Chapter 55
Selene is working hard on her research project, aiming to win the Ribbon Cup by obtaining her final Ribbon. The Contest is being held in the Seafolk Village. She has been putting in considerable effort with her Primarina and Arbok. Finally, she wins the final ribbon, which allows her to exchange them for the coveted Ribbon Cup. As for me, I also manage to get my Ribbon Cup from my mom due to my assistance with the Contest judge.
At the Pokémon Center on Seafolk Island, Sophocles shares his plan to evolve Charjabug at Vast Poni Canyon. Intrigued, we decide to accompany him on this journey. However, our plans take an unexpected turn when we encounter Ida and her boyfriend Kanoa at the center.
During our conversation, they excitedly reveal that Brionne has evolved into the majestic Primarina. Ida proudly showcases Primarina's enchanting and melodic water balloon display, captivating everyone present.
Lana, deeply impressed by Primarina's graceful control and unique abilities, expresses her admiration for Ida. Enthralled by Primarina's prowess, Lana gathers the courage to ask Ida if she could provide guidance and training to help improve her own skills.
Ida seems momentarily unsure in response to Lana's request, possibly contemplating the responsibility of mentoring Lana to master similar techniques to those exhibited by Primarina. But she decides to help as some decide to accompany Lana while we are heading with Sophocles to Vast Poni Canyon.
As we traverse through Vast Poni Canyon once more, Sophocles engages in a battle with a wild Golduck, unleashing Charjabug's Discharge. Unexpectedly, Togedemaru swiftly intervenes, leaping in to absorb the attack and redirect it towards the Golduck.
"Hey, Togedemaru! That was Charjabug's battle!" Sophocles exclaims, a mix of surprise and amusement evident in his voice. However, Togedemaru merely bounces around in jubilation, seemingly unperturbed by Sophocles' protest.
As we continue our journey, nearing the entrance of the cave, Sophocles remains eager for his next challenge. Suddenly, his attention is drawn to a familiar sight – Horacio, accompanied by his brothers Dana and Yansu. Memories of their previous encounter during the Charjabug race flood back to us as we recognize the trio from before.
"So what brings you here?" Kiawe inquires, curious about Horacio's presence.
"I'm here to facilitate my Charjabug's evolution into Vikavolt!" Horacio responds with determination.
Sophocles, surprised, interjects, "You too?"
"I may have let you win that race before, but this time, my Charjabug will evolve before yours does," Horacio asserts confidently. "I'm on the hunt for a Bug Stone to trigger the evolution."
"Actually," I interject, "Charjabug evolves into Vikavolt using a Thunder Stone."
This revelation sparks a challenge between Sophocles and Horacio. They agree on a friendly competition: whoever manages to evolve their Charjabug into Vikavolt first, without any external aid, will emerge victorious. With a determined glint in their eyes, the challenge is set.
As Sophocles bravely ventures deeper into the dark confines of the Vast Poni Canyon for the evolution challenge, leaving Togedemaru in our care, Lillie expresses her concern about Sophocles' fear of the dark. "I wonder if they'll be alright... I mean, Sophocles is scared of the dark," she frets.
"We have to trust in him," I reassure her, hoping for Sophocles' success in overcoming his fears.
After a tense wait, Sophocles emerges from the cave, accompanied by the newly evolved Vikavolt. Our hearts swell with joy for his achievement. However, Horacio emerges looking visibly disappointed, acknowledging his defeat with a determined yet distraught expression. He vows to intensify his training and challenge Sophocles again in the future, before hastily departing with his brothers. In his haste, Horacio accidentally slips and falls from a ledge, highlighting the rush he's in to leave the area.
Appreciative of our support, Sophocles expresses his gratitude, handing over the Yellow Petals as a token of appreciation given by Mina. We graciously accept the gift, acknowledging the significance of the gesture.
Curious about his own contribution, Lillie queries, "And what about you, Kiawe?"
But Kiawe responds unexpectedly, teasingly stating, "If you think I'm just going to hand it over easily, you're wrong," much to our surprise and mild dismay. His playful refusal leaves us wondering if there's a task or challenge he has in mind before considering parting with the petals.
As we join Ida and Kanoa's farewell party, the presence of Sophocles' newly evolved Vikavolt captivates everyone, drawing expressions of awe and admiration. The celebration is elevated by Mallow's culinary expertise, transforming the dinner into a sumptuous feast that leaves everyone raving about her delectable dishes.
The highlight of the night's festivities is Ida's enchanting display of her Primarina's abilities. With an entrancing performance, Primarina delivers a beautiful rendition of Oceanic Operetta, captivating the audience with its elegance and melodic prowess. The mesmerizing Z-Move leaves a lasting impression, inspiring Lana, who feels encouraged by the display of water-type mastery.
Empowered and inspired, Lana's determination is ignited, prompting her to swiftly depart and focus on intensifying Popplio's training.
