Chapter 24
Amidst the vibrant hues of the Lush Jungle, we venture forth on our Pokémon quest, anticipation dancing in our hearts. Suddenly, amidst the verdant foliage, a Bounsweet emerges, filling the air with its sweet fragrance.
"Look, Lillie! A Bounsweet," I exclaim, pointing excitedly. Lillie's eyes widen with delight at the sight of the adorable Pokémon.
"It's so cute! Let's catch it," she responds, her voice filled with enthusiasm. With a shared determination, we synchronize our moves, simultaneously tossing our Poké Balls. The spherical capsules snap shut, ensnaring the Bounsweet within. Beaming at each other, we revel in our success, knowing this joyful encounter signals the start of numerous adventures together.
Bounsweet: The Fruit Pokemon: Grass Type. Although it's too sugary for human consumption, Bounsweet's sweat can be watered down into a juice with just the right amount of sweetness.
Startled by Dartrix's sudden interest in the aromatic Bounsweet, we quickly intervene. "Dartrix, no! Don't eat Bounsweet," I exclaim, gently pulling the Grass Quill Pokémon away.
Selene says, "Something's never going to change..."
Dartrix eyes the Bounsweet hungrily but eventually relents, understanding our insistence. With relief, we ensure Bounsweet's safety before turning our attention to calming down our Pokémon. As we continue to train, Bounsweet grows stronger alongside us. It evolves into the graceful Steenee, radiating newfound confidence and charm.
"Lillie, look! Bounsweet evolved into Steenee," I exclaim, pointing proudly at the transformed Pokémon. Lillie's face lights up with joy.
"Wow, it's amazing! You've become so strong, Steenee," she praises, patting the evolved Pokémon affectionately. Steenee twirls happily, displaying its evolved form with a delightful expression.
Steenee: The Fruit Pokemon: Grass Type. Evolve from Bounsweet at LV:18. The sepals on its head developed to protect its body. These are quite hard, so even if pecked by bird Pokémon, this Pokémon is totally fine.
Then we encounter a cluster of delicate flowers, and amidst them floats a Comfey. Remembering its role in aiding Nurse Joy at Pokémon Centers, an idea sparks among us.
"Look, everyone! It's a Comfey," Lillie exclaims, her eyes brightening with recognition. "That could be incredibly helpful with healing the injured Fomantis."
With a collective agreement, we approach the Comfey, and I request, "Comfey, we need your help in healing these injured Fomantis,"
Comfey nods in understanding, its floral rings shimmering with a healing aura as it tends to the injured Fomantis. Impressed by Comfey's dedication and compassion, we feel a sense of gratitude towards this benevolent Pokémon.
After the healing session concludes, Comfey hovers closer to us, conveying her willingness to join our team. "Thank you, Comfey! We'd be honored to have you accompany us on our journey," I expresses, his voice filled with gratitude.
Comfey: The Posy Picker Pokemon: Fairy Type. It stretches sticky vines out from its head and picks flowers to adorn itself with. When it doesn't have any flowers, it feels uneasy.
As we gather around to prepare lunch, the sun casts a warm glow over our makeshift campsite. The tantalizing aroma of Pinap Berry juices fills the air, enticing not just our group but also catching the attention of an observant Oranguru nearby.
Unexpectedly, the Oranguru approaches, its wise eyes fixated on our cooking process. Before we can react, it uses its Psychic abilities to deftly gather the ripest Pinap Berries and other ingredients needed for our refreshing beverages, setting them neatly before us.
"Whoa, did you see that? The Oranguru just helped us!" Rosa exclaims, her eyes widening in amazement. The rest of us exchange surprised glances, astonished by the unexpected assistance.
Grateful for the Oranguru's aid, we express our thanks, and with a gesture, invite the Pokémon to join us for lunch. The wise Oranguru nods appreciatively, understanding our gesture of friendship. We realize that Oranguru is actually interested in cooking, so we extend our hands, offering a Poké Ball to the Oranguru, a silent invitation to become part of our team. With a contemplative gaze, the Oranguru considers the offer before nodding in agreement, willingly accepting the Poké Ball.
"Welcome to the team, Oranguru! We're thrilled to have you with us," Lillie says warmly, a smile spreading across his face. The Oranguru responds with a wise nod.
