Liko - Still trying to figure out where the Terastal Shiny Rayquaza could be, we followed several floating rumors to Galar Mine. But, instead, what we found was none other than Lucius' Galarian Moltres during which, we met Marena, Sarah's human advisor as well as Lucius' wife from a century ago. She separated the Six Heroes to protect them from evil people which was mainly why Moltres became so angry and fought us without mercy. But, after seeing Marena again and hearing why she did what she did, Moltres calmed down and this strange light formed around us again. And, after that, my pendant turned into my Terapagos once more.
Next day came (July 15th) and we were greeted with the sight of everybody including the Rising Volt Tacklers gathered in the Dragon Craft's dining room as Murdock, Mollie, Orla, and Rockruff (save for Ludlow, Dot, and Quaxly) were being shown Liko, Sarah, and Race's Terapagos Four (with the youngest of them looking around and at the heroes curiously as it tried to make sense of its new surroundings and the people, Pokémon, and dragons before it).
"Okay, those are four weird-looking Pokémon," Murdock admitted.
"Actually, Murdock, 'weird-looking' is putting it lightly on one aspect. They're officially called Terapagos," Carmine corrected.
"So, the Terapagos, as you put it, that Liko had was pretending to be a gem this whole time?" Mollie inquired suspiciously.
Zelda chuckled as she told the traveling doctor, "Not pretending, Ms. Mollie; it was in a dormant state as were the two Terapagos I took with me when Link and I made our escape from Area Zero and Paldea and crossed over to Alola from the seas. The same can be said for the third Terapagos the princess came across during her, Carmine, and Kieran's expedition to the heart of Area Zero with Ms. Briar before she was able to catch it."
Intrigued by what the female Iron Leaves said about the Terapagos Four, Orla then turned to Liko and asked, "Did you know anything about this, Liko?"
"No, it's just been a good luck charm my grandma gave me before Sarah and Race told me what they truly are," Liko admitted.
"Well, they do look like a shelled Pokémon judging from their overall aesthetics," Dot remarked from her Rotom Phone as she tried to make heads or tails of the Terapagos Four (as Sarah and Race decided to give them names so they don't confuse their Terapagos with Liko's: Sarah's Terapagos - Larmina and Topaz, Race's Terapagos - Garnet).
"But, they're way different from Squirtle. It's also been said that they lived in Area Zero for nearly two million years and were thought to be extinct before Liko's Terapagos as well as Race and Sarah's as they told us," Roy interjected as he couldn't find any additional data about the Terapagos Four from his Rotom Phone apart from what Sarah and Race found out about them from their research on the Tera Pokémon. "And, they're not even in the Pokedex! They must be something special if they're responsible for the Paldea's Terastal Phenomenon!"
"For real?!"
"Are you serious!?"
"Are they really responsible for Paldea's Terastal Phenomenon?" Orla, Mollie, and Murdock balked in shock at the reveal.
"I don't know what I'm supposed to do here," Like mused, feeling lost and awkward about what to do with her Terapagos and how to explain what she also knew about them thanks to Sarah and Race.
"They are oddballs, I'll give them that," Cap remarked, feeling just as puzzled about the Terapagos Four before Liko's Terapagos decided to take a nap as it yawned and went to sleep (which made the young girl smile at it cutely).
"But, it's so cute when it yawns!"
"Hmm, well then... Given that we still have more questions than answers despite what Race and Sarah know about them, let's go and visit Liko's grandmother. Maybe she can clear things up, are you two ready to go?" Friede suggested before he turned to Liko and Roy, knowing that it was time to see Diana and finally get the answers they were looking for.
"Okay," Liko and Roy agreed.
The unconventional professor then turned to Murdock, Orla, and Mollie along with the rest of the heroes before telling the trio, "Probably best if a small group from Sarah's party goes with us including Race and Sarah themselves while the others and the rest of you hang back and watch the ship and the Dragon Craft."
"Roger that, Friede," Murdock, Orla, and Mollie agreed.
"Right!" the others in Sarah's group concurred.
"Okay, Cap, the ship's all yours while the Dragon Craft is in safe hands with our friends staying behind," Friede informed Cap.
"Don't take too long," Cap smirked in agreement.
"Hold it, we're not going on foot all the way. Since we know the Explorers might be here in Galar, no thanks to Amethio and his damn party-crashing cohorts, they're more than likely to track us down to steal the Terapagos under our noses and kill me and the kid. The assassin that also tried to kill me before I met you all may have met his end but who's to say they wouldn't send another one to get the drop on us?" Lazuli pointed out grimly before anybody could leave.
"It's crazy to know that the Explorers would go so low as to send an assassin after you and Sarah, Lazuli," Murdock snorted.
"That's just how they played after I betrayed Amethio and the others, Cookery Man. They didn't take my leaving too lightly from I can remember."
"It seems those jerks would do anything just to get back at you for that stab you threw at them," Mollie replied bluntly.
"Mollie!" Liko gasped at the traveling doctor.
"Forget it, Liko, she's right; you know it now, I know it... No matter what, the Explorers want us dead so they can get what they want."
"Well, if they're trying to bait us with what they're planning," Sarah then mused as she looked at the Chibi 13 she brought out to join the heroes who chirped at her happily. "I got a few surprises waiting for them and Eternatus did promise he would jump to Hammerlocke once he was done with Prof. Magnolia."
Mr. Hu nodded in agreement as he suggested, "It's best if we let the kid teleport all of us who are going to see Liko's grandma just to be safe."
"Technically, it's 'Apparation', Mr. Hu, but you're right. Given the danger present, apparating us to Diana's house is the safest option we have as long as I know where to go. But, I don't know where Diana is living right now; since she's an adventurer herself based on what Liko told me, she could be anywhere in the world for all we know."
"Well, luckily for you, dearie, I know just where her castle is," Diane grinned.
Liko blinked in surprise as she stared at Diane, "You do?"
Diane nodded before Marena quipped after her, "And, to make it easier for the princess' folks if they're tagging along, I have a few more little ones for them that could make defending themselves much easier."
"Who do you have in mind?" Asha puzzled.
"You'll find out once we reach the castle belonging to Liko's grandmother, I imagine she'll be curious to know about your sister and the surprises she has with her."
"And, if the Explorers attack us while we're at the castle, we'll call and let you know so you and everyone else can get us all out," Friede told everyone staying behind."Or, if possible, I'll have Nebby and Nebula jump back and teleport you all here," Sarah informed.
With everyone's plan of action set, Liko and Roy (amongst those who would be going to see Diana at her castle) were now busy packing their stuff with Roy packing a large cluster of berries for him and Fuecoco to eat as the young adventurer asked his partner, "So, what do you think Liko's grandma is going to be like when we get there?"
"Who knows and who cares? I hope she's fun and has lots of food!" Fuecoco grinned.
With Liko, in her room, Hatenna occupied her jacket hood once more and she was carefully packing her Terapagos in her backpack as she gently told it, "Sorry, it might be a little cramp for you but it's cozy, too."
Sprigatito, meanwhile, was patting a pillow on the bed. And, as before with Alex' Fidough, she was starting to feel jealous again; despite feeling more comfortable with Hatenna after accepting her as part of their makeshift family (as well as accepting Fidough during her only night with her and her partner's father), the introduction of Terapagos meant that Liko would be spending a considerable amount of time with it as well as the Calm Pokémon (especially since they were much younger than her and would require more attention despite Hatenna feeling content with her human mother). She felt like she was about to be replaced all over again, and thinking about it from a personal standpoint, that didn't sit well with her still.
"Sprigatito, are you ready?" Liko asked her partner who ignored her as she continued to pat her pillow, eager to meet up with Diana again. "Guess what? We're all gonna go see my grandma now. When she meets you, she's gonna love you; I mean it! So, it would mean a lot to me if you would come with us."
