It had been a while since Grimsley was on a boat. He and Nanu rented one from the boat shop next to Route 16's shores, and were heading towards Poni Island. Through the windows, he gazed at the ocean glimmering in the late afternoon sun and the various water Pokémon jumping out. Blackjack was released into the water and swimming in pace with the boat, so Grimsley kept an eye on him.
His thoughts wandered towards Nanu's Grand Trial earlier. He had seen Gladion and Selene battle before, so he already expected them to be great. While Nanu was far from friendly, Grimsley didn't expect him to be capable of such harsh words to them. He wondered if the Kahuna would do the same to him once they have their battle.
Grimsley was genuinely amazed at seeing Black Hole Eclipse in action. A powerful black hole that could even suck in a raging whirlpool. Nanu and Selene's Z-Moves clashing together was the highlight of the match.
Despite having two Z-Crystals now, he still hadn't mastered any Z-Moves yet. Nanu claimed he knew someone in Poni Island who could help him with that, so he hoped that would be the case.
Letting out a soft sigh, he leaned back in his seat and looked at Nanu. He had been driving the boat for a few hours now with a bored expression on his face.
"So how much longer until we get to Poni Island?" he asked.
"Probably sometime after nightfall. We'll sleep in the Pokémon Center and then in the morning we'll find my friends."
"You mentioned someone there can help me with Z-Moves. Can you tell me more about them?"
"Her name is Mina, and she's a trial captain like Acerola. She trains Fairy-type Pokémon but knows several Z-Moves, including the one for the Buginium-Z. She's also an artist, loves to draw and paint."
Mina: Grimsley heard that name before. It was when he, Nanu, Acerola, and Becky stopped by the abandoned Thrifty Market. He glanced at the window, Blackjack still keeping up with the boat.
"She sounds fascinating. I recall Acerola saying she did her trial before."
"Yeah, she did. Mina has her head in the clouds at times, but she's a good kid." Nanu's face changed to a more serious expression. "Before we land Poni Island, some words of advice. To you, Alola is a place to sightsee and unwind. Alola is more than that, though. There are people here who are hurting and the dangers are real."
Confused at first, Grimsley's head flinched back slightly and his eyebrows squished together. Sure, he came to Alola for a vacation, but that didn't mean he was ignorant of the people living here. Right? He frowned, unsure of himself.
Nanu's words of Alola kept repeating inside his head like a broken record throughout the rest of the boat ride.
xxx
By the time they arrived at their destination, it was nightfall with a full moon and stars in view. Nanu left his boat by the port where the other boats were, and he and Grimsley headed to the Pokémon Center.
Seafolk Village was a small settlement in Poni Island where the seafolk resided. Several houseboats stylized after different Pokémon were clustered together around the dock, with floating platforms connecting the homes together. The outside vendors that sold the jewelry and vegetables were closed for the night, but when those opened the villagers and visitors often checked them out. Uphill was the Pokémon Center and the farms where the other half of the population settled.
Ever since Kahuna Sofu had passed away a few years ago, Nanu would oversee the Poni trials. Far less trainers taking the island challenge made all the way through here than the Ula'Ula trials. He couldn't blame them, though. Poni Island had canyons, caves, and tougher Pokémon that weren't suited for inexperienced trainers. Usually trainers from this island would begin their island challenge in either Melemele or Akala Island first. Watching over two islands took a toll on Nanu, so he hoped Tapu Fini would choose a new Kahuna soon.
He left the past buried deep in the pit of his stomach for now.
The Pokémon Center was on top of a hillcliff above Seafolk Village. The building has two floors and its architecture similar to the other Pokémon Centers. There was a large courtyard where visitors could sit on the benches and gazed below the village and ocean.
He and Grimsley found the Pokémon Center and stepped inside. As expected, the lobby was clean and organized. There were only a few people inside, two of them watching the television and another one feeding their Pokémon some food. Nanu went up to the reception desk where Nurse Joy was, who greeted him with a warm smile.
