Mantine, Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Milotic, Absol, Infernape, Lucario, Togekiss, Gallade, Samurott, Audino, Zoroark, Hydreigon, Meowstic x2, Aegislash, Hawlucha, Dartrix, Torracat, Brionne, Trumbeak, Gumshoos, Charjabug, Crabrawler, Oricorio, Cutiefly, Lycanroc x3 (Midday/Midnight/Dusk), Wishiwashi, Mareanie, Mudbray, Araquanid, Fomantis, Morelull, Salandit, Stufful, Steenee, Comfey, Oranguru, Passimian, Wimpod, Sandygast, Pyukumuku, Magearna (Shiny), Marshadow, Kleavor