The following morning, as Kanoa and Ida prepare to depart, we discover that Lana is missing. After searching, we eventually find her, and to our surprise, Popplio has evolved into a Brionne overnight. In its evolved form, Brionne adeptly manipulates a water balloon, skillfully controlling it before bursting it into a dazzling shower of sparkling droplets. Impressed by Lana and Brionne's display of skill, Ida admires their abilities and offers Lana a Primarium Z.
Initially hesitant, Lana hesitates to accept the Z-Crystal, but Kanoa assures her that it's another Z-Crystal he found on the seafloor. With joyous acceptance, Lana receives the Primarium Z, expressing her gratitude as Ida wishes her the best for her future endeavors. With fond farewells, Kanoa and Ida set sail on their journey aboard their Steelix vessel, leaving us waving goodbye.
Amidst the emotional departure, Mallow interjects, "Speaking of trials, Ash and Lillie, you're undertaking Mina's trial, right? You should take these Green Petals!" she exclaims, handing over the Green Petals to aid us in our trial quest.
Lana, joining in, presents a Blue Petal, sharing an interesting fact, "And take this from me… A Blue Petal. Did you know? The Blue Petal is the same shape as one of Wishiwashi's scales," she explains, offering the Blue Petal as a contribution to our trial endeavors.
"Kiawe, when will you give us the Red Petal?" I inquire, seeking the completion of our trial.
"My research project aims to surpass my current capabilities. Until this point, I've been refining my skills in the wilderness. As a final achievement, I'll give it to you after I defeat Tapu Fini," Kiawe asserts confidently.
Determined to aid Kiawe in his endeavor to battle Tapu Fini, we devise a plan to get the attention of the deity. We opt for a battle with Kiawe as a method to draw Tapu Fini's focus. However, amid the battle's intensity, an inexplicable mist materializes, ensnaring both Lillie and me within a mysterious blue sphere of energy. Despite Kiawe's attempts, freeing us from the sphere proves futile.
As we look up, it becomes apparent that Tapu Fini is the culprit behind this unforeseen circumstance. The deity appears angered due to the damage inflicted on its sacred domain during our battle, and we find ourselves at the mercy of Tapu Fini's wrath. Kiawe is left with a dire ultimatum—to retrieve Tapu Lele's scale if he wishes to calm the enraged deity, otherwise risking the possibility of us being lost forever. Hope now rests solely on Kiawe's shoulders as he sets out to fulfill this daunting task, upon which our fate hinges.
As Kiawe sets off to retrieve Tapu Fini's scale, the deity unexpectedly decides to release us from the ethereal confinement. Curious to witness if Kiawe would return or abandon us, Tapu Fini observes the bond shared between us. Moments before the promised time elapses, Kiawe rushes back, just in the nick of time.
Touched by the display of loyalty and dedication, Tapu Fini acknowledges the strength of their bond. In a heartwarming turn of events, Tapu Fini decides to reward Kiawe's commitment. The deity heals Charizard and presents Kiawe with the Flyinium Z, enabling the use of Supersonic Skystrike.
In a surprising revelation, Tapu Fini discloses that the entire ordeal was, in fact, a trial orchestrated specifically for Kiawe. Overjoyed that his project has reached its conclusion and having proven himself, Kiawe is ecstatic. Embracing the moment, he finally presents us with the long-awaited Red Petal, marking the successful completion of our trial quest.
As we return to Ula'ula Island in pursuit of the Purple Petal from Acerola, we make our way to the Aether House, hoping to find her there. Instead, we're met with an unexpected encounter – Guzma.
"Oh, it's you..." Guzma acknowledges our presence. "Look, kids... About what went down with Necrozma... I guess I should... Thanks. I mean, I'm saying thanks. Okay?"
"No problem," I respond, acknowledging his gratitude. Just then, Hau arrives at the scene, noticing the trio.
"Hey! Ash, Lillie, and Guzma! What're you three doing together?" Hau inquires cheerfully.
Guzma retorts, "The kahuna's grandson, huh... We're not doin' nothin'." His response hints at a vague sense of dismissal.
"Oh, yeah! I've been wanting to ask you something, Guzma! Your Golisopod..." Hau starts.
"Yeah, this dude? He's been my partner since before I even set out on my island challenge. My rock. Nobody in Team Skull could ever top my Golisopod. Same goes for the rest of my team. I met 'em all during my island challenge and trained 'em up real good. ...Not that any of that matters now," Guzma responds with a hint of nostalgia.
Hau nods in understanding, "So you formed bonds with your Pokémon partners through the island challenge and made some amazing friends too, right?"
"He did?" Lillie questions.
"Sure did! Everyone in Team Skull, they all really respect and admire Guzma," Hau clarifies.
Shaking his head, Guzma remarks, "During your journey, you'll meet Pokémon and people who'll add depth to your life. Is that it? ...Geez. You're definitely old Hala's grandson. Who knows? Maybe kids like you can breathe some new life into the island challenge. Here. I don't need this anymore."
He hands us a Grip Claw, and as the winds start picking up, Guzma reflects, "Ho... Here it comes again. The winds of Alola are blowing once more, heralding some new changes."