"Kahuna Nanu! It's been a while!"
"Well I got kahuna duties back in Ula'ula, and someone needed to watch over those Team Skull kids."
"Ah huh," Nurse Joy said, nodding in understanding. "So you're here to do a Grand Trial?"
"Personal business, actually." Nanu pointed at Grimsley and he said, "I would like two rooms for us here."
"Of course. Your trainer licenses, please."
The men handed Nurse Joy their licenses, and she grinned at them. "Oh my, a kahuna and an Elite Four member here!" After a few minutes of putting the information into the computer, she gave their licenses back and cardkeys.
"Here you go! Your rooms are 345 and 346."
"Thanks, appreciate it," Nanu said. He faced Grimsley. "Our rooms are upstairs, come on."
Nanu gestured Grimsley for him to follow, and they headed towards the stairs. Before they reached there, a woman's voice made them stop.
"Old man Nanu, is that you?"
Mina was in front of them, giving Nanu a small smile. She carried a sketchbook with her, and her shirt and face was still splattered in paint. He offered her a weak wave.
"Hello, Mina. Still doing your art, I see."
Mina hummed and nodded. "I've done sketches of the Oricorio here today. They really know how to show off their dance moves!"
"Right." Nanu cleared his throat. "Good thing you're here as I actually wanted to see you."
"Oh?" Mina tilted her head. "You have some new trial goers for me?"
"Not exactly. I have someone here who could use your help on using Z-Moves." He turned to Grimsley and had his elbow poked his shoulder. Grimsley flinched for a second and approached Mina.
"I'm Grimsley of the Unova Elite Four. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mina." He and Mina shook hands.
"The Elite Four?" Mina let out a whistle. "Wow, that's impressive. We don't have those here, but I heard Alola gonna have their own Pokémon League very soon."
"Indeed. I already had a sneak peak of the Elite Four thanks to Professor Kukui."
"That's also awesome! Anyways, Nanu said you need help with Z-Moves?"
"Yes. I have two Z-Crystals and would like to use Z-Moves for both."
Grimsley pulled out the Ghostium-Z and Buginium-Z Crystals from the sleeves of his kimono and showed them to her. Mina gazed down at them on his palm and nodded.
"A Ghostium-Z and Buginium-Z? Nice. You know the poses for either of those?"
"I know the one for the Ghostium-Z, but I'm unable to execute the Z-Move properly."
Mina regarded him for a moment, and she hummed.
"Sure, I can help. I'm usually out at Poni Beach, so meet me there tomorrow and I'll see what I can do."
"Poni Beach, tomorrow. Got it."
Nanu stayed silent while Grimsley and Mina were talking, crossing his arms against his chest. He wondered how Looker and Anabel were doing. Should he ask her? It was a long shot, but better than nothing. He faced Mina.
"There's something else I want to ask you. Have you seen a dark-haired man in a long coat and a purple-haired woman in a black suit?"
Mina threw him a confused stare, and she shook her head. "Nope, haven't seen either of them. Friends of yours?"
"You can say that. They're supposed to be staying here for a while."
"I see, I see. Well, if I do see them I'll let you know."
"That would be great, thank you."
"No problem! I have to get back home now, but it's great seeing you two!" Mina waved one goodbye hand to them and left the Pokémon Center.
"Hopefully we'll see your Interpol friends here," Grimsley said. "Should we head to our rooms, then?"
Nanu grunted in agreement, having the same sentiment in wanting to see Anabel and Looker soon. They headed upstairs and retired for the night.
xxx
Nanu and Grimsley woke up late the next morning. After they ate breakfast, Grimsley watched the television in the lounge while Nanu used the videophone to call Acerola at the Aether House. He first told her that he would be away in Poni Island for a few days on a personal errand, and then went over how the Grand Trial with Selene and Gladion had gone.
"So Selene and Gladion completed their Ula'ula trial? I'm so happy for them!"
