Chapter 33
In the Community Center, an old lady named Jane is seated, appearing to stifle a yawn. "The old eyes are getting tired," she mutters softly.
"Excuse me," Lillie begins, addressing her, "are you the skilled Jolteon user? We've been sent by Kagetora to challenge you to a battle."
"Why yes, I suppose I am," Jane responds with a faint smile. "I'm Jane. Eevee? Kagetora? I'm sorry, child. I don't remember them... I do remember Pokemon battles, though... Though I'm not sure if I'm still up to one..."
Lillie engages in a battle with Jane, her Midnight Lycanroc squaring off against Jane's Jolteon. With precision and determination, Lillie commands her Lycanroc to execute its Continental Crush move, aiming directly at Jolteon. The powerful attack strikes true, overwhelming Jolteon and eventually leading to its defeat.
"You provide a dazzling battle." Jane remarks with a wistful smile. "When lightning strikes the earth, it is swallowed up... and it disappears. Even if you try to whip an old body into action, there are simply limits to what it can do. And besides... I really don't remember anyone called Kagetora."
Disappointed, we exchange a frown among ourselves, realizing that further discussion or recollection might not be feasible. With a sense of understanding, we bid Jane a respectful farewell, acknowledging the constraints of memory and time that might shroud her past experiences.
As we make our way towards the Malie Library, Lillie expresses a desire to purchase a specific outfit she's been eyeing—a unique ensemble that happens to be the last one available in the store. Fortunately, the helpful staff at the store not only assisted with the purchase but also provided clear directions to the library.
Upon arriving at the Malie Library, we unexpectedly encounter Hapu once again. However, the surprise comes when her Mudsdale, without any warning, rushes towards us suddenly, catching us off guard and causing a momentary shock.
"Hello. Been a while, friends." Hapu greets us warmly. "Looks like your island challenge is coming along favorably. That must be pleasing to the tapu."
"It's a pleasure to see you again, Hapu," Selene responds with a smile.
"My apologies if Mudsdale spooked you just now. What are you up to?" Hapu inquires.
"Oh. we're actually, um, studying the tapu's ruins. For...various reasons of our own." Lillie explains hesitantly.
"Well, that's some fine initiative. I'd be happy to show you the way whenever you'd like to go. My Mudsdale here is as sturdy as all get-out. She can easily carry two." Hapu offers generously.
"Thank you for your offer." we express our gratitude with a bow as they prepare to depart. Trenor interjects, "Should we explore the Malie Library first since we're already here?"
With a quick conversation, we opt to explore the Malie Library first. I turn to Lillie and inquire, "So, Lillie, what specific kind of book are you searching for?"
"The book that I'm looking for is a very old one." Lillie responds, her eyes filled with anticipation. "It's a book that contains old myths and legends that Professor Burnet told me about... Those tales seem to suggest that Alola's Legendary Pokémon came from another world."
"Ah, I recall that," I remark, reminiscing about our encounter at the Dimensional Research Lab.
As we search through the shelves on the second floor, Lillie expresses her concern, saying, "It must be a very valuable book, so I'm not sure if I'll be able to take it out of the library..."
Suddenly, a chuckle interrupts our conversation, and we turn to see Ghost Trial Captain Acerola approaching us, holding a book. "Is this what you're looking for, Princess? Give it a read!" she offers with a mischievous grin.
"O-oh. Of course..." Lillie responds somewhat flustered.
Gathering around a nearby table, we eagerly join Lillie as she begins to read the book aloud. "Well... It's titled The Light of Alola. I'll just...um...read it aloud, shall I?" Lillie hesitantly suggests, preparing to delve into the pages of the ancient tome.
The empty sky broke asunder, a hole appearing where had been none. A single beast appeared from in it: it was called the beast that devours the sun. The king of Alola bowed before it: the beast that shone so like the sun. The island guardians fought against it, but in the end the beast had won. Then did the beast that devours the sun shine its light on the line of kings. Then did the beast that had won bring nature's gift to bless all things. Beast of sun and beast of moon. Through their union, they brought new life. A fragile heir in Alola born that island guardians would keep from strife. The ancient kings sang their thanks for Solgaleo with song of flute. Two tones rang out across the altar - a perfect pair, ever after mute.
Solgaleo? But in that other Dimension, it was Lunala, right? I wonder if there's a connection there...
Acerola interjects enthusiastically, "Isn't it great? My dad's books are all great!"
I snap out of my thoughts and inquire, "What? I mean, yes, it is. But when you say your father... Isn't this book...very old?"
"Yeah, it belonged to my dad. I know I don't look it, but my family used to be pretty much royalty," Acerola explains. "I had to have all my dad's books moved here so they didn't get ruined by the Pokémon. I can tell you lots of other old stories about Alola, too! You interested?"
"Well...that would be wonderful! I would be delighted, if you did," Lillie responds eagerly.
Rosa interjects, reminding us, "Remember, both of you have a Trial at Mount Hokulani. Professor Kukui is still waiting for us at the bus station."
"If that's the case, would you mind if I tag along?" Acerola asks, eager to accompany us.
"Not at all, we're happy to have you, Acerola." I reply, welcoming Acerola's company as we prepare to head to Mount Hokulani with the knowledge gained from the ancient book and Acerola's stories about Alola's rich history.
Trenor inquires, "Wait, you know her name, Brother? I don't recall her introducing herself to us yet..."
"She's the Ghost Trial Captain Acerola. Let's just say we're familiar with her from our experiences in the Ultra Dimensions," Lillie responds with a slight smile, hinting at their prior encounters.
Adding to the unexpectedness, behind Acerola, a shiny flying Mimikyu appears before us. Acerola introduces, "Oh, and this is Mimikins."