"Why should I?" Sprigatito snorted enviously, shaking her head.
"Sprigy come?" Terapagos cooed cutely.
"Please, Big Sis?" Hatenna added, smiling at her sister figure.
"Mmph..."
Sprigatito still wasn't sure as she then stared enviously at Terapagos (despite not harboring such feelings for Hatenna) before Liko took her in her arms and sweetly asked her again, "Do it for me, please?"
"…Oh, okay," she sighed in defeat, knowing she couldn't win against her partner.
With Sarah, in her bedroom on the Dragon Craft, she was packing her weapons from her old Solgaleo Ranger days along with her Battle Claws and her Panthera Morpher. As it turned out, after obtaining her Cosmic Morpher and her Solgaleo Sphere (along with the other twelve Cosmic Orbs), she discovered that the latter had transmitted its energy from her new Cosmic Solgaleo Ranger alter-ego into her old weapons, giving them new upgrades and new names to boot:
- her Beast-X Star Blaster became the Solgaleo Starburst Blaster which retained the dual-weapon configuration of the Dairangers' Daibuster but now radiated with a celestial glow as its new mix of blue, black, and red hues shimmered with cosmic energy, the longsword and dagger now enhanced with intricate gold engravings depicting solar motifs
- her new Beast-X King Katana sidearm is now the Solgaleo Sunfire Kanata which is a 20-inch long sword that now boasts a blade infused with shimmering silver and blue hues reminiscent of the solar corona with a handle and guard adorned with intricate gold patterns symbolizing the radiant power of the sun
- her Beast-X-King and Solgaleo Blasters are no more for they had become the Solar King Slinger, a blaster/short sword and power slingshot combo that retained their Zyuranger-inspired designs but were now infused with cosmic energy which gave them radiant golden accents that symbolize the power of the sun, forming a celestial slingshot blaster of unparalleled cosmic might
- her Beast-X Star Sword turned into the Solgaleo Starblade as the sword now gleamed with a radiant aura and its blade was now infused with swirling blue and gold cosmic patterns. After trying it out, Sarah could've sworn that each swing of the sword left behind trails of stardust that symbolized its newfound connection to the cosmos
- and her Crystal Saber transformed into the Celestial Crystal Blade; instead of being just an elegant yet mere dagger-like sword, the medium-sized dagger-like sword now boasted a silver blade infused with celestial energy that made it shimmer with a golden glow and its pommel contained a spherical opening for Kazi's Animal Crystal
She was even more surprised to find that her old Beast-X Mode Visor (which had been rendered redundant after the loss of her old form) was now upgraded, undergoing a cosmic transformation to become the Solgaleo Sunburst Visor, its design now infused with new radiant gold accents and solar motifs.
She didn't know how Solar was going to configure himself into her old armor and attach himself to her new power suit let alone how she was going to activate it again but she wasn't going to question it let alone look at a gift in the horse's mouth as she finished packing her arsenal.
Knowing that the rest of her family would need to stay behind to help Mollie, Murdock, and Orla watch over the Dragon Craft and the Brave Olivine and be ready for anything should the Explorers strike again, she decided to have Larmina, Topaz, Silvally, Koraidon, Blitz, Curly, Nebby, Nebula, Ageis and his family, Winter, and Shadow join her. She also made sure to bring Chomp and the rest of the Chibi 13 along with her in her Mythical Suitcase (knowing that Race would be doing the same with his own).
Once she was ready, she sighed which prompted Koraidon to join her from her left and give her a gentle nudge, purring with concern. But, the little princess just gave him a soft smile as he petted her reptilian Paradox Pokémon (who enjoyed her touch as he pushed against her left hand) yet she still couldn't help but wonder what Amethio would think given everyone's previous confrontation with him, Onia, and Zirc as she and her Pokémon and dragons joining her finally left to join the others leaving for Diana's castle.
Speaking of which, in their submarine, Amethio, Onia, and Zirc found themselves being scolded by an irritated and disappointed Hamber after reporting their findings and everything that happened recently on their end to him.
"As I've suspected, you all acted without proper authorization from Master Gibeon, Amethio. Not only have you three come too close to the Galarian Moltres but you've crossed the line and confronted BOTH the Rising Volt Tacklers AND the princess' old squadron!" the butler grilled furiously.
"Don't reprimand us unless you've seen the images we've taken, Hamber," Amethio snorted, showing Hamber images of Liko's Terapagos with Larmina, Topaz, and Garnet.
Hambar was shocked by what he saw as he spluttered, "AH! I-I...I don't believe it! Is that, a fourth Terapagos?!"
Amethio nodded as he confirmed, still firm and confident in his and his team's findings, "Looks like the pendant we were all after was another Terapagos in its dormant form before it finally awakened; that means Liko, the princess, and her husband have the only Terapagos left in the world based on our research. The latter two must've known that all along. So, now that you've seen what we have discovered, Hamber, would you be so kind as to recall the order to restrict my moments? It would be a shame for us to lose sight of all four of them should they give us the slip, correct?"
Hamber was silent for a moment but he eventually agreed as he warned, "...Very well, I'll rescind the order as of today. You've done well, Amethio. But, first, if I'm to place my and Master Gibeon's full trust in you again on anything regarding our mission, you must verify where they are currently heading."
"We've determined, based on our recent bout of intellect, that they're currently on their way to Hammerlocke."
"Hammerlocke, you say? Interesting... Excellent, I believe we can deduct that journey's purpose from the information we've gathered prior to this. But, remember to follow protocols from now on, Amethio. You've done well, as I've said, but I also demand that you contact us before making any other-!"
"Save your grievances," Amethio spat in agreement, knowing what Hambar meant as he ended the call.
Sighing, and despite his personal gripes regarding Amethio's handling of the Explorers' missions, he activated another contact channel from his desk, wanting to get an update from one of the syndicate's subordinates on updates from the positions of the other top agents.
"How may I help you, Sir?" asked the subordinate he contacted.
"What's Spinel doing right now?"
"Mr. Spinel's currently in the laboratory with Ms. Chalce. They'll likely be there a while."
Hamber nodded, "Very well, and what of Sidian?"
"I'm here."
"What is it you want from us, Master Hamber?"
No sooner did Hamber question the location of the top agent he wanted to see, Sidian appeared with his Partner Pokémon alongside him, the fully-evolved Rock Salt Pokémon: Garganacl.
"I must head to the Galar Region for important business right now; I expect you and Coral to accompany me there, your presence is required."
"Yes, Sir."
The youngest and wildest of the Explorers' top agents soon appeared atop her Glalie as she sighed, complaining, "Man, I'm totally beat."
"What's gotten you in a twist now, Coral?" Glalie asked his partner, sighing at her (given he knew what she was talking about with the time he spent with his human wildcard).
Coral made her personal grievances known as she looked at Sidian and remarked, "Look, I'm all for a fun little getaway and all but why? Why do I have to be paired with Mr. Rock Salt of all people?"
"Hmph, I don't need you, anyway. You should stay here and watch the base before you make a riot," Sidian huffed in response.
Hamber took Coral and Sidian's personal disgruntlement over being paired together into account as his Dusknoir appeared and he questioned suspiciously, "Hmm, what's this, Coral, Sidian? Am I detecting...deception within our ranks between you two over the pettiest of things?"
"Uh! N-n-No, Sir!"
"Of course not, forgive us, Sir. Our apologies," the two top agents replied quickly as they shook their heads, not wanting to give Hamber the wrong idea.
Hamber nodded, satisfied that he had gotten them to cooperate, "Then, make preparations. We'll be leaving shortly."
