Chapter 26
As we approach Route 9, we come upon the Memorial Hills, a cemetery bustling with Ghost Type Pokémon. Selene inquires, "Why are we here in a graveyard again?"
"I understand what you're referring to; we encountered a graveyard at the Hau'oli Cemetery," I mention. "However, if we intend to reach the Ruins of Life, we'll need to continue past this location."
"Yeah," Lillie acknowledges, but as we proceed, we spot someone familiar who works alongside Ms. Lusamine. In response, Lillie swiftly assumes her Concordia Form. Perplexed, Mallow questions, "Wait, Lillie? What's happening?"
"It appears that Faba is ahead. He's affiliated with the Aether Foundation, and considering Lillie's history of taking Nebby from them, she can't risk being seen," I explain.
We opt to conceal Nebby in the bag before cautiously advancing toward Faba and the other Aether Worker, who are currently confronting Team Skull grunts.
"Team Skull! Give back that Pokemon!" demands the Aether Foundation worker.
Team Skull had pilfered a Slowpoke, and the initial grunt asserts, "Don't give me trouble! I'll reduce you to rubble!"
"That's right! We're gonna sell this Pokemon to get rich, and we won't make no bones about it!" adds the second grunt. "If you want it back, you're gonna have to take it!"
"Stand firm! Think of what the president would say!" Faba commands.
"That's what you say, Chief! But you don't lift a finger!" the employee retorts with frustration.
"Why, I am the Aether Foundation's last line of defense!" Faba asserts. "What would become of the foundation if something were to happen to me now?"
As Lillie seethes with anger with what he just said, we decide to take action. "Ah! If it isn't Ash and Trenor? There are promising young Trainers!" Faba greets. "Fight in my stead, and rout these Team Skull ruffians. I will bestow honor upon you if you do!"
"Long time no see, Faba. Seems like you haven't changed a bit," Trenor remarks as our Pokémon leap into action against the Team Skull grunts.
"You ready? Cuz I was born ready, yo!" declares the first grunt, releasing Raticate. However, Togekiss capitalizes on the type advantage and swiftly defeats it with Moonblast.
"That loss was pathetic! Your moves were so kinetic!" The first grunt says.
"We don't need this Pokemon anyway! Take it then! Good luck and good riddance!" adds the second grunt before they hastily depart, abandoning the Slowpoke.
The employee rushes over to the Slowpoke, relieved, and says, "Phew... Thanks, kid."
Faba turns to us, acknowledging, "Yes, indeed. As expected from Adam's son. I assume you are doing trials, aren't you? You're a splendid Trainer. I am deeply impressed! I'd like to reward you by showing you something truly astounding. Once you have finished your grand trial, come to Hano Grand Resort and I will take you to see a wondrous place."
"Let me guess, the Aether Foundation?" Trenor inquires.
The employee expresses gratitude, saying, "Thank you for helping us out. I really owe you! I am so glad there are nice young Trainers like you around. Good luck on your island challenge!"
After reverting to her usual appearance, Lillie hears Kiawe's comment. "It's quite surprising to witness that transformation," he remarks.
Lillie nods. "I understand. But if you're heading to the Aether Paradise, I won't be joining. My disguise won't fool my mother, and I have a sense of where things are heading."
Later, we opt to engage in some training sessions. Our Yungoos evolves into Gumshoos, displaying enhanced strength and keen observation skills, while our Grubbin undergoes evolution into Charjabug, manifesting newfound electrical capabilities and resilience.
Gumshoos: The Stakeout Pokemon: Normal Type. Evolve from Yungoos at LV:20 during daytime. It adores having Rattata and Raticate for dinner, but as it's diurnal, it never encounters them. This Pokémon boasts incredible patience.
Charjabug: The Battery Pokemon: Bug and Electric Type. Evolve from Grubbin at LV:20. It buries itself in fallen leaves and barely moves, munching away on humus. If you accidentally step on one, you'll get a shock!
Going through the Akala Outskirts, as we near the Ruins of Life, an abrupt voice halts our progress. "So, you're the one Gladion was talking about? ...Hmph. You don't look like anything special to me."
We pivot to find an edgy girl with pink hair and yellow streaks striding toward us. Lillie queries, "Who are you, and how do you know my brother?"
"I'm Plumeria. I help keep Team Skull together. I'm like a big sister to all these numskulls. You have realized what idiots all these guys are, right?"
"Seems like you're some kind of admin in Team Skull..." Nate interjects.
