Chapter 14
Before deciding to head to the West Province Area 1, we notice four birds perched on the same wall, each with different colored feathers. I suggest, "Serena, how about we capture all four of them?"
"All four of them? Do you think their forms are just like Oricorio?" Serena asks.
"We won't know unless we try. Luckily, Pikachu can handle Flying Types with ease," I reply.
The four birds start playing a game of hide and seek with us, but after an extensive search around Mesagoza, we successfully record all four of them in our Pokedex.
Squawkabilly (Green Plumage): The Parrot Pokemon: Normal and Flying Type. These Pokémon prefer to live in cities. They form flocks based on the color of their feathers, and they fight over territory.
Squawkabilly (Blue Plumage): The Parrot Pokemon: Normal and Flying Type. The largest of their flocks can contain more than 50 individuals. They fly around towns and forests, searching for food and making a racket.
Squawkabilly (Yellow Plumage): The Parrot Pokemon: Normal and Flying Type. These Squawkabilly are hotheaded, and their fighting style is vicious. They'll leap within reach of their foes to engage in close combat.
Squawkabilly (White Plumage): The Parrot Pokemon: Normal and Flying Type. This Pokémon dislikes being alone. It has a strong sense of community and survives by cooperating with allies.
"I remember that those four of them are mainly used for the Flying Taxis in the Paldea Region," Serena recalls. "Considering there are some Tinkatons who keep throwing rocks at Corviknight to make them unavailable."
"Yeah... but their movesets aren't that different, only their hidden abilities. Green and Blue have Guts, and Yellow and White have Sheer Force."
"Well, that sure is something..." Serena chuckles, amused by the quirks of these flying creatures.
Finally arriving at West Province Area 1 after taking the Flying Taxi from Cortondo, we head west. Along the way, we stumble upon some small green Pokémon on the ground. I ask, "What are those?"
"They're Capsakid, pure Grass Type Pokémon," Lucine replies. Since it's a Pokémon we don't have in our collection yet, we decide to capture it.
Capsakid: The Spicy Pepper Pokémon: Grass Type. The more sunlight this Pokémon bathes in, the more spicy chemicals are produced by its body, and thus the spicier its moves become.
"Definitely spicy..." I mutter, taking note of Capsakid's fiery nature. "So, how are we going to train this Pokémon?"
Golly explains, "It's simple, it evolves using the Fire Stone. Just give it a try on the Capsakid."
As we use the Fire Stone, we're surprised to witness its evolution into a two-headed Pokémon, one head green and the other red. "What the... it's just like Doduo and Deino..."
Scovillain: The Spicy Pepper Pokemon: Grass and Fire Type. Evolve from Capsakid with Fire Stone. The green head has turned vicious due to the spicy chemicals stimulating its brain. While the red head converts spicy chemicals into fire energy and blasts the surrounding area with a super spicy stream of flame.
"So different heads have different power... And it has the move Spicy Extract, where the user emits an incredibly spicy extract, sharply boosting the target's Attack stat and harshly lowering the target's Defense stat," Serena observes.
"But it's a Grass and Fire Type. That's certainly a unique combination in the Pokémon world," I remark, marveling at the distinctiveness of our newly evolved Scovillain.
We decide to engage in another Tera Raid, and this time, it's a small bird Pokémon with a Flying Type Tera Type, represented by a bunch of balloons. Luke identifies it, saying, "That's a Flittle; it's originally a Psychic Pokémon."
"But now it's a Flying Type because of the Tera Type," I note as we collaborate to defeat the Pokémon, making it easier to throw a capture ball and add it to our collection.
Flittle: The Frill Pokemon: Psychic Type. It spends its time running around wastelands. If anyone steals its beloved berries, it will chase them down and exact its revenge.
As we arrive near the windmills, we receive a call from Arven. He says, "Hey, guys! So from what I gather, seems like the Open Sky Titan lives somewhere up on this mountain... But there are all these crazy boulders raining down from the mountain, too! It's gonna be a little tricky to stand around and look for the Titan while dodging all those. I think you'll be sent flying if you get hit by a falling boulder - but maybe you could power your way through atop that brute of yours!"
