Chapter 79

Now, we're exploring the Coastal Biome. As we wander around the area, we come across Froakie and Popplio swimming gracefully, while Bulbasaurs, Chikoritas, and Grookeys frolic amongst the vibrant flowers. Serena points out, "It looks like there are six different Starter Pokémon for each biome..."

"But we've only found five so far. What could the last one be?" Lillie inquires.

I suggest, "Maybe the last one is hiding in that cave." We notice a cave entrance named the Torchlit Labyrinth. Venturing inside, we encounter the evolutionary lines of Gothita, Happiny, Magby, and even Mudkip.

As we exit the cave, we spot Fire-type Pokémon such as Talonflame, Torkoal, and Camerupt. My attention is drawn to some Oricorio nearby, and I comment, "It's interesting how here, the Pa'u form Oricorio is abundant. In Paldea, Balie and Pom-pom style Oricorio are more common, while in Kitakami, Sensu Style ones dominate."

Lillie nods and says, "You're absolutely right about that..."

I decide to look at Lacey's information, "Lacey: BB League Rank: #3. This hard worker only catches Pokémon she finds cute, so she naturally became a masterful Trainer of Fairy-types. She's beloved by her fellow students. Hailing from Nimbasa City in Unova."

"Nimbasa City..." I sigh. "The place with that Ferris Wheel..."

Minami chimes in, "The same Ferris Wheel where you took Tepig from Hilda, right?" I sigh and admit, "Yeah, not a good memory. I was being N at the time."

When we reach the plaza, we decide to spend an additional 50 BP. A staff member calls out, "Miss Lacey, we need you over here!"

"Coming!" Lacey responds before spotting us. She says, "Oh, if it isn't you guys! I'm so glad you decided to pay me a visit! Please follow me; I'll show you to the trial site."

We follow Lacey, arriving at a flowery area. She begins, "Thank you for coming to the Coastal Plaza to challenge me. And... I want to apologize for the way I protested your entry into the BB League, Ash. It's true that this goes against our school club's bylaws, but my main concern was not wanting you to get involved in the recent club drama."

I nod and respond, "I think I understand what you mean..."

"I suppose our trial has already officially begun, so let's get to it and have some fun!" Lacey smiles. "The trial I've come up with is... a Pokémon quiz! I'll ask you five questions about Pokémon. If you can answer them all correctly, then you pass! Are you ready to attempt my Pokémon quiz, Ash?"

"If you think mere quizzes can stop my brother, then you're mistaken," Insey confidently declares.

"Indeed, Ash has consistently been at the top of all the classes he's attended," Lucine adds.

"Stop it, guys. You're embarrassing me," I blush slightly.

Lacey smiles as she looks at my Pikachu and suddenly picks him up, much to the mouse's surprise. "All right, here we go! And look—it's everyone's favorite Pokémon, Pikachu, here to help! And with that... question one!"

After gently placing Pikachu back down, she asks, "Pikachu is an Electric-type Pokémon well-known for producing electricity within its body. But in which part of its body does it store the electricity it generates?"

I confidently respond, "Pikachu has been my buddy for almost nine years, so I know this one. It's the cheeks."

"Ding ding ding! You got it! Pikachu stores its electricity in the electric sacs in its cheeks! If you poke the sacs, you'll get a little shock, but don't you think they're just super round and cute?" Lacey asks.

"They are actually cute," Alice sighs.

"Now then... I think we're ready to move on to our next quiz question! Insey, could you bring out your Venonat?" Lacey says with an enthusiastic smile.

"Sure?" Insey releases her Venonat from its Poké Ball. Lacey continues, "Take a look at Venonat here! It's bigger than you'd expect, isn't it? But it's also fluffy, squeezable, and terribly adorable! So, here we go with question two!"

As Venonat hovers in the air, Lacey presents the question, "Even on the darkest of nights, Venonat can use a specific part of its body like radar, allowing it to detect surrounding objects. What part of Venonat's body acts like radar?"

Minami turns to me and inquires, "Is it the antenna?" I consider the question and shake my head, replying, "No, I believe the answer is the eyes."

"Eyes?" Daniel questions, his curiosity piqued. "Are you certain about that?"

I show confidence in my response, stating firmly, "I'm confident. The answer is the eyes."