"They were a little soft at first, but after giving them some words of encouragement they pulled through."
Acerola pouted and had her hands on her sides. "Oh, really? I've seen your Grand Trials and you're more blunt than Kahunas Hala or Olivia!"
Nanu flinched and a "tch" sound left his throat. He narrowed his eyes at her.
"You got me there, kid," he said, and Acerola giggled.
"Either way, wished I was there to see it! So they're at Aether Paradise now, then?"
"They went along with their friend, Hau. I still think the rescue should be better left to the adults, but what can you do?" Nanu then asked, "Since I'm going to be in Poni Island for a bit, can you check on the Meowth until I get back?"
"Sure!" Acerola said, beaming. "I always love playing with them and rubbing their bellies!"
With a snort, Nanu shook his head. Every time Acerola visited the police station, she would play with the Meowth. Most of them liked her back, so it was better that way than them bothering him.
"Of course you do." He shifted his gaze away from the screen for a second. "If you need anything, you know how to reach me."
"Okay! You and Grimsley have fun in Poni Island!" Acerola said, flashing him a grin.
Once they hung up, the screen on Acerola's side turned black. Nanu sighed and got up to where Grimsley was. He joined with him on the couch.
"You let Acerola know we're in Poni Island?" Grimsley asked, and Nanu nodded.
"Told her we'll be here for a few days or so. She'll also be watching over the Meowth while I'm gone."
Right now the television broadcasted the news. After the reporter finished warning about high surfs in Akala Beach, the next segment was on the upcoming Alola Pokémon League.
"Alola's first Pokémon League is right on track on making its grand debut in spring next year. Construction of the stadium on top of Mount Lanakila is continuing without much delays. While the majority of the populace are excited, there are some that worry the Pokémon League will replace the island challenge and its traditions. We talked with Professor Leilani Kukui and two of the trainers he had chosen for the Elite Four, Kahili Hano and Molayne Velvet."
The television screen switched to Professor Kukui, Kahili, and Molayne outside the Hokulani Observatory.
"When Professor Kukui first came to me on this ambitious undertaking, this is an opportunity I couldn't pass up," Kahili said, smiling at the camera. Molayne wore a similar expression. "I can't wait to serve as one of Alola's top trainers."
"He assured us that the island challenge will still be here," Molayne said. "Think of the Elite Four as an extension to our trial captains and kahunas. Miss Hano and I will help the islands with resources, check up on the trials, and oversee the final trial before the trainer takes on the Pokémon League."
"I met with Kahili and Molayne over a week ago," Grimsley said. Nanu glanced to see a small smile on his lips. "I think they'll make fine Elite Four trainers."
Back to the television, Kukui's face was shown. He flashed the camera his widest grin.
"For our grand debut it'll work a bit differently from other Leagues. It'll be an all out tournament with the Elite Four, Kahunas, Trial Captains, and nominated trainers from Alola!" He paused. "I've always valued our old traditions here in Alola, but it's time to make a Champion for the whole world to see! That's why we're having our own Pokémon League and Elite Four, yeah!"
Nanu watched the segment with an indifferent expression. He had no qualms for the Pokémon League being established here, he just didn't want to be a part of the Elite Four.
"I didn't know why some people were against a Pokémon League being here," Grimsley said, sounding disappointed.
"Quite a few folks in Ula'ula Island held protests near where the construction site was," Nanu said and shrugged. "I may not care for Kukui's pet project, but I see no harm in him setting up one here."
"Me neither." Grimsley leaned back on the couch with his arm over his head. "Have any idea where on this island your Interpol friends are?"
"Most of Poni Island is barren land compared to other islands. We'll start in this village first and then work from-"
"Kahuna Nanu, there you are!" Mina called out his name, interrupting him. He looked over his shoulder to see her grinning at him. "I found them!"
"Find who?" Nanu asked, furrowing his brow.
"Your friends that you told me about last night! The dark-haired dude with a long coat and the purple-haired lady in black, right?"
