Chapter 56
After meeting up with the others in the Pokémon Center, we find ourselves among the few who haven't completed the Research Projects yet. The group greets us warmly, expressing their delight at seeing us with the Fairium-Z. To our surprise, Hapu is among them, and Mallow explains she was preparing food with the Poni Radishes for her.
"You did an admirable job completing Mina's trial." Hapu remarks. "I think it is time for your grand trial!"
"Finally," I exclaim with a smile.
As we step outside, we're immediately struck by the thick mist enveloping the area. Trenor voices our collective confusion, asking, "What's happening here?"
Hapu steps forward and informs us, "This mist is from Tapu Fini. It has the power to summon spirits from the afterlife."
"Spirits from the dead?" We're taken aback by this revelation. Hapu continues, "However, it's perilous. The mist blurs the boundary between our world and the next. Some who have ventured in never return. Reuniting with departed loved ones only to say goodbye again is emotionally trying. For those unable to bear that pain, they risk being ensnared in the mist forever."
Despite the dangers, it's evident that Mallow is determined to venture outside. Lana reveals Mallow's poignant reason: her mother fell ill and passed away before being able to reunite with Mallow, compelling Lana to seek her out.
We make the decision to follow Mallow, only to find ourselves unexpectedly ensnared within the mist's confines. Incineroar emerges from our pocket and dashes ahead, prompting Lillie to call out, "Incineroar, where are you going?"
As we rush after our Pokémon companion, I turn to Lillie and cautiously ask, "Lillie... considering this mist... do you think we might encounter departed loved ones we'd want to see again?"
"I'm not sure," Lillie responds thoughtfully. "Golly has been revived, my Dad returned from the Ultra Metropolis, and Lucario is here with us..."
Suddenly, to our astonishment, Stoutland materializes in front of us, and we gasp in disbelief, remembering its passing just a few months ago. Incineroar shows unbounded joy at seeing Stoutland once more.
Incineroar enthusiastically showcases its moves to Stoutland, visibly making the departed Pokémon proud. Stoutland, in turn, decides to impart the knowledge of using Fire Blast to Incineroar. As the training concludes, recalling Hapu's warning, we attempt to dissuade Incineroar from utilizing the new move. As the mist starts to dissipate, Stoutland begins to fade away, prompting Incineroar to exchange heartfelt words with its spectral mentor before Stoutland vanishes completely.
"Ash! Lillie!" Our classmates rush over to us in concern. Trenor anxiously asks, "Are you both alright?"
"Yeah," I reply, taking a moment to gather my thoughts. Amidst the commotion, we notice Mallow returning with a Shaymin, a Mythical Pokémon. Shaymin expresses its desire to remain by Mallow's side until the day it's ready to take flight.
Hapu joins us, expressing relief. "I'm grateful Tapu Fini halted the mist before it became too dangerous. Now, Ash, Lillie, your Grand Trial awaits you on Exeggutor Island."
"Exeggutor Island it is," I acknowledge, understanding the significance of the location. With that settled, we make our way to set sail, embarking towards Exeggutor Island together.
Standing on the battlefield with Hapu, she begins by stating, "In this grand trial, we will engage in a battle. We invoke the presence of Tapu Fini, guardian of the waves around Poni Island. May its serene tranquility and powerful force cleanse both myself and my challengers."
Turning towards us, Hapu elaborates, "This will be a four-on-four Double Battle. As the first grand trial of Kahuna Hapu, I'll give it my all in this battle!"
Hapu's Golurk and Gastrodon take the field, and I respond quickly by releasing my Decidueye. Beside me, Lillie stands ready, summoning Greninja and triggering its Battle Bond transformation.
"Let's show them what we're made of, Decidueye!" I encourage my Pokémon.
Decidueye takes the lead, launching a precise Spirit Shackle aimed at Golurk, ensnaring it and preventing any chance of escape. Golurk retaliates with a fierce Shadow Punch, prompting Greninja to swiftly dodge the attack with a graceful Night Slash.
"Great move, Greninja! Keep it up!" Lillie cheers on her Pokémon.
Amidst the action, Gastrodon seizes the opportunity, charging forward with a forceful Body Slam that leaves Decidueye momentarily paralyzed.