"Ding ding ding! That's correct!" Lacey exclaims with delight. "Venonat's large eyes serve as radar! Doesn't Venonat become even more adorable when you think about how it sees a whole world we can't see? Now then... I think we're ready to move on to our next quiz question!"

Then, as if by magic, Lacey manages to summon three Sinistea siblings before us. "Getting weary of my quiz? How about a cup of tea—or perhaps these three Sinistea siblings?" Lacey's voice carries a playful tone as she presents the trio of Sinistea.

With a twinkle in her eye, she continues, "Here's question three! Sinistea prefer to make their homes in precious antique teacups, but in a world filled with imitations, it's challenging to discern the genuine antiques. Among these three Sinistea, one of them is an Antique Form Sinistea, meaning it has found a real antique cup! So, which Sinistea possesses the real deal?"

I let out a sigh, finding the task amusing yet somewhat unexpected. As I approach the trio, I carefully inspect the middle Sinistea, noticing a distinctive mark underneath its cup.

"Ding ding ding! You've got it!" Lacey applauds with glee. "That's absolutely correct. An Antique Form Sinistea can be identified by the mark on the bottom of its cup! But whether they're Antique Form or Phony Form, they're all undeniably adorable!"

Alice reflects on our past adventures in Galar, saying, "Yeah, but finding one of these Sinistea in the wild was quite a challenge," as we reminisce about our journeys through the region.

"Now then... I think we're ready to move on to our next quiz question!" Lacey's excitement remains palpable as she proceeds with the quiz. Once the Sinistea siblings depart, she conjures seven Minior, each with a distinct color. Holding up a pink one with its Shields Down form on display, she exclaims, "This is the Meteor Pokémon, Minior! It comes in all kinds of different colors, you know. First, I'll ask you to take a good look at this pinkish Minior for me, okay? All right, everyone! Mix yourselves up really well!"

I let out a small groan as I recognize the famous shuffle game about to commence. The pink Minior now has its shields on, and they begin shuffling vigorously, making it a challenge to keep track. Lacey poses the question, "Perfect! Now, we're ready for question four! Which of these is the pinkish Minior that I first showed you?"

With determination, I make my way toward the Minior that I've kept my eye on. As I approach it, the shield is broken, revealing the pink core.

"Ding ding ding! You did it!" Lacey exclaims in delight. "Even after they returned to their Meteor Form, you still managed to find the right one! Aren't Minior adorable? Their coloration varies based on what they eat. Now then... I think we're ready to move on to the very last quiz question!"

Lacey throws a Poké Ball, and it reveals her Granbull. She exclaims, "Oh, look! Here comes Granbull! Maybe it heard the word 'pink' and decided to stop by! This little sweetie is one of my own Pokémon. It's always with me. Our last question, question five, will involve Granbull here!"

Granbull stands there, appearing quiet, delicate, and lovable. Lacey's smile radiates warmth as she continues, "Granbull is a quiet, delicate, and lovable Pokémon, of course, but can you tell me this: When I take a nap with my adorable Granbull, which part of its body do I use as a pillow?"

I'm a bit dumbfounded by the unexpected question, but I gather my thoughts and point to the tummy area of Granbull.

"Ding ding ding! That's exactly right!" Lacey applauds. "I use that soft, adorable tummy! When I cuddle up to it, it's so soft and cozy. We both fall asleep in just seconds! And that's the end of my quiz! You managed to get all five of my questions right, which means... congratulations, Ash! You've officially cleared my Elite Trial! Why don't we head back to the plaza?"

Serena chimes in, acknowledging my success, "As expected from Ash, you got all the answers right."

I respond with a chuckle, "Yeah, it's not that difficult considering how much I love Pokémon."

As we return to the battlefield, Lacey wastes no time and urges, "No time to waste, right? Let's get to our positions!"

We all position ourselves around the battlefield, ready for the battle ahead. Lacey takes a moment to introduce herself properly, standing as a member of the Elite Four. She admits, "I really didn't expect I'd get a challenge from someone like you, Ash. Rightfully, you do belong to a different school. Honestly, I'm still a bit shocked, but I won't let my personal feelings get in the way of our battle!"

I respond, "Of course, I don't like battles that are held back."