"But don't you think some dummies are cute in their dumbness? You know what I mean, right? You picking on my cute, dumb brothers and sisters is really annoying me!" Plumeria responds defensively, summoning Golbat and Salandit to the fray. In response, we send out Pikachu and Rockruff to engage in the battle. As the confrontation unfolds, Rockruff unexpectedly starts barking fervently during the intense skirmish against the opposing Golbat and Salandit.
As Pikachu unleashes the powerful 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt, it successfully defeats the Golbat in a spectacular display of electricity. However, Rockruff appears agitated, hurling Rock Throws indiscriminately, targeting everyone except the Salandit. Reacting swiftly, I rush forward, urgently calling out, "Rockruff, you have to calm down! Focus on the battle!"
Rockruff unexpectedly bites my hand, startling everyone present. The abrupt action surprises Rockruff as well, and a wave of guilt washes over him. Sensing his remorse, I gently pet Rockruff, reassuring him not to fret. "It's okay, Rockruff. You didn't mean to. Just calm down," I soothe, offering reassurance and understanding to ease Rockruff's distress.
bserving her fainted Pokémon, Plumeria maintains a stern expression. "Hmmph! You're pretty strong. I'll give you that. But mess with anyone in Team Skull again, and I'll show you how serious I can get." she warns with a sharp tone, emphasizing the severity of her threat before departing.
I address Rockruff, acknowledging its spirited demeanor. "You're full of energy, aren't you? Keep that enthusiasm up. Together, we'll definitely overcome the grand trial."
Kiawe chimes in with a reminder, "Stay vigilant, Ash."
"Absolutely," I affirm. "I'll put forth my utmost effort." With determination in my voice, I prepare to face the upcoming challenge.
As we arrive in front of the Ruins, Professor Kukui steps forward. "Ash, Lillie, welcome to the Ruins of Life. This will serve as the setting for your Grand Trial."
"Is this really the Ruins of Life? It's amazing," I express in awe.
Professor Kukui nods. "Indeed, this is where Tapu Lele, the Guardian of Akala Island, resides. Today, we'll witness Ash and Lillie's grand trial. Let's all support and cheer them on," he encourages, rallying everyone's spirits for the upcoming challenge.
Lillie addresses Nebby, noticing its excitement at the ruins. "You! I remember you attempted to bring me to the Ruins of Conflict on Melemele Island as well... Why are these ruins significant to you? What do the guardians signify for you? Just imagine what might have occurred if you hadn't been there that time..."
Olivia warmly greets both Ash and Lillie. "I'm glad to see you, Ash and Lillie. Thanks for getting to know the people and Pokémon of Alola."
Eager for the challenge, I confidently express, "No problem, I'll be your first challenger."
Olivia nods in agreement before noticing Rockruff's enthusiastic barking. "All right, then! You've completed the trials of all three captains here on Akala Island. Now you face the grand trial of the kahuna-me! Get ready for the hardest Pokémon battle yet on Akala!"
"Absolutely!" I respond with determination.
"Great! We're gonna give you guys everything we've got! And my partners are all adorable, rugged little Rock types! Wela Volcano, cradle of Akala Island's growth... Tapu Lele, guardian of all life on these islands. Grant your guidance and strength as we embark on this island challenge," Olivia chants, invoking the guardian deity's watchful gaze over the trial.
In the 3-on-3 double battle, Rockruff's aggression persists, particularly when facing Lycanroc. Olivia initiates the battle by sending out her first pair of Pokémon, a Boldore and a Probopass. Evaluating the situation, I opt to choose Rockruff and Morelull as my companions for this bout.
Boldore launches into action, launching a barrage of Rock Blast, while Probopass follows suit with its commanding Magnet Bomb. Rockruff displays remarkable agility, dodging incoming assaults with calculated finesse. On the other hand, Morelull maintains a calm demeanor, leveraging its Grass and Fairy-type moves to deflect and counter the attacks.
As the intense battle unfolds, Rockruff tackles Boldore with a powerful Rock Throw, causing the Boldore to stagger. Olivia, impressed by Rockruff's newfound control, commends the effort. "That's some impressive progress you've made there!"
Boldore, weakened by the Rock Throw, attempts to retaliate, but with a swift and coordinated effort, Morelull teams up, executing a dazzling combination move that leaves the Boldore unable to continue, forcing Olivia to recall it. And at the same time, the Magnet Bomb hits Morelull, also knocking it out.
Our final Pokemon are Dartrix and Midday form Lycanroc. I have Dartrix use Leafage, with Rockruff using Rock Throw. Lycanroc uses Rock Slide to destroy the incoming attacks and blows away both Rowlet and Rockruff.