"Sir, for you to go in person to the Galar Region and confront our enemies... Is this something of an emergency?" Sidian questioned as they went.
"What we've sought after is within our grasp. My time has finally come; if it has truly awakened just as the other three did beforehand, I will finally see the real truth..."
(Theme Song - Pokémon Horizons Jap. Opening 1 (Heart-Pounding Diary))
I'm starting to take a ride on this heart-pounding wave, I'll go far~
(Our opening begins with the sight of Liko and Sprigatito joined by Sarah, Blitz, Curly, her Alcremie, Silvally, and her two Terapagos enjoying the daytime breeze from the Brave Olivine's observation deck with the airship and the Dragon Craft flying together to parts unknown in the world before we pan to the heavens above and the main titles appear)
There're a lot of things I can't really put into words
Things that make me sad, always troubling my heart
But, somehow, I'll know I'll shine on today
Look at the flowers blooming, now it's time to play~
(We then see several members of Sarah's family and friends on the Dragon Craft from the right side of the screen in addition to shots of the Brave Olivine's crew, the Rising Volt Tacklers, with the first ones shown being Freide, Cap, and Charizard on the Brave Olivine's bridge and the little princess' blood family overlooking the horizon before them, Mischief, Persian, and the Tomoe Squad on the Dragon Craft's sunroof. Orla, Carkol, Slugma, and Elekid were working in the Brave Olivine's engine room while Sarah, Race, and Asha's Paldean classmates were having fun battling in the Dragon Craft's training room. Murdock and his Ruby Swirl Alcremie were cooking in the airship's kitchen with Rockruff eagerly awaiting a culinary masterpiece from them while Asha and her family were helping Sarah's Rainbow Swirl Alcremie in the Dragon Craft's kitchen as they and Sarah work on a new dish. And, Mollie and her Chansey were overseeing medical examinations for the wild Pokémon traveling with them and their friends from the Brave Olivine's medical room while Race looked out from one of the windows while he and his team kicked back in the Dragon Craft's spa room and his Terapagos watched with him from his left shoulder)
I'm running through a white fog every day
I can't even find what I'm looking for (uh)
It's this super-duper energetic-looking diary
But I said, "What's this?" and then I threw it away
No way, no way, no way, no way, no...
My heart was so dark and empty then~
(Roy and Fuecoco were seen strolling happily along a forest together while Dot and Quaxly make a Nidothing video and Ludlow was fishing from the stern at dusk before we see Liko with Sprigatito and Sarah and her two Terapagos in their respective bedrooms later that night)
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
(We see different shots of Liko, Sarah, Roy, and Race with Sprigatito, Blitz, Koraidon, Fuecoco, Robbie, and Miraidon)
But now I know I can change "No way" to "It's possible"
Floating around on this feel-good wind
Even if it's gonna be really super tough
I'll try my best to fly~
(While Liko clutches her pendant, Sarah unsheathes her Cosmic Grace as its Rayquaza Gem shone brightly with the pendant and her two Terapagos appeared in a glow they shared with the young girl's pendant. Liko, Roy, Sarah, and Race plop down on the Brave Olivine's Wing Deck and the Dragon Craft's sun deck before Sprigatito, Fuecoco, Blitz, Silvally, Tou-Tou, and Bella checked on them before the four friends laughed before we see the Brave Olivine and the Dragon Craft flying proudly in the skies together before we see something akin to a shooting star zip by)
And so, I'm riding on this heart-pounding wave!
But I'm sure that, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I won't let stories I don't get scare me
(Liko and Roy are then shown with Sarah battling together with the young trainers using Fuecoco and Sprigatito while they shoot Flamethrower and Leafage against Arcanine and Tundra with everybody else watching on happily for them before Roy, holding an Ancient Pokeball, looks on in astonishment at the sight of Lucius' Rayquaza as it appeared from a break in a distant storm)
In my sparkling daydreams, the world starts to dance!
So let's smile, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Because there's no time to be afraid, yeah
(Amethio and his Ceruledge battle against Lazuli as she, Pantherra, and Galaxagus unleash their rage towards two of those in the Explorers who were responsible for ruining the swordswoman's old life. Everybody from the Brave Olivine and the Dragon Craft was now shown in the latter's dining room as Murdock and Sarah finish cooking and bring out some completed dishes, planning to enjoy a meal together)
I just want to know myself!
Because there's still a lot, a lot, a lot I don't know, know, know, know
I just want to find myself!
If I can find it in myself to say "I'm off now"
Then I guess I'll know I've grown up a bit~
(As the opening ends, we see Liko and Sarah standing together with Sprigatito, the princess' Terapagos and Rainbow Swirl Alcremie, Silvally, Curly, and Blitz standing together as the clouds fly past them. They then noticed their friends, Lazuli, and the latter's family passing by them as they were on a dock, preparing to leave for their next adventure before they turned back and grinned at them. Roy and Race look back and stretch out their hands, prompting them to join, getting a smile out of the pair before they join in and we see them together one last time (but with the long-awaited addition of Dot following the events of "Quaxly, we can do it!"))
(End Theme Song)
With Diane, Sarah, her small party, Race, and Tsukumaro were able to transport her human family, Marena, Lazuli, Galaxagus, Panthera, Timburr, Roggenrola, Woobat, Hu, Mistral, Liko, Roy, and Friede on their end, they prepared to gather from the Brave Olivine and Dragon Craft, preparing for Sarah, Race, and Tsukumaro to apprarate everyone over to Diana's castle according to the location Diane had given the trio.
"So, Liko, your grandmother was an adventurer, too, right?" Roy asked Liko, wanting to know more about her grandmother.
Liko smiled fondly as she recalled, "Yep, she and her Pokémon are always out on some journey or another; she said she does so while looking for ancient ruins or sunken treasure, that sort of thing, really."
"You mean she's a treasure hunter?! That's awesome!"
"So, when was the last time you saw her?" Friede inquired as Mistral and Hu decided to make sure the Explorers were around and no stray pairs of eyes were watching them leave before they left.
"Let's see... It was sometime last year when I got my acceptance letter from Indigo Academy. She came back to Paldea from wherever she was at during that time to celebrate with us, that's when she gave me my Terapagos when it was still in its dormant form as a good luck charm."
"So, she'd only just given you the pendant before you met up with Sarah, Roy, Race, and the Rising Volt Tacklers, huh?" Kukui stated thoughtfully.
"Yeah, and by then, she was gone as quickly as she arrived. That's how it's always been for her; every visit was a quick stop between her trips. We barely had time to say 'hello' and 'goodbye' but she was always so cool."
"Now, I can't wait to meet her now!" Friede grinned just as the trio, Sprigatito, and Fuecoco noticed Sarah and her group with her finally joining them and Mistral and Hu coming back from their brief reconnaissance trip.
"All clear on either end."
"It's safe to teleport to this Diana's castle or 'apparate' as the princess called it," they reported.
"Alright, then," Friede smiled before he turned to Sarah and her group before asking the princess, "Ready?"
Sarah nodded as she replied, "Ready."
She, Tsukumaro, Race, and Diane stood together in a cross formation with everyone else huddled around them in a circle (with Timburr, Woobat, and Roggenrola holding onto Lazuli as tight as they could so they don't get separated from her and the others) as they placed their right hands together with Diane laying her right hand on top. Then, as she recalled the exact location of Diana's castle, Sarah, her husband, and her godfather apparated everybody with them to her castle home in an instant.
Meanwhile, Amethio, Onia, and Zirc were searching in the forest bordering Hammerlocke trying to find their targets, but so far, they had come up high and dry. By the time Amethio reunited with his cohorts, all the other two found was a Morgrem and not one of the Explorers' main targets including Liko, Roy, and Sarah's Terapagos.