"Wait, what do you mean crazy boulders raining down from the mountain?" I inquire, but Arven ends the call abruptly.
Golly expresses concern, "For some reason, I think there is probably something dangerous up ahead..."
Feeling increasingly uneasy, we decide to read the information about the Open Sky Titan.
"Boulders are tumbling down from a mountain in the West Province Area One. Perhaps a Titan wanting to keep the sky all to itself? The climb may be more challenging than the battle."
"What do they mean by boulders?" Lucine inquires.
"Maybe like those?" Drandon points, and we are shocked to find a boulder hurtling in our direction. We hastily jump out of harm's way, only to realize that more boulders are raining down all around us. I gasp, "Are you kidding me? Where did these boulders come from?"
"And I thought the Pokelantis boulders were already crazy..." Serena mutters, her disbelief matching ours as we try to comprehend the unexpected danger of the falling rocks.
"So this is what Arven meant by crazy boulders raining down from the mountain... but we need to climb up the mountain as well!" I exclaim, realizing the daunting challenge that lies ahead.
"I guess that was the Titan that keeps throwing the boulders!" Luke yells in realization as we spot the colossal bird perched atop the mountain, confirming our suspicions.
"I have to guess that it's a Bombirdier!" Golly identifies, and I quickly check the Pokedex, confirming it as a bird with a giant white apron that it uses to hold in its beak.
"Serena, no matter what happens, I'll protect you. Just stay close to me, and we'll try to get to the top of the mountain and confront that Bombirdier," I assure Serena.
Serena nods in agreement, and we all mount Koraidon and Miraidon, ready to make our way up the mountain while dodging the falling boulders. The wide road provides some safety, but the situation feels strangely familiar, as if it's a game we used to play in the dorm—a man with a red cap collecting star-shaped objects.
Upon reaching the mountain's summit, the Bombirdier stands before us. We send out Lycanroc, Bellibolt, and Lucine's Haxorus for battle. "Lycanroc! Accelrock!" I command.
Our coordinated attack manages to land a hit on the bird Pokémon, but it retaliates with Rock Throw, striking three of our Pokémon.
"Bellibolt! Discharge!" Serena directs, and the electric attack hits all of our Pokémon. Lycanroc and Haxorus manage to endure, with Haxorus using Breaking Swipe to lower Bombirdier's speed.
"Good, now we're getting somewhere." But Bombirdier counters with a Wing Attack, causing Lycanroc to use Fire Fang in response. The fiery strike inflicts pain on the giant bird, prompting it to take flight. In the commotion, Lycanroc crashes into me, and we tumble to the ground.
"Ash!" Serena yells in concern.
"I'm fine," I reassure her, determined to regroup and continue the battle against Bombirdier. Just then, Bombirdier smashes a rock and seizes the Herba Mystica. "Not again!" I exclaim, frustration evident in my voice.
Arven arrives and remarks, "You managed to get to the Titan somehow, huh? So that's the Open Sky Titan... Wait, is this Titan what's been dropping all these boulders?!"
"Yeah," Serena confirms. "But how did you get up here?"
"I was lucky enough to be able to sneak up here because it had all its attention on you," Arven explains. "It looks like it's trying to power itself up. Like with some kinda mystical Meal power or something! So we've better go all out!"
He sends out Nacli to join us and adds, "Trying to drop rocks on folks is dangerous! Let's give this thing a good taste of defeat!"
With our Pokémon Terastallized, combining their Tera Types of Rock, Dragon, and Electric, we unleash a relentless barrage of attacks. Lycanroc uses Stone Edge, Haxorus launches Dragon Pulse, and Bellibolt delivers a powerful Thunder attack. Bombirdier struggles under the overwhelming assault, unable to withstand our combined strength.
Eventually, Bombirdier is no match for our coordinated efforts and is defeated. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Serena swiftly throws a capture ball, successfully capturing the formidable bird Pokémon.
Bombirdier: The Item Drop Pokemon: Flying and Dark Type. It gathers things up in an apron made from shed feathers added to the Pokémon's chest feathers, then drops those things from high places for fun.