Lacey goes on to explain her preferred type, "So, ah, let's see. First of all, I should tell you I mostly use Fairy-type Pokémon. There's just nothing like an adorable pink fairy, right? They're weak to Poison and Steel. Anything too caustic or cutting just doesn't suit them. Oh, but you must know all this already, right, Ash? Now, for this battle, I'm not going to hold anything back. I want to be sure you walk away with a proper understanding, after all. You're about to learn that cuteness is real strength!"

Lacey takes her place as an Elite Four member and sends out her first two Pokémon, Whimsicott and Granbull. In response, I choose Glimmora and Sneasler as my partners. Lacey confidently declares, "This time, I'll be facing you with my usual party as a member of the Elite Four."

Whimsicott takes the initiative and sets up a Light Screen, skillfully reducing the damage I can deal with my Sludge Wave attack.

"It's a rock-solid strategy to go after weaknesses...which is why I'll be turning it right back on you!" Surprisingly, Granbull opts for a Stomping Tantrum, dealing a significant amount of damage to Glimmora.

"Glimmora, hang in there!" I command, watching as its Toxic Debris ability activates, scattering Toxic Spikes across the battlefield. I instruct Sneasler to use Dire Claw, which lands on Granbull and leaves it poisoned. I wonder whether it's the effect of the Dire Claw or perhaps Sneasler's ability, Poison Touch. Regardless, Whimsicott attempts to set up a Tailwind to support Granbull's actions. However, Sneasler swiftly counters with a Poison Jab, knocking Whimsicott out. Unfortunately, Glimmora succumbs to the burn it suffered during the battle.

Lacey makes her next move and selects Galarian Slowbro, a choice that sends a shiver down my spine as it absorbs the Toxic Spikes I had laid out earlier. In response, I choose Ceruledge to enter the fray. The combination of Shell Side Arm and the Quick Draw ability proves to be formidable as it deals significant damage to Ceruledge. However, Ceruledge retaliates with a powerful Bitter Blade, not only defeating Granbull but also regaining some of its lost health.

Lacey's fourth Pokémon is Primarina, and when it unleashes Hyper Voice, Ceruledge begins to weaken. Bryce raises a question, "What's going on? Ceruledge is a Ghost Type, so Hyper Voice shouldn't have hit it, right?"

Lillie furrows her brows in thought, saying, "Unless the Primarina has the Liquid Voice ability... that turns Hyper Voice into a Water Type..."

As the Primarina holds a Throat Spray, I can't help but groan at the strategy. Primarina's special attack receives a boost, and it proceeds to defeat Sneasler with a powerful Moonblast. In response, I choose Bellibolt as my next battler.

Bellibolt's Electromorphosis ability proves to be quite effective, boosting the power of Electric moves. With a combination of Discharge and Ceruledge's Shadow Claw, we manage to eliminate Galarian Slowbro from the battle.

Lacey's next Pokémon is Alcremie, and it uses Decorate to significantly boost Primarina's Attack and Special Attack stats, much to my frustration. This power boost allows Primarina to unleash a devastating Hyper Voice, which defeats both Ceruledge and Bellibolt in quick succession. With only two Pokémon remaining, I have no choice but to send out Pikachu and Lucario to continue the battle.

Pikachu strikes with a powerful Thunderbolt, successfully taking down Primarina. However, when Lucario follows up with a Bullet Punch on Alcremie, it immediately responds by using Recover, regaining some of its health. Lacey calls out her final Pokémon, Excadrill, and exclaims, "All eyes on our great big Terastal heart! Time to get even cuter and cuter!"

Excadrill undergoes Terastalization and transforms into a Fairy Type. In response, I decide to Terastalize Pikachu into a Flying Type, knowing that Excadrill has some Ground moves that could potentially harm Pikachu. As Alcremie uses Decorate once more, Lacey commands, "Get 'em, Excadrill! Let's send them flying with your adorable destructive force! Tera Blast!"

Excadrill delivers a powerful blow to Pikachu, but Pikachu manages to hold on before retaliating with an Iron Tail, knocking Alcremie out of the battle. With Lucario's Steel Beam and Pikachu's Thunderbolt both unleashed simultaneously, Excadrill is also defeated, marking the end of the intense battle.

"I hate losing... but I love seeing such cute Pokémon," Lacey mutters, her disappointment evident as she recalls her Pokémon. "Ash! Ash! Did you see? Did you see our Pokémon battling it out?! Oooh, it's almost too much—they were just too cute, even for me!"