"Any sign of them?" the top agent questioned.
"Not yet, Sir. We're still honeycombing the place," Zirc answered.
"But, we think they might've come this way," Onia added.
"Let's split up and search the area, there's no way they could've gone far. We'll find something that'll lead us to them."
"Yes, Sir."
With that, they split up once more to continue their search. But, as they were searching for the departed heroes or the others (since they were still guarding and watching over the Brave Olivine and the Dragon Craft in their hidden clearing), what the trio didn't know was that they were the ones being watched by a blue snake that was gazing at them with a suspicious glare in addition to nine other animals from the shadows.
The animals watching the three Explorers suspiciously were none other than the rest of Sarah's Zodiac guardians and Hu and Mistral's close friends and colleagues, the other Zodiacs from the Circle of Twelve: Pig, Goat, Horse, Sydney the Rat, Naomi the Monkey, Hare, Dog, and Ox.
Immediately, they could tell that Amethio, Onia, and Zirc could mean trouble; they had been given the lowdown about Lazuli and what had happened to her at the Explorers' hands by Hu and Mistral, and after they were told that the Explorers were going to cause trouble again, they rushed over to Galar to keep an eye on them and watch out for any of the other top agents and Hamber (since this time, he, Sidian, and Coral would be making their way to Galar to confront the heroes, capture the Terapagos Four themselves, and kill Sarah, her family, and Lazuli themselves).
Knowing that Lazuli, Sarah, Hu, and Mistral would need help, the ten Zodiacs nodded to each other and headed on their way to Diana's castle, hoping they would not be too late to help.
Returning to Sarah, Liko, and their party, thanks to Diane through the little princess, Race, and Tsukumaro's shared apparition ability, the heroes were able to arrive at the exact location of Diana's castle in an instant.
"Here it is, Diana's Galar castle abode," smiled Diane.
"Now, that's a castle that's seen a few hundred years," Friede complimented, impressed.
"That's awesome, it looks just like Sarah's castle!" Roy grinned excitedly.
"Crazy big!"
"It's massive!" Fuecoco and Sprigatito agreed, both of them equally shocked by the sight of it.
Just then, Curly and Blitz' ears perked up and they noticed and heard a voice squawking, "By chance! Awk, castle, ancient castle, awk!", before they chirped and pointed everybody to a Yellow Plumage Squawkabilly fluttering down to them.
"Oh!"
"It's Grandma's Squawkabilly!" Friede and Liko remarked, recognizing the Parrot Pokémon.
"Whoa! Never saw that Pokemon before!" Roy gasped as he took out his Rotom Phone and scanned the Yellow Plumage Squawkabilly.
"Squawkabilly, the Parrot Pokemon. A Normal and Flying Type, those with yellow plumage are hotheaded and fight rougher."
The Parrot Pokémon soon landed on Liko's head before it then squawked, "We're here! Open up!"
"Grandma! It's me, Liko! And, um...your old friend, Ms. Diane!" Liko called.
Immediately after, a large shape came up from the balcony bordering the door, looked down at the heroes at the castle's front lawn with Squawkabilly, and saw Liko and Diane with them. It immediately jumped off to meet them with a happy yell and landed on the ground with a thump, startling everybody while frightening Sprigatito, Fuecoco, Timburr, Woobat, and Roggenrola as they held onto Liko and Roy's legs and Lazuli tightly.
"Liko, Diane! What a surprise!" the figure barked which turned out to be Diana's male Arcanine (who, surprisingly, was much larger than the rest of his species).
"Arcanine! It's been a long time!" Liko cheered as she hugged and caressed the large Legendary Pokémon.
"It sure has been!" Arcanine grinned before he turned to Diane and warmly smiled at her. "Diane..."
"How have you been, old friend?" Diane smiled back as she rubbed him gently (which he enjoyed).
Then, not long after he arrived, the front doors opened with a click, and from out of the castle came Liko's grandmother and Diane's old friend, Diana; by all accounts, Diana was around her old friend's age with light turquoise eyes, dark blue hair with light blue highlights and a headband on the center of her head (which held down her hair with the back made into a small ponytail). As for her outfit, it consists of a light pink explorer's uniform with her jacket having a pocket on either side, a black belt around her waist, and trousers of the same color and design while wearing books of a darker shade of pink.
She grinned as she saw her daughter and her old friend, "My Liko, how you've grown! And, you, Diane, it's been too, too long."
Liko beamed as she greeted, "Grandma, hi!"
"Grandma?" Sprigatito squeaked from behind her human partner.
"Yes, it has been, Diana," chuckled Diane as the two friends shared a hug before the more adventurous figure of Liko's family invited everyone inside.
"Lucca spoke warmly of your crew, the Rising Volt Tacklers," she grinned at Friede.
"Thanks, my name's Friede," the unconventional professor replied, smiling in greeting.
"And, I'm Roy. This is Fuecoco," Roy added, introducing himself and his partner.
"Yo," Fuecoco chirped.
Diana smiled before she noticed the rest of Diane's family including Sarah and her blood family and Asha, curiously asking her old friend, "Oh, and is this your adoptive granddaughter and the last royal family of Alola I've heard so much about along with your real granddaughter? I must say, those two young girls, they're both as cute as a button!"
"Of course, and they're so wonderful. This is my family's granddaughter by blood, Asha, and with us right now are my husband and our children: Johnathan, Nikki, and James. As for my adoptive granddaughter, this here is Princess Sarah Tomoe along with her own parents and grandparents: King Doug, Queen Delilah, Donna, and David," Diane replied, introducing her family to Diana.
"Lady Diana."
"Hello."
"Greetings."
"Good day, Madame," Doug, Delilah, Donna (former queen), and David greeted warmly as Sarah waved to Liko's grandmother.
"Hi," Asha added in greeting while Blitz and Curly chirped and greeted her kindly as well.
"And, these two fine men are Sarah's husband and her godfather: Race Konami and Tsukumaro Wong," Diane continued, now introducing Race and Tsukumaro.
"How do you do?"
"Ms. Diana," Race and Tsukumaro greeted, shaking hands with Diana or bowing to her politely.
"Hi, hi, hi-poi~!"
"M'lady."
"Hello/Nice to meet you," Ogerpon, Absol, Robbie, and Bella greeted in turn, getting a chuckle and a smile out of Diana.
"How nice to meet you all. Why, it's an honor for me to be hosting the Last Royal Family of Alola and it's not every day I get to have genuine royalty at my doorstep, especially with a princess so young who made quite a name for herself. And, you can call me Diana; thank you so much for bringing Liko here."
"Thank you so much," agreed Squawkabilly.
"Weird," Sprigatito commented as she looked at Diana warily, making Liko remember her Pokémon.
"Oh, right! Grandma, I want you to meet my-" she began before she was cut off by Diana being immediately smitten with her partner.
"Oh, my! Well, aren't you adorable, could you be Liko's partner?" the elderly adventurer asked sweetly, holding out her hand for Sprigatito to sniff which she did.
"This is Sprigatito. Sprigatito, this is my grandma."
"I'm entrusting Liko to you; despite how she seemed to have quite the stubborn streak, she's really a sweet child. So please be good to her, okay? Ouch!" Diana continued to grin as her words resonated with Sprigatito who glared and bared her claws at her, meowing with hostility at her show of affection to her before she used Scratch (making her move her hand away as the Grass Cat Pokémon didn't trust her yet).
"Sprigatito!?" Liko freaked, scared that Sprigatito made a bad first impression on her grandmother.
But, Diana laughed in response, liking her fiery spirit as she remarked, "She's got guts, I like that in a Partner Pokémon."
"Hmph," Sprigatito snorted.