Nanu's stomach jumped when he heard that. Guess he and Grimsley didn't need to search for them. Grimsley tipped his head to the side.
"Yes, that's them. Where did you find them?"
"I saw them inside the village's restaurant while taking a morning walk. They're outside where the benches are."
"That easy, huh? Thanks for letting me know, kid." Nanu gave Mina an appreciative smile, and he turned to Grimsley. "Let's go." They got up from the couch and left the Pokémon Center.
Outside, the sun grew brighter and a gentle breeze filled with ocean salt picked up. Nanu and Grimsley headed to where the benches were, and they stopped a short distance.
Anabel and Looker sat on the benches, their hands on their laps. They greeted Nanu with warm smiles.
"Good morning, Officer Nanu," Anabel said. "Mr. Looker and I were surprised when Mina told us you're here."
"This was a last minute trip, to tell the truth. Grimsley and I came here to talk to you guys." After Nanu said that, Grimsley nodded.
Both agents looked at Grimsley with lowered heads, and then Looker flashed him a grin. They got up and approached him.
"It's been a while, huh Mr. Grimsley Thomas? If your memory is hazy, I'm Agent Looker." He extended his hand to him, and they shook hands.
"I actually remember you. You were the agent that spoke with me and everyone else after Team Plasma's takeover of the Pokémon League."
"And I'm Agent Anabel, Looker's superior," Anabel said, also shaking hands with him.
"Grimsley wants to know more about your guys' scientist and the Ultra Recon Squad," Nanu said. He crossed his arms.
"You mean Dr. Colress Antimony?" Anabel asked.
"Yes, him," Grimsley said. His eyes narrowed. "Is it true that he struck a deal with Interpol?"
Looker's expression changed to a frown. "He did. He has done a variety of research with our organization already."
An odd noise left Grimsley's throat, and he grimaced. Staring at him, Nanu already expected him to not take that news well.
"When we visited Officer Nanu over a week ago, he told us that you knew him but you two had a fall out," Anabel said to him. Next to her, Looker pulled out a small notebook and flipped through some pages.
"We knew each other, yes. Close, even. Long story short, we broke off contact when I found out he was in Team Plasma."
With an understanding hum, Looker wrote down what Grimsley had said. "When did you find out about Colress's connection to Team Plasma?"
"I would say over a year after Team Plasma took over the Pokémon League. I didn't contact the authorities back then because I was too upset and wasn't thinking straight."
After Looker finished writing more of Grimsley's words down, he gave him a sympathetic look.
"Is there anything else concerning Dr. Antimony you want to know or share with us?" Anabel asked.
"I was at the Lake of the Moone a few nights ago. Colress was with the Ultra Recon Squad and they summoned Lunala, one of Alola's legendary Pokémon. He's building a machine to subdue a Pokémon from the Ultra Recon Squad's planet."
Anabel and Looker gasped, and their mouths fell open. They turned to Nanu, who flicked his eyes at them.
"He told that story too when he came to my place. After the stuff I've been through in Interpol, I believe him."
His colleagues regarded him for a moment, and they looked back at Grimsley
"We shall look into Dr. Antimony's whereabouts further," Looker said. "I believe that is all we need from you, Mr. Thomas."
Grimsley grunted and lifted his chin. "There's one more thing I want to ask. Have either of you seen Colress recently?"
"The last time we saw him was a while ago in Tapu Village at Ula'ula Island," Anabel said.
A disappointed expression crossed Grimsley's face. Nanu stared at him with slouched shoulders, believing this should be good enough for him.
"The three of us have other matters to discuss. You should probably go find Mina."
Grimsley's eyes fluttered, and he pressed his lips in a fine line. After some consideration, he bobbed his head.
"All right, I'll leave you three alone then," he said and did just that.
Nanu watched him walking away, his scarf fluttering against the breeze. He faced back to Anabel and Looker.