Serena chimes in, "Well, they were super cute after all."

"Hee hee! For sure!" Lacey continues with enthusiasm. "And I get the best view as a Trainer since I'm so close to the action! Your Pokémon were very cute as well, Ash. Phew... You know, it's just not right for two people to hog all this cuteness between them. Why don't we wrangle up the cute Pokémon here for a cute picture we can share with everyone?"

We proceed to take a picture to commemorate our victory, and this time, all the quiz Pokémon join in, making for an even more adorable scene.

"Oooh, this one is just too cute! I'm going to make myself a backup copy or three..." Lacey chuckles. "You really are very strong when you get serious in battle, Ash. I wonder how far you'll be able to get, facing off against the strongest Trainers in our school... I'll be keeping an eye on you and your progress!"

As Lacey departs, Drayton makes another appearance, greeting us with a casual, "Yo yo, Champ in the making."

Drandon seems surprised and asks, "Drayton?"

Drayton observes, "So that's two Elite Four members down already, huh? You sure are crushing it." He goes on to comment on Lacey's fondness for cuteness and how it helps strengthen her Pokémon. Drayton finds it fascinating how training her adorable team doesn't feel like work to her. He then turns his attention to me, drawing a comparison, "I bet it's the same for you, huh? You work so hard at it 'cause you like it! Unlike a certain someone who seems busy running himself and everyone around him into the ground just to get a bit stronger."

He mutters to himself, "Y'know, Lacey's polite to everyone else, but she's really blunt with me... I wonder why?"

Alice doesn't hold back and quips, "Maybe because you're a little annoying?"

Kieran also joins the conversation, expressing his relief, "Seems like things are going well with the BB League... Right, Ash?"

Drayton jumps in, "What's up, mighty Champion? Scoping out the competition?"

Kieran smiles at me and offers words of encouragement, "I was getting worried. It'd be so disappointing if Ash had gotten weaker. But you seem as strong as ever, thankfully. Ash... go all the way. Don't go losing. I can't show you how strong I've gotten if you don't even make it to me."

I respond with a sigh, remarking, "Really eager, aren't you?" as I watch him depart.

Drayton notes, "Heh heh. Someone's good and riled up. Anyway! You've got places to be, right? I better not keep you. See ya. Good luck with the remaining Elite Two."

With his departure, we decide to spend some time exploring the Coastal Biome, enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings.

And here is the Lacey's test, usually I put her as the third one to face, but I decide to go with the seasons so that she becomes the second to face. I hope you like it and the next chapter will be Amarys' turn.

Ash and Serena's Pokemon:

Charizard x2, Pikachu x2, Tauros (Paldean) x3, Lapras, Steelix (Crystal), Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Garchomp, Lucario, Krookodile, Zoroark, Greninja, Sylveon, Noivern, Lycanroc (Dusk), Mimikyu (Shiny), Corviknight, Indeedee x2, Kleavor, Ursaluna (Blood Moon), Sneasler, Meowscarada, Skeledirge, Quaquaval, Oinkologne x2 (Male/Female), Spidops, Lokix, Pawmot, Maushold x2 (Family of four/three), Dachsbun, Arboliva, Squawkabilly x4, Garganacl, Armarouge, Ceruledge, Bellibolt, Kilowattrel, Mabosstiff, Grafaiai, Brambleghast, Toedscruel, Klawf, Scovillain, Rabsca, Espathra, Tinkaton, Wugtrio, Bombirdier, Palafin, Revavroom, Cyclizar, Orthworm, Glimmora, Houndstone, Flamigo, Cetitan, Veluza, Dondozo, Tatsugiri X3, Annihilape, Clodsire, Farigiraf, Dudunsparce x2 (Two, Three segment), Kingambit, Great Tusk, Scream Tail, Brute Bonnet, Flutter Mane, Slither Wing, Sandy Shocks, Iron Treads, Iron Bundle, Iron Hands, Iron Jugulis, Iron Moth, Iron Thorns, Baxcalibur, Gholdengo, Wo-Chien, Chien-Pao, Ting-Lu, Chi-Yu, Roaring Moon, Iron Valiant, Koraidon, Miraidon, Dipplin, Sinistcha, Okidogi, Munkidori, Fezandipiti, Ogerpon