Meanwhile, Probopass creates large rock pillars, ensnaring Dartrix and Rockruff within the trap. Despite their valiant efforts, the pillars inflict substantial damage upon them.
"In that case, Dartrix, grab Rockruff and fly!" I command. I know that Stealth Rock is no threat when they're up in the sky. I also instruct Dartrix to utilize Leafage while carrying Rockruff out of the trap, aiming to strike Probopass. The Leafage connects, causing Probopass to react by unleashing Magnet Bomb with its Mini-Noses. Rockruff valiantly counters, dispersing most of the projectiles, but one Mini-Nose strike, causing damage and pushing them back into the pillar trap.
"The damage from a Magnet Bomb is huge, even if only one unit detonates. You've got to be able to deal with it, or passing the grand trial is impossible." Olivia taunts.
"Hey, this is starting to get fun. Dealing with challenges is what battling's all about." I say.
"You're fired up like Wela Volcano. You know, challengers like you are the best it can get." Olivia adds.
Probopass launches Zap Cannon while Lycanroc employs Accelerock, aiming for my exhausted team. Dartrix reacts swiftly, using Leafage to fend off the attacks, but the situation becomes dire as Lycanroc maneuvers Probopass' Mini-Noses to assail Dartrix.
"Who'd have thought that could happen..." Mallow gasps.
"Look out, Ash!" Selene yells.
As the battle intensifies, Rockruff's impetuous behavior escalates drastically, showcasing impatience and heightened ferocity.
"There's that weird behavior again..." Lillie frowns.
"Yeah. I hope Rockruff's going to be all right." Nate says.
Olivia seizes the opportunity, commanding her Mini-Noses to encircle my Pokémon, and she activates her Z Ring and gasps, "Let's go, Lycanroc!"
I know that he's going for a Z Move, but I have an idea. "That's it! Dartrix, fly up in the air with Rockruff!"
As they fly into the air, Olivia commences the dance. her movements flowing with grace and purpose. Her hands rise from above, extending gracefully to the sides, and she assumes a crouched position akin to a bodybuilder's pose. "That roar, that heartbeat of life! The reverberating echo pierces the skies above and the ground below. Go, Continental Crush!"
Lycanroc jumps into the air, stones are now gathering around until it becomes a giant boulder, waiting to crush both Pokemon. I yell, "Do it, Dartrix!" Dartrix manages to get Rockruff out of the way as they narrowly dodges the boulder, destroying the Stealth Rock.
"That wasn't luck... That's brother's strategy all along." Trenor says.
"I see. Smoothly done." In response, Olivia orders Probopass to execute Giga Impact, paired with Lycanroc's Rock Slide, aiming to overwhelm my resilient team. I counter, commanding Dartrix to use Leafage and urging Rockruff to Bite Lycanroc. Leafage deflects the Rock Slide, but Rockruff takes the full brunt of Giga Impact, crashing against the cliff before retaliating with a fierce Bite on Lycanroc.
Probopass launches a Magnet Bomb at Dartrix, but my strategic maneuver redirects the Mini-Noses to counter Probopass instead, sparing Dartrix from the attack.
"Now Dartrix!" I activate my Z-Power Ring, having the Grassium Z on it.
"I won't let you! Probopass, use Giga Impact!" But I do the dance just in time, and I yell, "Get ready for this, Probopass. Here we go with full power now! All right, Bloom Doom, let's go!"
Dartrix then becomes surrounded by a light green aura, causing the battlefield to be covered in flowers. The energy surrounding Rowlet then rapidly expands, creating a giant explosion, knocking out Probopass.
"We did it, Dartrix. Now Lycanroc is left." I say. However, much to my shock, when Dartrix attempts to assist Rockruff, the latter, caught in its fervor, retaliates with a Bite, incapacitating Dartrix unintentionally. Rockruff realizes its misstep, expressing remorse.
"Rockruff, don't worry. Let's beat Lycanroc. I'm with you." Rockruff has now ignited its determination once more, and unleashes a potent Rock Throw, clashing fiercely with Lycanroc's Accelerock. In a swift exchange, Rockruff narrowly misses a Bite, but Lycanroc's Rock Slide is countered ingeniously, allowing Rockruff to leverage the rocks for a close-range Rock Throw. Lycanroc falls, unable to continue the battle, marking our hard-earned victory.