"Charlotte came to see me last week. She wanted me to find a connection between Team Skull and Aether." When he said that, his friends jerked their heads back.
"Found anything noteworthy?" Looker asked.
"I did. Aether's president has been in contact with Team Skull's boss, Guzma. She's offering him money for him to find a Pokémon."
"She must want him to find Cosmog," Anabel said. "Charlotte had told us how it was capable of creating wormholes. One of the president's children ran away with it."
"Yeah, that one. Team Skull got their hands on the girl and Cosmog and took them to Aether Paradise. Right now a bunch of kids went to save them."
Anabel's face fell. "Hold up, you're telling me you just let some children go on a dangerous rescue mission?"
"I did initially stopped them, but they beat me in my Grand Trial fair and square. At least Charlotte is there in case anything goes wrong."
Anabel gave him a suspicious glare. She sighed and shook her head.
"I still have my doubts, but you mentioning her puts my mind at ease somewhat."
Looker chuckled and grinned. "I've recruited children to help out against shady organizations. It all worked out in the end!"
Nanu's forehead and brow shot up. The corner of his lips twitched.
"Did you guys see Aether's broadcast on the news last week?" he asked.
"We did," Anabel said. "Headquarters ordered several agents including us to track down the Ultra Beasts more aggressively."
Nanu's stomach dropped. He turned to Looker, who had a deep frown on his face.
"That's what I fear," Nanu said as he sat down on the bench. He had his elbows on his lap and his hands on his face. "Found any leads while here?"
"The people here mention they noticed Pokémon feeling uneasy," Looker said. "No Ultra Beast sightings, however."
A short silence stretched between them. Anabel flinched when her bluetooth flashed.
"Oh, I'm getting a call right now." Anabel pushed the button on her bluetooth and she spoke. "Agent Anabel speaking. Charlotte?" When Nanu heard her name, his heart raced. "Yes, we're still in Poni Island. Yes, Nanu had mentioned that. Are the children safe at least? That's good to hear. We can meet up at the Pokémon Center. All right, see you tomorrow." She faced back at Nanu and Looker. "It's Charlotte. She, Selene, and Lillie will be coming over to Poni Island tomorrow."
"Did she mentioned anything what happened at Aether?" Nanu asked.
"She says she'll explain everything once she gets here."
Rubbing a brow, Nanu sighed and lowered his head. His gaze flicked over at Looker, a deep frown on his face. If Charlotte was coming over, then it couldn't be good news. He considered if he should let Grimsley join them.
"Grimsley is half aware of the connection between Team Skull and Aether. Are you guys fine with him joining us tomorrow?"
His friends gave contemplative looks at one another. Anabel spoke first.
"Well he is an Elite Four member, and he did give us important information regarding Colress and the Ultra Recon Squad. I don't see a problem with that."
"Nor do I," Looker said.
"Okay then, I'll ask him if he would like to join us."
xxx
Grimsley didn't have a hard time finding Poni Beach since it was near Seafolk Village. Some of the hot sand got inside his shoes, and his nose wrinkled at the scent of salt water. The beach was almost as barren as one next to the Aether House, saved for a few exceptions.
There was a stand for surfboards, and next to it was a wooden billboard with names and scores pinned on it. Several Mantine stayed by the shore, splashing and playing with each other. A few people were surfing on the waves, but on Mantine instead of the surfboards. The surfers on them pulled off crazy spins and high jumps.
Huh, so that's supposed to be Mantine Surfing, he mused. Perhaps he would try it out before leaving Alola.
While taking in the scenery, he spotted Mina doing a painting of one of the Mantine surfers. Both surfer and Mantine twirled in the air like a whirlpool. The different shades of blue and white used for the waves and sky were mixed well. It was almost like a perfect snapshot.
"That's a lovely painting you have there," Grimsley complimented. That caused Mina to stop and smile.
"Oh, thanks! Yeah, sometimes I draw the surfers and Pokémon here. I get so inspired by them, you know?" She then asked, "So how did your talk with Kahuna Nanu's friends go?"