"Stay strong, Decidueye! You can do it!" I urge, trying to boost my Pokémon's morale.
Decidueye shows remarkable resilience, countering with a determined Brave Bird that strikes Gastrodon with incredible force, incapacitating it. Simultaneously, Greninja unleashes a powerful Surf attack, overwhelming Golurk and securing a hard-fought victory for our team.
"We did it, Decidueye! Awesome job, Greninja!" I exclaim, feeling a surge of excitement at our success.
As Hapu sends out Flygon and Mudsdale, Decidueye valiantly faces Flygon but succumbs to a powerful Ice Beam attack. Seeing my Pokémon fall, I swiftly call upon Kommo-o to join the battle.
"Kommo-o, it's your turn now! Let's show them what we've got!" I encourage my Pokémon, feeling a surge of determination.
Hapu, focused and determined, begins the Z-Move ritual for Mudsdale. "Mudsdale, it's time to showcase our strength! Let's give it our all!"
With a fluid motion, Hapu activates the Z-Ring, spinning around before grounding herself and calling upon the island's power. "Great root, winding around Poni Island, I implore you. Grant us your awe-inspiring power! Get ready, Mudsdale. Use Tectonic Rage!"
Mudsdale unleashes its might, slamming its hooves onto the ground, causing the earth to split, ensnaring Greninja within. With incredible force, Mudsdale charges at Greninja from below. We desperately attempt to help Greninja escape from the earth, but before it manages to free itself, Mudsdale's unstoppable charge strikes, sending Greninja hurtling into the air before crashing back down, defeated. The impact leaves both of us reeling, aching as if crushed by an immense weight.
Trenor winces in sympathy, acknowledging the severity of the blow. "Ouch... that looked really painful."
"Absolutely," Selene agrees, nodding in understanding. "Especially considering Greninja's strong bond with both Ash and Lillie."
As Lillie recalls Greninja and sends out Snowy, I make a swift decision to hasten the battle's conclusion due to the lingering pain. Determined to turn the tide, I activate my Z-Move and does the Dragon Pose. "Alright, let's finish this quickly! Kommo-o, unleash your power! Clanging Soulblaze!"
Kommo-o responds by shaking the scales on its body, then, with a resounding battle cry, Kommo-o releases a brilliant purple shockwave from its mouth, targeting Flygon and delivering a devastating blow that knocks it out, evening the odds to a 2-versus-1 situation.
However, despite Flygon's defeat, Mudsdale's remarkable stamina proves challenging for our two remaining Pokémon. The formidable Mudsdale resiliently withstands attacks, making it a formidable opponent.
Feeling the intensity of the battle, Lillie takes charge. "Snowy, it's our chance! Never-Ending Nightmare!"
Snowy assumes a ghostly pose, summoning pairs of spectral hands that emerge from the shadows cast by Mudsdale. The ghostly hands envelop Mudsdale, overwhelming the Pokémon and causing it to faint, bringing an end to the battle.
"We absolutely did it!" Lillie cheers joyously as we embrace our triumphant Pokémon, sharing the elation of our hard-fought victory.
Hapu, impressed by our strength, remarks, "Thud! That's the sound of your strength rocking me to my core!"
Our friends rush over, offering congratulations and praise for our success. Hapu joins in, affirming, "You've not just triumphed but excelled in your final grand trial!"
With a sense of accomplishment, Hapu presents us with the Groundium-Z, the ultimate Typing Z-Crystal. She then demonstrates the dance associated with its use, accompanied by the Exeggutors enthusiastically shaking in the background. "Phew... You both are undoubtedly prodigious Trainers, Ash and Lillie!" Hapu commends us. "In the past, after completing the island challenge, Trainers would make a pilgrimage to Mount Lanakila to face the kahunas once more, engaging in battles without holding back. However, this year will present a different trial at Mount Lanakila."
As we celebrate our victory, our gaze is drawn upward to witness Tapu Fini soaring by, a sight reminiscent of our previous encounters. Its presence adds a mystical touch to the moment, a reminder of the guardian's watchful eye over the islands.