Amidst the jubilant cheers celebrating my victory, Olivia steps forward to award me the Rockium-Z. However, in a comical turn of events, she trips and stumbles, causing a collective sweatdrop moment among us.
As Olivia regains her composure, she addresses me, saying, "Ash, after our battle today, I've been contemplating something. It appears that Rockruff is on the cusp of evolving very soon."
Professor Kukui interjects, elaborating further, "You see, when Rockruff is on the verge of evolution, it tends to become more assertive and also displays a tendency to act more independently."
As the excitement mounts, our attention is drawn to the sky where Tapu Lele, the guardian deity of Akala Island, emerges in a majestic display. Flying gracefully above us, Tapu Lele emanates a soothing aura that envelops Rockruff and Lycanroc, miraculously healing their battle-worn injuries.
The sudden restoration of strength and vitality indicates that Rockruff and Lycanroc are now revitalized, Olivia can battle Lillie now. As the showdown between Lillie and Olivia escalates, the energy on the battlefield intensifies. Olivia, exuding confidence as the Kahuna of Akala Island, releases her powerful duo of ancient Pokémon—Lileep and Anorith.
Lillie, resolute and focused, strategically chooses Crabrawler and Wishiwashi to confront Olivia's seasoned team. Tension fills the air as the clash commences.
Olivia commands her Lileep and Anorith to execute a coordinated assault. Lileep unleashes a surge of ancient power, pulsating with formidable energy, while Anorith swiftly maneuvers with agile moves. Crabrawler, the spirited Fighting-type, showcases remarkable agility, countering Lileep's ancient power with a barrage of powerful strikes. Fomantis, Lillie's Grass-type ally, engages Anorith with swift Leafage attacks, skillfully evading its opponent's maneuvers.
Recognizing the strength of Olivia's team, Lillie capitalizes on Wishiwashi's might. Transforming into its School Form, Wishiwashi harnesses the collective power of the ocean, summoning a potent Hydro Pump that engulfs Olivia's Pokémon, overpowering Anorith and rendering it unable to continue the battle. However, Lileep manages to defeat Crabrawler with a calculated Spit Up after amassing power with Stockpile.
As Olivia's Lycanroc and Lillie's Fomantis join in the battle, the intensity reaches a crescendo. Olivia's Lycanroc showcases unwavering determination, retaliating with a swift and powerful Accelerock, showcasing incredible speed and strength. And then the Z Move Continental Crush defeats Fomantis as well. The battle intensifies, leading to a climactic moment where Wishiwashi unleashes another surge of Hydro Vortex, bolstered with heightened power. The powerful torrent collides fiercely against Olivia's remaining Pokémon, creating a spectacular clash of abilities and willpower on the battlefield, defeating both Lileep and Lycanroc at the same time.
"Diamonds only sparkle after coal is pushed to its absolute limit. You guys are the best! Here. The Rock-type Z-Crystal... The Rockium Z is all yours!" Olivia announces graciously, presenting Lillie with the coveted Z-Crystal.
"The Rock-type Z-Power...you have to move like this to draw it out! Watch carefully, because the hip movement is crucial!" She proceeds to demonstrate the intricate dance required to harness the Rock-type Z-Power, emphasizing the importance of precise movements. "Use it well. The Rock type... It's hard. Sturdy. Rugged and physically strong. So nothing like me at all! I guess opposites really do attract."
Lillie nods in understanding as Nebby leaps into her arms, prompting her to express her concern to Olivia. "Olivia? You see... about Nebby... It's not originally from here, and I want to help it get back to its home... But I don't have any idea how to do that... It seems fond of the ruins for some reason, so I keep visiting them and hoping that maybe I will find some clue to help it..."
Olivia responds with insight, "You certainly don't see Pokémon like that every day. Tapu Lele may be called the guardian deity of our island, but it can also run wild at times. Regular Pokémon normally avoid the guardians at all costs... Unless they are strong enough to face the tapu themselves, that is."
Glancing at the Cosmog, Olivia's demeanor shifts slightly. "Wait, that can't be right... I think your journey will hold many surprises. And I hope it holds many joys."
With our conversation concluded, we decide to make our way to Konikoni City.
Here is a new chapter, and we're done with the Rock Trial. The next chapter will be Rockruff's evolution and I hope you like it.
Ash and Lillie's Pokemon:
Charizard, 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, Rockruff x3, Wishiwashi, Mareanie, Mudbray, Dewpider, Fomantis, Morelull, Salandit, Stufful, Steenee, Comfey, Oranguru, Passimian, Wimpod, Magearna (Shiny), Kleavor