When Anabel and Looker confirmed that Colress was working with them, Grimsley's stomach had churned. Mina was probably aware of them being Interpol agents, so she would understand that what they discussed was private.
"I talked to them over some personal matters and got most of my answers. That's all I'm going to say."
Mina hummed and bobbed her head. She seemed to follow, so that was good.
"Since you liked my painting, you wanna see more of my work?" she asked.
Grimsley responded that it was fine, and Mina handed him her sketchbook. There were drawings of landscapes, people, and Pokémon. One of the sketches was of Nanu with a bored expression, and another of a cheerful Acerola.
"I must say I'm impressed. These reminds me of an artist I knew back in Unova, Burgh Cortez."
"Wait, did you say Burgh Cortez?" Mina grinned. "I love his stuff!"
Grimsley blinked at her. "You're familiar with his work?"
"Ah huh! I visited his art exhibition in Castelia City and even talked with him! It's cute how excited he gets over bug Pokémon."
"That sounds like Burgh all right," Grimsley said with a snort, and he handed Mina her sketchbook back. Burgh couldn't stop talking about his Pokémon and that got repetitive after a while.
"Anyways!" Mina clapped her hands. "You're here for some Z-Move training, right?"
"That's what I was initially here for, yes."
"Okay, okay. And it was the Ghost-type Z-Move you're having trouble with?"
"Also correct."
"Gotcha. Why don't you bring out one of your Pokémon and try that Z-Move out?"
With a grunt, Grimsley pulled out his pokéball and released Raz. The feline stretched under the sun and dug her claws into the sand.
"Oh wow, a Liepard!" Mina said, sounding impressed. "We don't have them here in Aola."
Grimsley smiled a little at that compliment. He moved a few steps closer to Raz.
"We're going to attempt the Z-Move Never Ending Nightmare again," he said. Raz straightened herself and growled. He frowned. "I know, we weren't successful the first few times. This young lady here is going to help us, though."
Raz turned to Mina and regarded her for a moment. She let out a soft cry and bobbed her head.
"Good. All right, let's get ready."
He took several steps back while Raz turned away from him and waited. Grimsley held out his arms and did the pose for the Ghostinium-Z. A golden light surrounded them both, only for it to disappear several seconds later. Raz faced him, giving him a disappointed growl.
"Did Kahuna Nanu say anything as to why the Z-Move isn't working for you?" Mina asked.
"He said that it's perhaps my Pokémon aren't strong enough for Z-Moves yet." He kneeled down and scratched Raz's chin, who rubbed into his palm in return. "Raz and I just need a little more of a push, I guess."
"A little more of a push, huh?" Smiling, Mina folded her arms against her chest. "Maybe a Pokémon battle might help with that!"
An amused grin pulled on Grimsley's lips. "Are you asking a battle against an Elite Four?"
"Sure, though not an intense one or anything like that. We'll do a few turns each, and then both of us will try out our Z-Moves."
"So, just enough to make Raz use Never Ending Nightmare."
"Exactly."
While considering Mina's suggestion, Grimsley was reminded of the quick battle Professor Kukui and Acerola did to show him and the children Chavo's Z-Move. A battle with Mina might be the push Raz needed.
"Then I, Grimsley of the Unova Elite Four, accept your challenge," he said, smiling a little.
Mina did a small fist bump in the air. "Right on! Let me introduce you to Sally first."
She grabbed a pokéball from her belt. A bright light formed, and a small bee-like creature appeared. They flapped their wings rapidly and the scarf around their neck fluttered with the breeze. Grimsley recognized that Pokémon.
"I've seen several of those back in Ula'ula Meadows, but don't know what they're called."
"Sally's a Ribombee," Mina said as her Pokémon landed on her finger. She rubbed their chin. "She can sense the emotions of Pokémon and humans well."
"How so?" Grimsley asked, genuinely interested.