"Sprigatito's attitude didn't phase her at all. That's grandma for you," Liko mused with a sheepish yet expectant smile, thankful that Sprigatito didn't screw things up between them.
"No need for formalities. Make yourselves at home, you and your other friends, too."
Back at the Brave Olivine, while he was guarding the airship, Cap's stomach growled and he was beginning to wonder if he had gone with Friede and the others with him so he could get a meal. But, he remembered that the Explorers were still out there and despite the manpower he and everybody else staying behind had to safeguard themselves as well as the ship and the Dragon Craft, he knew they could still be taken by surprise.
"...Come on, Cap, stay sharp!*" he grunted to himself, doing his best to maintain constant vigilance and hope for the best.
"So, Grandma, do you live in this castle?" Liko asked Diana, looking around the castle as Diana walked them to the main living room.
"You could say that it's one of several hidden bases I happen to camp out at," Diana smiled as they came into the room in question where everybody noticed several wild Pokémon from around the forest bordering the castle and her front lawn living with her including a Flapple, an Applin, a Yamask, a Klinklang (residing inside an old grandfather clock), a Doublade, and a Runerigus who warmly greeted Sarah's Pokémon and Race and Tsukumaro's partners.
"Wow, look at all the Pokémon! There are so many here!" Roy gasped in amazement at the Wild Pokémon living in the castle. "Did you catch all of them?"
"No, these here are all wild Pokémon but I let them live here as long as they want and they're welcome to leave anytime they like. This is what I call a 'Castle of Freedom'."
Friede smiled at Diana's philosophy for wild Pokémon coming to her castle, watching her happily rub the wild Yamask as he then said, "We and our other friends along with the rest of Sarah's family have the same philosophy you put into practice over at our ships: the Brave Olivine and the Dragon Craft."
"This place looks just as remarkable as the princess' castle, Ms. Diana. Are there any other people from this area or anywhere in Galar living with you?" Tsukumaro pondered as he checked the place over.
"Nope, it's just me and that's how it's always been for me. I've grown quite accustomed to living alone."
"Hey, Marena, you did mention you have additional means of defense you wanted to give to my family and my sister's. By that, what did you have in mind?" Asha questioned Marena, remembering the morning before her group left to find and meet Diana.
Marena just winked as she whistled and a few small figures appeared from inside different parts of Diana's castle (now revealed to be new Palismans), making their way over to the heroes while Diana just grinned at them:
- the figure that went to Diane was a Graceful Dragonfly Palisman named Verdentwing who had translucent wings shimmering with hues of gold and a slender body adorned with delicate patterns reminiscent of leaves and vines
- the Palisman in the form of an Arctic Fox is named Icetide with pristine and snowy white fur with icy-blue accents and eyes gleaming with a frosty chill
- The sleek midnight black panther with piercing yellow eyes that gleamed with hidden knowledge is named Shadowwhisper who took a liking to Delilah as he came to her
- Sparktail, a Palisman modeled after a small but energetic lightning dragon with bright yellow scales that crackled electric energy and eyes sparkling with mischief, chose Doug as his new owner
- Donna (former queen) became the owner of Incendia who was a formidable Striped Hyena Palisman that had fur looking as fiery as the sunset and adorned with bold stripes flickering like flames in the darkness while her eyes gleaned with an inner fire that reflected the untamed spirit burning from within her
- Johnathan ended up being the owner of Shadowfire, a stunning Amur Leopard Palisman with dark midnight black fur like Shadowwhisper but adorned with striking rosettes that flicker like flames in the darkness similar to Incendia's stripes but his eyes instead burned with an inner fire reflecting his fierce determination burning from within him
- As for Tsukumaro, he ended up getting the attention of two Palismen instead; the first was a hawk Palisman named Solstice with piercing golden eyes and sleek features in various shades of brown and bronze and the second was a sleek but fiery phoenix Palisman named Emberwing with a vibrant plumage of feathers in an orange, red, and gold mix while her eyes shimmered with an inner flame from within her
- David's Palismen was a majestic tiger named Sunrise - A large and muscular feline with sleek, golden fur that shimmers like molten gold in the sunlight, accented with intricate patterns of fiery orange, crimson, and deep amber that seem to dance and flicker like flames against its golden backdrop and eyes of a radiant golden hue.
With Icetide, he scampered over to Asha, looking at her all over before he happily nuzzled her legs, choosing her to be his new owner (which amazed her as she picked him up and nuzzled him back (which he enjoyed in return as he gave her loving whimpers)).
It was a surprise to Sarah and Asha's respective families to see their new Palismen and they were something new for Friede, Liko, and Roy to discover despite meeting having gotten used to Mittens, Stardust, and Casper. But, luckily for them, Marena explained that she knew about them for a while and created a sanctuary for them back in Dragonstone with her clan.
Going further into their power, they learned that Icetide could control ice and snow, being able to freeze his surroundings or create icy constructs such as shields or weapons.
Verdantwing commanded nature, being able to accelerate growth, communicate with flora and fauna, and manipulate plant life to his will while also rejuvenating and healing the natural world around him.
Shadowwhisper mastered the shadows and the darkness, being able to manipulate both to conceal himself or ensnare his foes while creating illusions and teleporting short distances through the shadows.
Emberwing, as was the case with her species, could naturally manipulate fire but Solstice could grant her new owner psychic powers, allowing Tsukumaro to achieve a heightened perception and awareness of the heroes' surroundings.
The ability to Shadowmeld allowed Shadowfire to blend seamlessly into his surroundings and move with unmatched stealth, making him and Johnathan virtually undetectable.
Sparktail's pension for electricity allows him to control said element, generating lightning bolts or electrical barriers to shield Doug and repel any potential foes while using that same power to attack and move swiftly
Sunrise could harness and manipulate solar energy, allowing him to control and shape sunlight to its will
As for Incendia, she could summon spectral hyena constructs to aid her and her new owner in battle or when doing tasks, leveraging the mentality and ferocity of their pack.
Dusk soon fell around Diana's hidden castle base, and as it was time to eat (after having lunch several hours ago), Sarah brought out her Auto Food Maker (catching Diana's interest as she observed how the magical contraption the little princess created worked) to make dinner for her party and their Pokémon. In the meantime, Barkk, Snickers, Enix, Paws, Comet, and Admiral took the initiative to scout around the area bordering the castle in secret (since, by this point, Sarah, Race, and Asha's Paldea classmates, Victor, Gloria, Leon, Hop, the Explorers, and the Rising Volt Tacklers had no idea about them and the other Miraculous).
"I must apologize to you all. When I realized the Explorers were after the pendant, I had to contact Lucca immediately," Diana apologized as the heroes sat down for a chat with her.
Liko was surprised as she asked her grandma, "Did the Explorers come after you for it, too, Grandma?"
Diana nodded before she offered her thanks to her granddaughter and the other heroes, "I must thank you all for bringing it all the way here. The pendant means a lot to me."
"Well, Diana, that's where we and Liko come in on that. You see, while we did bring it back to you..."
"We, uh...have a surprise, something that might interest you," Sarah and Race replied carefully as they brought out their Terapagos and placed them on the table, the three Tera Pokémon cooing curiously at Diana as they looked at her.
Diana was surprised and intrigued by what she saw and she was given an even bigger surprise when Liko's Terapagos came out of her backpack and noticed the elderly adventurer before it waddled over and cooed at her.
"Why, hello there," she smiled as she picked it up while it sniffed and cooed at her.
"Yeah... The pendant you gave me turned into this Pokémon, exactly like the ones Sarah and Race have on them," Liko replied sheepishly.
"Hmm, these Pokémon here... They're called Terapagos, aren't they?"