As Guzma rushes off, Hau's voice echoes after him, filled with determination. "Just you wait, Guzma! I'm going to surpass even the kahunas! And I'm going to show everyone that they can achieve greatness, whether or not they choose to do the island challenge! Guzma, you didn't fail at becoming a captain! No matter what you might think! So go out there and become something else—something that nobody else has ever managed to be!"
Turning to us, Hau delivers his final warning with a determined gaze. "Ash! I've mentioned it before, but once we both complete our island challenges, we're going to have a serious battle—you and me!"
"Count me in," I reply with equal determination as we bid farewell to Hau and make our way into the Aether House. Instead of finding Acerola, we find Nanu instead.
"You've gotta at least learn the moves. Someday you'll be able to use Darkinium Z, too," Nanu mutters, observed teaching the children Z-Move poses.
"Rawr! Like this, right? If I get stronger, maybe Acerola won't have to worry when she leaves Aether House," one of the children exclaims with determination.
As Nanu notices us, he comments, "Oh, you two... Almost finished with your island challenge, I presume? I suppose I should step in for Acerola, but that boy Hau gave me a run for my money when I tried battling at Acerola's level. I don't feel like repeating that. So here, take it. Acerola left me a few of these, so have one."
We receive the Purple Petal from Nanu, acknowledging its importance, and he adds, "You should go inform that young girl Mina that you've completed what she requested."
"We're back, Mina," I say as Lillie and I enter Mina's house at Seafolk Village.
Mina greets us with a warm smile, "Welcome back, Ash and Lillie! How's everyone doing? We captains enjoy seeing how kids like you and your teams grow. Trial-goers and us, all share the joy with our Pokémon, you know? Alright then, could you lend me the seven petals you collected for a moment?"
Handing over the collected seven petals, Mina deftly assembles them, forming a beautiful flower. "Here you go. One Rainbow Flower! I made it using the petals you gathered from everyone."
"Where are the Totem Pokémon?" Lillie inquires.
"This is the ultimate Totem Pokémon, marking the final trial of your island challenge. I hope you're ready for your toughest totem challenge yet!" Mina responds with excitement.
Heading outside, we encounter the Totem Comfey and Totem Ribombee making their approach, both visibly boosted in their stats. Opting for Poipole, Type: Null, Salazzle, and Typhlosion, we prepare for battle. These Totem Pokémon summon reinforcements in the form of Blissey and Pelipper as their ally Pokémon.
As I attempt to activate the Steel Memory on Type: Null, we realize it won't respond unless the helmet is removed due to its Battle Armor ability. Consequently, we opt to keep it in its Normal Type state. The ally Pokémon prove to be a challenge, adeptly healing the Totem Pokémon after they sustain significant damage. In response, we employ our Z-Moves, Corkscrew Crash, and Acid Downpour, to overcome the Totem Pokémon, ultimately knocking them out in the battle.
"That's an amazing picture! You and your Pokémon! Not only did you defeat the captains to gather all their petals, but you also triumphed over the Totem Pokémon intrigued by the Rainbow Flower we created! You two are exceptional, Ash and Lillie. You're incredible Pokémon Trainers! Here, take this Fairium Z as a token of your success."
Both of us receive the Fairium Z from her, and she proceeds to perform the Fairy Dance, a move we're already familiar with thanks to Mimikyu. Mina continues, "With all your trials completed, the only thing left for you is your grand trial! It'll be Hapu's very first grand trial. How thrilling!"
"Absolutely..." We bid Mina farewell and set off to find the others.
Mina's trial is finally done. Now all that's left is the Poni Island Grand Trial against Hapu. I hope you like this chapter.
Ash and Lillie's Pokemon:
Charizard x2, Butterfree x2 (One Pink), Raticate (Alolan), Pikachu, Raichu (Alolan), Sandslash (Alolan), Ninetales (Alolan), Dugtrio (Alolan), Persian (Alolan), Golem (Alolan), Muk (Alolan), Exeggutor (Alolan), Marowak (Alolan), Lapras, Meganium, Typhlosion (Hisuian), Steelix (Crystal), Mantine, Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Milotic, Absol, Infernape, Lucario, Togekiss, Gallade, Samurott, Audino, Zoroark, Hydreigon, Greninja, Meowstic x2, Aegislash, Hawlucha, Zygarde x2, Decidueye, Incineroar, Primarina, Toucannon, Gumshoos, Vikavolt, Crabominable, Oricorio, Ribombee, Lycanroc x3 (Midday/Midnight/Dusk), Wishiwashi, Toxapex, Mudsdale, Araquanid, Lurantis, Shiinotic, Salazzle (Shiny), Bewear, Tsareena, Comfey, Oranguru, Passimian, Golisopod, Palossand, Pyukumuku, Type: Null, Minior, Komala, Turtonator, Togedemaru, Mimikyu (Shiny), Bruxish, Drampa, Dhelmise, Kommo-o, Solgaleo, Lunala, Necrozma, Magearna (Shiny), Marshadow, Poipole, Zeraora, Kleavor