"Why don't I show you?" Mina gave a single nod to her Ribombee, and she flew off.
Raz cried in surprise when Sally landed on her head and screeched. She flapped her wings, and glitter scattered in the air. Grimsley gave a blank stare while Mina smiled.
"Sally says that your Liepard hopes she'll pull off the Z-Move this time," she said, and Sally flew back to her side.
Grimsley's eyes grew wide, and he smiled. "I'm impressed you're able to understand your Pokémon that way."
"Sally and I have been together for a long time, so it's easy for us to understand each other. Shall we get started, then?"
Grimsley grunted in agreement, and they and their Pokémon got into position. The two trainers gave their commands.
"Let's start things off with Pollen Puff, Sally!"
"Counter with Shadow Ball!"
A purple ball of pollen formed in between Sally's arms, and she threw it at Raz. Raz fired off a crimson orb from her mouth, and the two attacks collided in a small explosion. They exchanged Shadow Balls and Pollen Puffs at each other several more times until Grimsley and Mina gave out new commands.
"Go for Dazzling Gleam now!"
"Strike your opponent with your claws!"
Sally surrounded herself in a rainbow colored sphere and swooped down, the light getting brighter the more she descended. Dark vapors formed on Raz's paw, and it was shaped into a large claw. They launched at each other, and another explosion occurred. After the smoke disappeared, they backed away and stared at each other.
"I think we're all warmed up now," Mina said. She raised her arm up, showing Grimsley her Z-Ring. "Time to get our Z on!"
With a sharp nod, Grimsley readied his pose for Never Ending Nightmare. He made his movements similar to a floating ghost, and ended it with his arms stretched out. He and Raz were covered in a golden aura, only this time Grimsley felt it growing stronger and stronger. A rush of cold air passed by.
He didn't pay attention to Mina's pose due to focusing on his own, but her Z-Ring glowed brighter than the sun.
Raz let out a large cry, purple flames bursting out from where she was. Black liquid oozed out into the sands, and several tendrils popped up.
Sally spat out a thread of silk, only for the tendrils to burn them. The tendrils then grabbed the Ribombee and she was engulfed in flames. Once the flames dispersed, Sally squeaked and dropped into Mina's hands.
"Sally!" Mina called out her name in panic. When Sally made another squeak, she sighed in relief. "Great work out there," she said and returned her to the pokéball.
Both Grimsley and Raz dragged out deep breaths. Already he was exhausted as much as when using Mega Evolution. His Pokémon collapsed on the ground and gazed up at him, as if asking, "Did I do it?" He chuckled and patted her head.
He and his Pokémon were finally able to do a Z-Move.
"You were marvelous," he said in a soft voice. Raz lifted her head and licked his face.
"Congrats on doing that Z-Move," Mina said as she approached them.
"I should thank you for helping us with that." He helped Raz picked herself up, and then shook Mina's hand. "That Z-Move Sally did earlier, what was it?"
"That's Savage Spin-Out. Since you also have a Buginium-Z, it made sense for me to use that. Does any of your Pokémon know a Bug-type move?"
"My Bisharp. She knows X-Scissor."
Mina hummed in acknowledgment. "If you like, I can teach you and your Bisharp that Z-Move."
"That would be very much appreciated," Grimsley said without thinking. He gazed down at Raz, who growled in agreement.
He knew how to use one Z-Move now. Another Z-Move wouldn't hurt.
Author's Notes:
Here's the start of the Poni Island arc! The majority of the chapters in this arc will be a bit shorter for better pacing. While Grimsley will have some spotlight, Nanu will get the bulk of character development here.
I mentioned Seafolk Village's Pokemon Center being uphill instead of within the village itself. I'm going more with the anime's version of Poni Island from here out.
I'm still doing the advertising campaign for Foul Play! Spreading the word would be appreciated:
As always, thanks to bobandbill for betaing. I hope to have the next chapter ready either end of this month or in March. See you then!