"...How did you know?!" gasped Diane in surprise.
Diana beamed and the four Tera Pokémon babies cooed at her as she told everyone, "The faces are what gave them away, never in all my life did I guess that the pendant I had given my Liko before her days at Indigo Academy was a Terapagos in its dormant state the entire time."
"So, it goes inactive in the form of a gem?" Friede inquired.
"That's the whole idea, Friede; they usually go into such a state whenever they feel threatened. Zelda and Liko came across my and Race's first Terapagos in their dormant states back in Area Zero before coming to Alola and they stayed like that for a while before mine woke up during the tail end of my exhibition battle with Prof. Kukui in the Alola League."
"And, mine wouldn't awaken until a surprise adventure we had in a magical book belonging to her mother," Sarah and Race put in.
Diana nodded with a smile as she rubbed Liko's Terapagos on its head and explained, "I had always assumed it was a lovely jewel when I found it. I get it now; I had no idea you were simply asleep like your little friends here. I should've been more observant."
"So, like Sarah and Race, you know something about this Pokémon?" Liko questioned.
"Sort of. I've only read about it as well as the part when it and the other three are, as of now and late, the only ones of their kind left in existence but now, I see and believe what you've brought to me here. They looked quite different from everything the records I found said."
"Hmm, maybe by the looks of it, it hasn't evolved yet," Friede thought as he held his chin.
The elderly adventurer nodded as she then corroborated, "And, I will say in the records, it had an extremely large shell. Not to mention, if my instincts were correct, I believe this particular Terapagos compared to the other three is the one that traveled with Lucius."
The youngest Terapagos cooed at the mention of Lucius but Friede and Liko were shocked as they replied, "Wait, you mean?!"
"Lucius was its trainer? But, that would mean...!"
They whirled to Marena in astonishment as she gave another bittersweet smile and nodded, rubbing Liko's Terapagos as it felt and sniffed her right hand before it gave off a happy coo and pushed against it in a nuzzle.
"This Terapagos here was my and Lucius' little tagalong during our time together and the heart of our family," she confirmed as Liko's Terapagos then pounced onto her lap and cooed with a bright smile on its face before nuzzling her own, making her chuckle as she hugged it. "It's good to see you again after all this time, child."
"...No, way," Race balked in quiet shock.
Sarah's jaw dropped and her eyes bugged out as well but she recomposed herself and cleared her throat before she told Freide, "And, for the record, Friede, a Terapaogs doesn't evolve as far as we know. What it actually does in battle is that, like the Order Pokémon: Zygarde, it takes on two forms to fight in a Pokémon Battle instead of its current form."
"Two forms?!"
"It battles other Pokémon using two forms like Zygarde?" Liko and Friede gasped again.
"The four Terapagos before us have an ability unique to only their species known as Tera Shift. As was the case with Zygarde, Terapagos can change to its Terastal Form whenever in battle, and whenever you want to Terastallize it, it enters what is its most powerful form: its Stellar Form."
"It was a mondo powerhouse when my girl and man along with Terastal Dudette Briar and brother-sister team, Carmine and Kieran, witnessed the show Little Dude Topaz put on and it was crazy strong by a massive country mile," Rotoscope grinned as he showed everyone footage of Sarah, Race, Briar, Carmine, and Kieran's exhibition to the heart of Area Zero's under-depths and finding Topaz before achieving her Stellar Form and losing control of it resulting in the four students being forced to defeat her and Sarah catching her after.
"Whoa..." Liko breathed.
"Amazing," Diana agreed.
"That's incredible!" Friede added, now completely astonished.
"Ah! You guys, Fuecoco is-!" Roy exclaimed as he scrambled over to everyone in the living room with a hungry Fuecoco in his hands.
"What is it, Roy?" Liko asked.
"Well, you see, Fuecoco is-"
"I'm hungry..." the Fire Croc Pokémon sighed miserably as his stomach growled, making Friede and Liko sigh sheepishly while the royal family and the Pokémon with them comically falter, sigh, and/or fall over in exasperation, disbelief, or annoyance.
Lazuli blinked but she soon facepalmed and slowly walked over to Roy with Stardust (oblivious to her owner's anger at the young adventurer) riding on her right shoulder before she slowly got into his face and quietly replied (doing her best not to snap at him and his partner for their unintentional false alarm), "Your croc of a Fire Pokémon became hungry all of a sudden, is that your so-called 'emergency'?"
"Uh..." Roy gulped, trying not to make the swordswoman any madder than she already was over his false alarm.
But, Diane smiled in amusement as she thankfully broke the tension and offered dinner on her end, "Right on time. What do you say to some food?"
And, she wasn't the only one who had dinner on her mind now after Roy and Fuecoco made the latter's hunger pains known; back at the Brave Olivine, Cap could no longer fight his hunger and went to Murdock to get some dinner. The friendly cook was only too happy to oblige as he was preparing dinner for everyone with him on the airship (giving him two bowls of Pokémon Food which he was happily scarfing down) and even the rest of Sarah's family and everyone else staying with them on the Dragon Craft thought the same as they worked on the second Auto Food Maker Sarah left for them so they'd have dinner on their end as well.
Night soon fell and Amethio, Zirc, and Onia were still on the hunt for their prey in the forest and the Terapagos Four until they came to a nearby Stonejourner.
"We've covered every square inch of this place and they're nowhere in sight," Onia groaned.
"They couldn't have gone far. But, how is it that they were able to escape from our radars so easily?" Zirc replied.
Amethio (not knowing that Sarah, Race, and Tsukumaro apparated themselves and everyone else in their party to Diana's castle and thinking they walked all the way there somehow) looked around until his attention turned to the wild Stonejourner who acted as part of the wall before him and his cohorts from their right/left.
"Wait, isn't that...?" he mused in realization before he summoned his partner and issued an attack on the wild Rock Type, "Ceruledge, use Psycho Cut, over there."
"Got it," Ceruledge nodded before he launched his Psychic attack at the wild Stonejourner who panicked from the assault and ran off, exposing what looked to be a hidden tunnel leading to Diana's castle.
"A Stonejourner!" gasped Zirc in surprise as he and Onia watched the wild Rock Type running off.
"Ceruledge, return," barked a satisfied Amethio as he returned his partner and went inside the tunnel.
"Amethio, Sir! Wait up!" Onia called as she and Zirc joined him, realizing they found their path leading them to their targets.
Back at the Dragon Craft and the Brave Olivine, Reader was watching the stars and the moon peacefully from one of the windows in Sarah's bedroom, wondering how her charge and her group were doing and if they made it to Diana's castle hideout. Suddenly, without warning, she received another vision as her eyes turned white but what it revealed would paint a grim picture unless she and everyone else on her end intervened.
The vision she saw showed Amethio, Zirc, and Onia joined by Coral, Sidian, and Hambar ambushing Diana's castle with Sarah, Liko, and Race's Terapagos Four firmly on their minds, all of them attempting to kill Sarah, her family, and Lazuli while the trio, Liko, Roy, Diana, Friede, and all their friends fought back as best they could. Eventually, the vision ended and like before, the NightWing was left in a terror-filled sweat.
Over at the Brave Olivine's briefing room, after dinner, Murdock, Mollie, and Orla were peacefully carrying out their own things while they waited for any updates from Sarah, Friede, and their party regarding Diana and the Terapagos Four. They were just minding their own business when Reader suddenly burst into the room and startled them, still in her terror-filled sweat as she barged her way inside the Brave Olivine.
"Murdock, Mollie, Orla, start the engines! NOW!" she screamed, getting the trio's attention and that of their Pokémon with them.
"What, now?!"
"What happened?"
"What is it, Reader?" the trio inquired to the NightWing with great concern.