"A shiny Mimikyu..." Nate remarks in surprise, noting the rare and unique appearance of the Pokémon.
Before heading to Route 10, we decide to explore Malie Outercape. While we wander, we notice janitors working alongside Grimer and Muk, diligently cleaning up the trash scattered around. Witnessing Pokémon actively contributing to maintaining cleanliness is heartening.
During our exploration, we encounter an Ace Trainer who's quite rude to us. Surprisingly, his father arrives and reprimands him for his behavior. The Ace Trainer admits to attempting the Island trials but giving up midway. His father then challenges me to a battle, and I accept.
After a hard-fought battle, I emerge victorious. Despite his father's encouragement, the Ace Trainer seems hesitant to battle me again. With some persuasion, he eventually agrees. Following another battle that ends in his defeat, the Ace Trainer expresses fear but is ultimately accepted into the garbage disposal team as a boss, much to his relief and delight.
As we make our way along Route 10, a woman stops us, noting, "Oh? Looks like you two are trial-goers, eh? I've got a favor to ask of you then."
Curious, Lillie asks, "Is something wrong?"
The woman explains, "My Stufful are out playing in this vast area, but they haven't returned. I'm too old to search everywhere, and I worry for them. If you find any of my little Stufful, just tell them to come back to me. They're clever little creatures and should find their way home."
Eager to help, I agree, "Sure, we're willing to assist. But how many Stufful are missing?"
"I've got 8 Stufful out there somewhere. Maybe they're hiding?" she responds, leaving us stunned by the number.
We start our search and manage to locate all 8 of the missing Stufful scattered across Route 10. Once we gather them, we return to the lady.
"All of my Stufful have made it back, thanks to you! You've been a great help," she exclaims gratefully. "I owe you, my young friend. Please take this Muscle Band as a token of my appreciation."
Accepting the Muscle Band, we're surprised when she also hands us $15,000. "Well, that's quite a sum," I remark. "But then again, considering our background, it might not be as surprising."
As we assist the lady in finding her missing Stufful, our own Stufful undergoes a surprising evolution, transforming into a formidable Bewear. Its evolution brings about an increase in strength and power, but also a potential concern—Bewear's bone-crushing hugs are infamous and quite formidable.
Bewear: The Strong Arm Pokemon: Normal and Fighting Type. Evolve from Stufful at LV:27. This Pokémon has the habit of hugging its companions. Many Trainers have left this world after their spines were squashed by its hug.
As we reach the bus stop, a peculiar sight greets us—two Team Skull grunts engaged in an eccentric dance routine, causing a bit of a commotion around the bus stop area.
"What? You never see somebody take a bus stop to go before?" the first Team Skull grunt quips with a smirk.
"Hey yo! You trying to steal our bus stop? Best go find your own, ya heard?" the second grunt adds, attempting to assert their ownership over the bus stop area.
With determination in our hearts, we engage in a battle against the Team Skull grunts and their Houndour and Golbat. Utilizing my Dusk Form Lycanroc, I'm excited to test out the newfound power of the Z Crystal.
"Let's go, Lycanroc!" I declare, activating the Z Crystal's power and initiating the Rock Dance. "This is my full power! Splintered Stormshards!"
The ground beneath my Lycanroc fractures, sending rock shards soaring into the air. With precision and speed, my Dusk Form Lycanroc leaps amidst the suspended shards, directing them toward the opponents. As the shards halt mid-air and aim toward the adversaries, my Lycanroc elegantly lands behind the foes just as the shards strike, delivering a powerful blow.
The Team Skull grunt, after the battle, admits somewhat humorously, "I don't know if you care, but that bus stop weighs about as much as Golem."
Selene remarks with a hint of disbelief, "Seriously? You were trying to take the bus stop?"
Attempting to justify their actions in their own peculiar way, the grunt retorts, "Yo, think about the bus drivers! If we take this bus stop, they can all chill!"However, upon noticing the stern expressions from both the Pokémon and us, the grunts quickly change their tune, "Oh, I'm over this! Back to livin' large at the mansion, Hmmph!"
As the Team Skull grunts hastily flee the scene, Professor Kukui approaches us, curious about the commotion.
"What's going on? Some Team Skull punks just ran past me going in the other direction, yeah?" Professor Kukui remarks. "I sure wish they'd challenge the League instead of getting up to no good all the time..."
"The League?" I inquire, puzzled. "But I thought Alola doesn't have a League?"
"Ho-ho! You'll find out soon enough! Just you wait, cousin," Professor Kukui laughs with a hint of mysterious anticipation. "And if it isn't Acerola?"
"Good to see you, Professor Kukui," Acerola greets him warmly. "I've decided to tag along, considering they're tackling a different trial first."
Professor Kukui then turns his attention to our impending journey. "But first things first. If you want to head up Mount Hokulani, we should take the bus. It'll blast us up there to the top, yeah, as quick as a Sky Uppercut!"
With the arrival of the Exeggutor Express, our group eagerly boards the bus, ready to embark on our journey to the summit of Mount Hokulani. The unique and aptly named Exeggutor Express promises a comfortable and efficient ride to the peak of the mountain.
As the bus sets off, we enjoy the scenic views along the winding path, marveling at the beauty of Alola's landscape. The Exeggutor Express steadily ascends, transporting us smoothly towards our destination atop Mount Hokulani.
Here is a new chapter, and we have Acerola joining the team temporarily. Considering that Acerola is actually one of the harem... I hope you like this chapter.
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, Ribombee, Lycanroc x3 (Midday/Midnight/Dusk), Wishiwashi, Mareanie, Mudbray, Araquanid, Fomantis, Shiinotic, Salandit, Bewear, Steenee, Comfey, Oranguru, Passimian, Wimpod, Sandygast, Pyukumuku, Magearna (Shiny), Marshadow, Kleavor