"Yeah... but it's not fun..." I mutter, acknowledging the challenges we've faced.
Arven cheers us on, saying, "Yess! Way to go, guys! Looks like we don't have to worry about any more boulders falling on us now, huh?"
Luke directs our attention to a gate and remarks, "There has to be more of that Herba Mystica it ate in here."
We enter the cave and discover a significant amount of green-colored Herba Mystica before us.
"I knew it! It really is here! This is one of the herbs, make no mistake!" Arven exclaims with excitement.
Curious, I grab one of the herbs and take a bite, but I quickly spit it out, remarking, "Geez... this is bitter..."
"Woo-hoo! We did it! Thanks, guys! Now then, let's see... What does the book have to say?" Arven checks the book and shares, "Bitter Herba Mystica's great for your circulation! It really gets the blood flowing! And it warms you right up, nice and toasty, even boosting the immune system! Or so it says."
After closing the book, he mentions, "If I can just slip this into a tasty sandwich and get him to eat some..."
"Him?" I inquire, but Arven dismisses it, saying, "Ah, nothing. Well, what are we waiting for? It's time to dig in! Let's whip something up for us."
We diligently prepare the sandwiches, each filled with the Bitter Herba Mystica, and eventually, we present them to Arven. He exclaims, "Here you go! My special, whimsical, herb-filled super sandwich! And it comes with a side of... Titan Badges! As a token of my gratitude, 'course!"
We gratefully accept the Flying Badges, our fourth badge in hand. Rotom captures a picture of us savoring the sandwich we created, capturing the moment for posterity.
"I just hope it's not as bitter as it sounds after we made this..." I express my concern before taking a bite, only to find that it's surprisingly palatable.
"Wow... although there's some bitterness in the sandwich, I think it's actually quite good," Drandon remarks.
"You're right," Lucine concurs, savoring the unique taste of the Bitter Herba Mystica sandwich.
Koraidon and Miraidon emerge from our Pokeballs once again, prompting an exasperated groan from Arven. "Oh, come on! You again?!"
We generously share our sandwiches with our Pokémon companions, and they turn their attention to Arven. "Hmph. Are they trying to say thanks or something? Well, good thing we made extras. You're helping me out a whole bunch with the hard stuff, so it's only fair that you get more."
"Thanks," Serena acknowledges Arven's gesture.
"I definitely, absolutely did not make extra so that Koraidon and Miraidon could have a sandwich, OK?!" Arven tries to maintain his stern expression, glaring at the two Pokémon.
"Sure," Luke responds sarcastically, clearly amused by Arven's feigned indifference.
After finishing the sandwiches, we observe that Koraidon and Miraidon are undergoing a transformation. Arven remarks, "Did they grow stronger again? Man, these Herba Mystica really do pack a punch, don't they?"
"Though I wonder what kind of form this is..." Serena muses, her curiosity piqued as we all gather around to examine the two Pokémon.
Arven walks over to the table and adds, "I mean... they'd better. Or else I'm really up the creek."
As there's only one sandwich left, Koraidon attempts to reach for it, but Arven abruptly yells, "Don't you dare touch that! That isn't for you!"
Serena questions his harsh reaction, saying, "Hey! Why are you so rude to Koraidon? And if it isn't for him, then who are you giving that sandwich to?"
Arven's demeanor softens as he apologizes, "Oh, uh... sorry. I shouldn't have shouted like that... I guess I should at least tell you the full story."
He retrieves a Pokeball and mutters, "Come on out, bud..." Releasing the Pokémon from its Pokeball, a grey dog materializes, triggering flashbacks of Litten and Stoutland for some reason. The dog behaves similarly to the Stoutland I met in Alola before he passed away.
"This is Mabosstiff. My partner," Arven introduces with a hint of sadness.
I observe, "It looks so weak..." expressing concern for Mabosstiff's condition.
Arven carefully hands the sandwich to Mabosstiff, saying, "Here you go, bud. Eat up. This sandwich should help you feel better."
Mabosstiff starts to munch on the sandwich slowly, and Arven encourages him, saying, "Slowly now. Take your time. Small bites are fine. Just chew nice and slow..."