"They're on their way to Diana's castle! They've barged past a wild Stonejourner blocking a hidden entrance leading to it! The Explorers, they're coming!" Reader informed frantically, shocking them and forcing them to take action immediately while she scrambled back to the Dragon Craft to alert everyone else and get MK-1 to take them to Diana's castle on the double.
Meanwhile, over at the Galar Region's biggest research facility in Hammerlocke, Leon, Magnolia, and Sonia were overseeing the experiment they were doing involving Eternatus' powers. The former Darkest Day was glad for the opportunity to finetune and control his Dynamax/Gigantimax powers but he was growing increasingly bored while he watched from the giant circular tube he was resting in.
"How are you feeling, Eternatus?" Sonia asked the Gigantic Pokémon once his tests were complete.
"...Come on, are you finished yet? Look, I told you bozos a dozen times already; I've done all of your stupid tests. I'm bored, bored, bored, bored, bored, double bored, and triple bored! Am I free to fly as a puny little Pikipek back to my pipsqueak now?" he sighed to the trio in front of him while the researchers around them continued working on their ends.
"Sorry, Eternatus, not yet. But, don't fret, we'll have you done and back with her in no time," Leon chuckled.
Eternatus groaned but he knew it would only be for a short while so he braced himself for the final results of his completed tests. That was the plan until suddenly...
"Eternatus! MR. ETERNATUS!" screamed a tiny voice in the form of Mew as she came flying into the research facility, getting everyone's attention.
"What is it, Mew?" Sonia asked, concerned.
"It's trouble, big trouble; a couple of those Explorer meanies are here in Galar and they're going to attack Mommy and her friends including Liko's granny at her castle hideout which is where they are right now!"
The researchers were shocked as they all chattered amongst themselves before Sonia asked again, "How many?"
"Six according to Ms. Reader but looking very powerful despite their smaller number!"
Hearing the commotion and seeing Mew in the facility (as Eternatus could only stare in shock and horror, realizing that his "pipsqueak" and family are in danger right now), Prof. Magnolia and Leon came over and the former asked the New Species Pokémon, "Mew! What is it, any news regarding the princess, her friends, and her family?"
"Professor, the Explorer meanies are here! They're closing in on Mommy and her group over at a castle belonging to Liko's grandmommy!"
"What? The Explorers, here?!" balked Leon.
"This can't be!" Sonia cried in alarm.
"Ugh, damn! I should've known those rotten bastards wouldn't leave my pipsqueak alone! Come on, Grans, let me out! I have to get back to her, fast!" Eternatus demanded, knowing he needed to get back.
"Professor, the princess along with her family and friends will be in danger!"
"What should we do?" two of the researchers inquired.
"Put everything on standby and have the equipment ready when things have calmed down! Leon, Sonia, Eternatus, and I are leaving now!" Magnolia ordered.
"Right!" the researchers agreed as they carried out their task.
"Wait! Professor, we haven't gotten the test results for Eternatus' powers yet!" one scientist argued.
"We're wasting time, and by then, it'll already be too late! As long as our friends and Eterantus' family are in danger, the results will have to wait!" Magnolia firmly replied as the scientists overseeing Eternatus with her and Sonia deactivated the tank holding the former Darkest Day and allowed him to join them, Leon, and Mew to head for Diana's castle. "Mew, we're ready. Do you think you can take us to this castle belonging to Liko's grandmother?"
"Roger, m'am!" Mew saluted as she used Teleport to send herself and her small party to Diana's castle.
"Eat up, everyone! There's plenty to go around!"
While Sarah and her family along with Lazuli helped themselves to dinner from her Auto Food Maker, they weren't too shy about having some of the dinner offerings Diana offered which were heaps of canned food. The Pokémon, in the meantime, helped themselves to some Pokémon food Diana prepared as well as the food made for them by the princess' Auto Food Maker.
"Aww, yeah! You know it!" Roy grinned as he eagerly helped himself to Diana's canned food along with Friede.
"Hmm, it does taste pretty good, admittedly. Thank you," Lazuli replied as she helped herself to a second can after having her first paired with her dinner from Sarah.
Liko felt awkward about the canned food her grandmother had on her as she remarked, "It's all canned food. Don't you usually keep these for emergencies or-?"
Diane just smiled at her granddaughter and told her, "No, canned food is my go-to. It's better than anything else, and after that, there will be no dishes to do. Perfect, right?"
"Absolutely, that's even better!" Friede breamed in confirmation, sharing her sentiments.
"You make a fascinating point there, Ms. Diana," Tsukumaro chuckled, knowing what she meant.
"I told you and there's more where that came from. Don't fall behind there, Liko."
Liko agreed and helped herself to a canned meal as she gleefully thought, "Grandma's always in such a hurry, some things never change."
After dinner, everybody helped themselves to some tea while everybody else took time to catch a few Zs for the night (including Topaz, Garnet, Larmina, and Liko's Terapagos (who slept peacefully on Marena's lap)). As they were sleeping, however, Arcanine, Silvally, Koraidon, and Aegis with his Night Light family perked up as they twitched a little, sensing something wrong as they looked at one of the windows, the older Night Lights quietly growling as if they felt a dark presence about to make an unwelcome visit later on.
"Hey, Grandma, tell me, would you? About all of the adventures you've had?" Liko asked, wondering how Diana got her start as an adventurer
"And, since you know a little bit about Young Liko's Terapagos, how exactly did you come to discover it?" the old advisor added.
Diana and Diane (who were sitting together) looked at each other and chuckled before the former began her story, "I suppose I could; since you've taken your first step, why don't I tell you everything? It all began a very long time ago; in fact, I was even younger than you are now."
(Flashback)
Many years ago, a 10-year-old Diana (who shared a somewhat striking resemblance to her granddaughter apart from her hairstyle including the bangs) was hiding from her mother in the attic, playing Hide-And-Seek.
"Diana! Where are you, playing Hide-And-Seek again?" her mother called.
As she was hiding, she ended up bumping into something that was in a small space amongst the bookshelves which turned out to be an old suitcase. Curious, she carefully pulled it out and opened it, revealing it to be empty safe for a small box and a tiny book, a diary no less, with it.
"That day, I opened an old suitcase hidden in an out-of-the-way storage space in the attic. Inside was the pendant but that wasn't the only secret treasure I found in there; there was also a record telling in fascinating detail of an adventurer named Lucius, and of course, the many partners that accompanied him."
The young Diana beamed happily at what she had discovered when she saw Liko's Terapagos in its dormant form as a necklace but she was even more intrigued by what she had learned about Marena's husband and wanted to know more about him and what went down during his travels during his time (accompanied by what looked like a photo of the man in question). So, when she got older, with only Arcanine (who was only a Growlithe at that time) by her side, and with the dormant Terapagos around her neck, she started her journey as an adventurer and treasure hunter and set off. Her purpose: to unlock the mysteries of and uncover the legend surrounding the Ancient Adventurer himself and the Six Heroes.
"I wanted to know if everything I read in that record was true and who this Lucius actually was. From then on, I was hooked; thus, my own expeditions began."
Over the years since she and Arcanine (after he evolved sometime during their journey) began their journey, the two of them searched high and low throughout every corner of the planet, looking for any signs of Lucius, everything he did, who he was as a person before and after he became the Ancient Adventurer and what became of the Six Heroes. Alas, every search they conducted for their research went cold and they had to take a break, even though Lucius' endeavors would inspire her to go at her adventures again, seeing as she owed her entire journey to him and his escapades.
"I traveled far and wide to every corner of the world conducting my research but it didn't matter, I never did find a single trace of Lucius. I finally gave it up thirty years ago... But, still... The truth is I owed everything I did to Lucius; this journey of mine is what inspired me to become the adventurer I am today."