Oranguru: The Sage Pokemon: Normal and Psychic Type. Deep in the jungle, high in the lofty canopy, this Pokémon abides. On rare occasions, it shows up at the beach to match wits with Slowking.
As we exit the forest and venture into an open area, our attention is immediately drawn to a group of lively Passimians engaged in an enthusiastic berry-tossing game. Their agility and teamwork are captivating to watch, prompting us to join in the fun.
"Guys, look at them! They seem to be having a blast," Selene remarks, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Let's join them." I say as they all nod. Eager to participate, we approach the Passimians with a friendly demeanor. With a subtle invitation, we express our interest in joining their game. The Passimians, intrigued by our presence, welcome us with energetic gestures, encouraging us to join their circle.
Excitement courses through our group as we become part of the lively game. Nate and Trenor exhibit impressive throws, while Rosa and Selene showcase remarkable coordination. Lillie and I synchronize our movements, earning nods of approval from the Passimians for our teamwork.
Amidst the laughter and cheerful camaraderie, a particularly distinguished Passimian, easily identifiable as the leader, catches our eye. Noticing our admiration for its leadership skills, the Passimian seems to acknowledge us, its demeanor exuding confidence and strength.
As the game progresses, we gradually earn the respect and camaraderie of the Passimians through our enthusiastic participation. With each toss and catch, a bond forms between our group and the playful Pokémon.
Sensing the connection, I extend a Poké Ball toward the leader Passimian, silently requesting its companionship. The Passimian locks eyes with me, understanding the unspoken invitation. With a resolute nod, it willingly accepts, disappearing into the Poké Ball.
With the capture of the Passimian leader, our group feels a sense of accomplishment, having not only joined in their game but also earning the trust and friendship of these spirited Pokémon. As we bid farewell to the Passimians, we continue to go out and find others.
Passimian: The Teamwork Pokemon: Fighting Type. They battle with hard berries for weapons. Their techniques are passed from the boss to the group, generation upon generation.
Back in Heahea City, Professor Kukui requests our presence at the Dimensional Lab to introduce us to his wife, Professor Burnet. In the midst of our conversation, Nebby, ever mischievous, pops out of the bag once more, eliciting a curious glance from Lillie.
"Nebby? What are you doing?" Lillie inquires, her concern evident as the Pokémon bounces around energetically.
"Maybe it's attempting to use some Pokémon moves? Well, besides Splash and Teleport... Can Nebby learn other moves?" I speculate aloud, observing Nebby's playful antics.
"I don't think so…" Lillie responds, her brow furrowing with worry. Turning towards Nebby, she expresses her concern, her voice filled with genuine care. "You… you always seemed to end up getting hurt, Nebby. Witnessing that pain affected me deeply, almost as if I were the one experiencing it."
Staring at the Dimensional Lab, a tinge of concern clouds my expression. "This is one of those places where we glimpsed through to the other dimension, right?"
Lillie nods solemnly. "Yes, the time when the alternate version of me unveiled the entire ordeal of being taken in by Professor Burnet," she recalls with a hint of melancholy as we proceed to enter the lab.
We ascend to the top floor of the Dimensional Lab, finding Professor Burnet there as expected. As we enter, Professor Kukui's cheerful voice echoes through the room.
"Hey there, honey!" Professor Kukui calls out enthusiastically, his warm greeting filled with affection as he addresses his wife, Professor Burnet.
Professor Burnet turns around, her smile widening as she hears her husband's familiar voice. Professor Kukui steps forward, beaming with pride and affection. This here's Professor Burnet." Professor Kukui introduces with a delighted tone. "She runs the Dimensional Research Lab, yeah... And she's also my wife!"
"It's wonderful to see you again, Ash and Lillie. And a warm hello to all of you," Professor Burnet greets us with a genuine smile before directing her attention back to Professor Kukui. "Hm? No Hau today?"
"Hau? He's out doing his own thing. But he'll be the real deal someday... He could even become a kahuna, just like old Hala before him!" Professor Kukui expresses with confidence and pride in Hau's abilities.
As if summoned by the discussion, Hau arrives, his timing impeccable. "You really think so?" he asks, a mixture of curiosity and excitement evident in his voice as he joins the conversation.