I can't help but smile, touched by the deep care and concern Arven has for his Pokémon. However, I'm still curious about how Mabosstiff ended up in this condition.
"So how did this happen?" Drandon inquires.
Arven stands up and shares, "My buddy here was... hurt pretty bad a while ago. Real bad, in fact. He never really recovered."
Lillie raises an important question, "What about the Pokémon Center, or maybe using Potions or medicines?"
At that moment, Arven starts to break down into tears and confesses, "N-nothing seems to help. Not Potions, not Pokémon Centers... Nothing." The weight of his worry and helplessness becomes evident as he struggles with his emotions.
We can't help but feel a deep sense of empathy for Arven as he continues to share his heartfelt story. He confides, "Mabosstiff here is the only thing in the world I care about. The only thing... So I promised that I'd make him better - whatever it takes. I searched online, I read books, I looked all over, and tried every cure and remedy I could find. But nothing really worked. I'd almost given up hope... That's when I found out about the Herba Mystica!"
I make the connection, asking, "The book you have there, right?"
Arven nods, his eyes filled with determination. "Yeah! See, I found it in my mom's lab. It's this book full of crazy stories and legends and things - stuff nobody'd usually believe. But I believe it! I think what it says is true! And according to this book, eating all five Herba Mystica can cure anything that ails you! Case in point, Mabosstiff's paws were cold as ice before he ate that last herb. But they've warmed up a little now - I'm sure they have!"
As Arven shares his story, the significance of the Herba Mystica and their potential healing properties becomes even more apparent. We can't help but reflect on how these herbs might have made a difference for Pokémon like Stoutland in the past, stirring feelings of nostalgia and longing for the days gone by.
"Oh! Are you done eating, bud?" Arven asks. The dog Pokémon slowly opens his eyes. Arven gasps in astonishment, "H-hey! Mabosstiff! Can... can you see? Are your eyes open?!"
"Wait, he wasn't opening his eyes?" I inquire, surprised by this revelation.
"Yes! I did it!" Arven cheers, his excitement palpable. "It... It's been so long since he was able to open his eyes! I was so worried...Oh man, I-! I'm so-! I'm so glad!"
He kneels again, overcome with emotion, and smiles, "Heh... Ehehehehe... Aw, look at him. Those fiery orange little eyes... Hard to even tell if they're open or not, but I know the difference! The power of these herbs is amazing! I knew the book wasn't lying! I'm gonna bring Mabosstiff back to full health, I swear it!"
Golly observes, "So that's your story... so we need to find three more herbs to cure him." We all nod in agreement, united in our determination to help Mabosstiff and complete the quest for the Herba Mystica.
As we exit the cave, a call comes in from Professor Turo, and he addresses us, saying, "Hello, Ash and Serena. This is Turo. We detect that both Koraidon and Miraidon have regained more of their original power. While riding upon them, they seem you should now be able to move across the water."
I express my surprise, asking, "So that form was their swimming form?"
Professor Turo concludes the call with a reminder, "We're relying on you to continue taking good care of Koraidon and Miraidon." The newfound ability to move across the water with our Pokémon companions adds another layer of excitement to our journey.
Here is a new chapter, and this is the Open Sky Titan and I hope you like it. The next chapter will be the Dark Team Star Base.
Ash and Serena's Pokemon:
Charizard x2, Pikachu x2, Primeape, Lapras, Wooper (Paldean), Girafarig, Dunsparce, Steelix (Crystal), Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Garchomp, Lucario, Krookodile, Zoroark, Bisharp, Greninja, Sylveon, Noivern, Lycanroc (Dusk), Mimikyu (Shiny), Corviknight, Indeedee x2, Kleavor, Sneasler, Floragato, Crocalor, Quaxwell, Oinkologne x2 (Male/Female), Spidops, Nymble, Pawmot, Fidough, Smoliv, Nacli, Charcadet x2, Squawkabilly x4, Bellibolt, Wattrel, Maschiff, Shroodle, Klawf, Scovillain, Flittle, Tinkatink, Wiglett, Bombirdier, Flamigo