With our grand trial concluded, the time comes for us to bid farewell to Poni Island and head back to Melemele Trainer's School. Before our departure, Hapu and Mina, in a show of appreciation and kindness, present us with Poni Radishes as parting gifts, a thoughtful gesture to commemorate our journey and the bonds we've forged during our time on Poni Island.
Grateful for the experiences and friendships cultivated during our adventures, we make our way back, cherishing the memories and the lessons learned.
As we return to the Thrifty Megamart in Akala Island, Kagetora notices our arrival. "Oh, it's you."
"We've managed to defeat all 8 Eevee Trainers, well, technically 7, as one has passed away. But we did have a battle against her Sylveon, now commanded by her granddaughter," I explain.
Kagetora appears taken aback. "You defeated them all? What transpired then?" he asks, curiosity etched across his face. Sensing his genuine interest, we decide to share our stories with him, recounting our encounters and battles along the way.
After absorbing our tales, Kagetora lets out a sigh. "Time truly is cruel to us all, isn't it? Alright then. I'm prepared now. I have one final favor to ask. Would you grant me a battle?"
"Of course, we'd be honored to battle you," Lillie responds, offering our willingness.
"If I do this, I believe I'll be ready... to let go," Kagetora nods, a determined yet contemplative expression on his face.
The battle between my Pikachu and Kagetora's Eevee commences with an air of anticipation and determination. Both Pokémon stand ready, sparks of electricity crackling around Pikachu while Eevee exudes a sense of serene readiness.
"Let's show them our strength, Pikachu! Thunderbolt, go!" I command, initiating our offensive strategy.
Pikachu swiftly charges up, releasing a bolt of lightning that streaks towards Eevee with dazzling speed. In response, Eevee swiftly evades, displaying nimble agility, narrowly dodging the Thunderbolt.
"Good move, Eevee! Now, use Swift!" Kagetora counters, prompting Eevee to summon a flurry of sparkling stars that rain down upon Pikachu.
Pikachu attempts to dodge, but a few stars land solidly, causing minor damage. Undeterred, Pikachu regains composure, fueled by our unwavering determination. "Hang in there, Pikachu! Let's go with Quick Attack!"
Pikachu darts forward in a flash, delivering rapid successive strikes, catching Eevee off guard. Eevee attempts to counter but struggles to keep up with Pikachu's lightning-fast movements.
"Eevee, use Double-Edge!" Kagetora commands, urging Eevee to retaliate with a powerful charge.
However, Pikachu anticipates the move and reacts swiftly, dodging at the last moment. Taking advantage of Eevee's momentary vulnerability, Pikachu lands a decisive Thunder Shock, electrifying the air and overwhelming Eevee.
With a final surge of determination, Pikachu channels its energy and unleashes a spectacular Volt Tackle, a surge of electrifying power that engulfs Eevee, leaving it unable to battle.
As the dust settles, both Pokémon breathe heavily, their efforts evident in the arena. With a sense of accomplishment, Pikachu stands victorious, the battle showcasing its resilience and determination.
"Great job, Pikachu! You were amazing!" I cheer, praising my Pokémon for its valiant performance.
"The bitterness of defeat... I must fully savor that as well," Kagetora reflects, a mix of emotions evident in his voice. "Enough. It's enough. Our day has come... and it has gone. But I haven't forgotten your reward. Here. I want you to take this."
With a sense of finality, Kagetora presents us with the Eevium-Z, a crystal that holds significance from his past. "I used that crystal back when I was a young Trainer, but I don't need it now. You use it and build a new age. I'll stay here and take care of the mortgage and the old age," he adds, his tone holding a sense of acceptance and resolution.
Grateful for his generosity and touched by his words, we accept the Eevium-Z, acknowledging its weight and the history it holds. Kagetora's selflessness and wisdom resonate with us as we prepare to carry on our journey, carrying the crystal as a symbol of both victory and the passing of the torch to a new generation of Trainers.
"Thank you, Kagetora," we express our gratitude sincerely, acknowledging the significance of the gift and his parting words. With a nod and a faint smile, Kagetora bids us farewell, content to remain and tend to the responsibilities he's chosen, while we venture forth to forge a new path.
Here is a new chapter, and now Ash and Lillie have every Z Crystals now. I hope you like this chapter and the next chapter will be something big going on.
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