"Whoa-ho! Well, yeah, I really do." Kukui reaffirms with a hearty chuckle, his belief in Hau's potential unwavering.
"Good to see you again, Hau! It's been a while since I last saw you." Professor Burnet warmly greets Hau, her smile conveying genuine pleasure at their reunion.
"Anyhow, I brought my class here because I wanted you to tell them about some of the mysterious phenomena here in Alola." Professor Kukui exclaims.
"I'd be happy to! The mysteries of Alola, huh? Then you've got to mean..." Professor Burnet responds, a spark of interest glinting in her eyes. However, her tone turns slightly serious as she continues, "the Ultra Wormhole!"
"The Ultra Wormhole?" Those unfamiliar with the term express confusion, but both Lillie and I share a knowing look, having experienced numerous encounters through these extraordinary portals before arriving in Alola.
Professor Burnet elaborates, her voice carrying a weight of seriousness. "It's extremely rare, but sometimes a hole opens in the sky over Alola. It appears that this rift leads to a different and unknown dimension. The reason that people think there may be a mysterious dimension is because of the legends of fearsome Pokémon appearing from the Ultra Wormhole. It's very weak as proof, but I can't ignore it. There is also plenty of evidence already in the Pokédex for the existence of different dimensions, right?"
"Fearsome Pokémon?" Hau's curiosity sparks his inquiry.
"Even normal wild Pokémon sometimes attack people, right? But the Pokémon that appeared from the Ultra Wormhole went way beyond that. They were called Ultra Beasts... And they were feared. If the stories are to be believed, the guardian deities of the islands fought desperately against them," Professor Burnet explains, the gravity of the stories palpable in her words.
However, her tone shifts, and she laughs lightly. "But like I said, it's all legends and folktales. It's hard to know how much is true. But I would be very happy if I could somehow unravel the mysteries of the Ultra Wormhole by studying the dimensional disturbances! We've recorded several known relationships between Pokémon and different dimensions in books. You can find them on the bookshelves in this lab."
As we prepare to depart, we realize Olivia has slipped away unnoticed. Professor Kukui interjects with a curious thought, addressing Lillie and me directly.
"How about that, Ash and Lillie? If Ultra Beasts are really out there, I wonder what kinds of moves they can use..." Professor Kukui ponders aloud, his curiosity piqued by the potential abilities of these enigmatic creatures.
"You've finished all three of Akala's trials. Woo! And now comes the big match against Olivia—the island kahuna! It's the biggest and baddest trial of them all here on Akala—the grand trial!" Professor Kukui exclaims, acknowledging our achievements.
Professor Burnet chimes in with encouragement, adding, "Good luck! Olivia's house is past Diglett's Tunnel. It's in Konikoni City!"
Hau reflects, "Being able to go to more places really makes it feel like you're growing along with your partner Pokémon, huh? It's pretty great!"
As Lillie and I step outside, our gazes instinctively shift upward toward the sky. A sense of déjà vu washes over us as we notice a crack in the sky, reminiscent of the rifts we've encountered in the alternate dimension.
A feeling of unease lingers in the air as we observe the uncanny similarity between the crack here and the ones we've encountered before. "Hey there, Ash and Lillie! So, you've conquered all three of the captains' trials, right?" Hau inquires excitedly. "Diglett's Tunnel is... umm... I think it's sorta close to the PMC! But you might miss it if you're not paying attention. Anyway, I'm off for some malasadas now!"
With his customary enthusiasm, Hau hurries off to enjoy his beloved malasadas, leaving us to continue our journey toward Diglett's Tunnel.
I'll end the chapter here, you can see that Ash and Lillie capture more Pokemon, and now they're heading to the Grand Trial. I hope you like this chapter.
Ash and Lillie's Pokemon:
Charizard, Butterfree x2 (One Pink), Rattata (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, Yungoos, Grubbin, Crabrawler, Oricorio, Cutiefly, Rockruff x3, Wishiwashi, Mareanie, Mudbray, Dewpider, Fomantis, Morelull, Salandit, Stufful, Steenee, Comfey, Oranguru, Passimian, Wimpod, Magearna (Shiny), Kleavor