A few months later, sometime after she regained her drive to unlock the legend and mysteries of Lucius and the Six Heroes, Diane and Arcanine were approached by Hamber from the Explorers who was once an old friend of the former.
"Fast forward to a few months ago - when out of the blue, an old friend came to visit me. He wanted to introduce me to someone who would be interested in helping me out on my adventures. But, when he arrived, the sight of his companions with him told me there was a different agenda he had in mind."
However, immediately after, when she noticed three suspicious agents confronting her and Arcanine as well, Diana glared at them, knowing what they wanted out of her upon arriving.
(End Flashback)
"They were after...your pendant AKA your Terapagos?" frowned Friede in realization as she finished.
"Mm-hmm, I had to make sure that Liko and the pendant were well-protected. That's when I asked Lucca to hire you and the Rising Volt Tacklers."
"Glad we made it this far in one piece!"
"Yeah. I mean, if it wasn't for Sarah, Race, Friede, and the others, Sprigatito and I would've been..." Liko trailed off, remembering everything that happened since she first met the royal couple, their family, Roy, Cap, Friede, and the rest of the Rising Volt Tacklers when her and Sprigatito's journey began.
Diana smiled at Friede and the royal family as she added, "Then, I guess I owe you all another thanks."
"Please, we're just glad Liko and her Terapagos were okay, that's all," Sarah said modestly.
As Diana completed her tale, Lazuli couldn't help but think back to her time with the Explorers and recall Hamber over her mentioning of him; she did her best to restrain her emotions but try as she might, she couldn't help but clench her hands (eventually gripping her sword which she had resting on the coffee table to try and stabilize her emotions) in hatred and grief as she thought about the butler who was one of those who instigated her time with the people she hated most of all.
"...Damn it. Hamber... Why, you...?" she seethed quietly but not quietly enough as Liko and Roy turned to her in surprise.
"Hamber?" the young girl echoed.
"What kind of a person is that?" Roy inquired.
Diana was surprised to hear Lazuli acting so spitefully about her old friend as the swordswoman told her granddaughter and Roy, "The Explorer's second-in-command; to put it simply, he's the right hand of the mastermind of the Explorers: Master Gibeon. His partner is a Dusknoir and they have a Tera Orb on them, having learned how to utilize the Terastal Phenomenon as I had and turn his partner into a Tera Ghost Type whenever he's on the field. He acts like Gibeon's butler, and months before I defected and abandoned the Explorers, he was the one who trained me for twenty years and sent me to spy on the kid and her husband when they arrived in Paldea. Needless to say, when I finally had enough, my leaving scarred him the most; he was the most devastated and hurt by my betrayal after I left and he had never recovered as far as I could tell."
"Young lady, forgive me for asking... But, how exactly did you come to know so much about Hamber and the Explorers?" Diana asked, wondering what she was on about with her rant.
Lazuli didn't want Diana to think differently of her should she tell her how she came to be with her granddaughter along with Sarah and her family and friends. But, Sarah placed a reassuring hand on her and Stardust nuzzled her gently while giving her a comforting neigh. The swordswoman looked at them and sighed in defeat before nodding, deciding it would be best to tell her right now rather than later.
And so, taking a deep breath, she told the elderly adventurer her entire backstory which horrified her after she had finished.
"Oh, dear...! So, your parents were actually these magical beings called Zodiacs and the Explorers killed them and kidnapped you in the process because you possess a power they wanted to use to help them with their mission involving the pendant?" Diana gawked.
The swordswoman wiped her tears and nodded as she replied shakily, "I've worked with them for 20 years since then, at least, until I broke away from them four months ago."
Diana just sighed sadly for her as she handed Lazuli another cup of tea to help calm her nerves and apologized, "I'm sorry... I never thought Hamber of all people would sink so low as to pull off something as cold-hearted as that. What's more, I had no idea the Explorers would be so ruthless just to get what they wanted, especially with wiping your memory when you're only five years old and made into a child soldier. I just wish I could've been more discrete about the pendant..."
Lazuli shook her head, knowing there was nothing Diana could've done about it and she doesn't hold what's happened to her in her life nor the tragic murder of her parents against her.
"I wouldn't be surprised if they're already plotting to get at us now. They won't stop until they have the Terapagos Four in their hands even if they have to follow us somehow AND in another way to do it," Race sighed.
"Follow us! Are you serious?!" Roy exclaimed in shock.
"Even if we apparated here safely, they're not that dumb, Roy. You and I along with everyone else all know how crafty and tenacious the Explorers can be when it comes to our Terapagos Four and the mysteries surrounding them, the Six Heroes, and Lucius. They'll try anything to get their hands on them for whatever they have in mind. As Diana just said, when Hamber and the agents with him tried to take Diana prisoner, they had a different agenda to follow rather than help her with her adventures."
"And, considering how uptight our pals are being, I wouldn't be surprised, either," Lazuli agreed, pointing to Silvally and Koraidon who continued to glare at the window they were staring at along with Arcanine while the Night Lights continued to growl quietly.
Deciding to change the subject, even for a brief reprieve, Friede smiled at Diana, Sarah, and Race as he inquired, "So, Sarah, Race, Diana, do you know anything else? I mean, the secret behind Terapagos? Sorry, but whenever there's a new Pokémon to discover, I have to know about it."
Diana just smiled at Friede's eager and inquisitive nature, "I know that look anywhere."
But, Sarah frowned as she then said, "We don't have time for an explanation right now, Diana. We have to leave now but I promise we'll tell you on the way."
Roy, however, wanted to ask Diana something important as he took out Rayquaza's Ancient Pokeball, "Wait! Diana, uh, can you take a look at this? My grandpa found it back on our island; it's an Ancient Pokeball that once belonged to Lucius and it once held his Shiny Rayquaza. Marena was also his wife during his time."
"Oh, my! Is this true?" Diana inquired in awe as she breathed at the Ancient Pokeball with Marena nodding in confirmation.
Liko could only agree as she nodded, "And, not only that but when we came face to face with two of the other Heroes, Arboliva and Moltres, we saw something strange from them. I have no idea what it may be but I think it was a memory Lucius' Terapagos may have had, maybe. Grandma, have you ever heard of something called Lakua?"
In response to the name of the unknown place, Liko's Terapagos (belonging to Lucius) cried out before it toddled off of Marena's lap and made its way to the door with Hatenna jumping onto her baby sister figure's back before Liko went over and grabbed them before they could leave.
"What is it?"
Diana grew serious as she answered knowingly and with great intent, knowing that something was about to happen as well, "It's Lakua; Lakua is a place of legends said to be hidden somewhere in this world. It was a mystery Lucius spent his entire life seeking and its name was Lakua."
"So, that's the paradise we're all looking for," Friede realized.
"Indeed. Curious bunch, are you? I figured as much; I'll be right back, there's something I'd like to show you."
She then went off to retrieve something she had on her just as Liko asked, "What did you want to show us?"
"Lucius' handwritten notes. You all, get ready to leave. Hurry!"
Just as Diana left to retrieve Lucius' diary, the Kwamis barged into the living room, looking frantic.
"Everyone! They're here! They're coming!" Barkk shouted in a state of panic.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Wait a minute, slow down! Take it easy, Barkk. Tell us, who's here?" Lazuli soothed as she caught her Kwami and rubbed him gently.
"It's the Explorers, Lazuli! They somehow found us, they're on their way here!"
"What/They are/But, how?!" Friede, Liko, and Roy steamed in horror just as Ceruledge and Amethio burst through the window the Night Lights were snarling at followed by Onia and her Golduck as they came out from a corner of the stairs leading to the second floor.
"Hello there," she sneered just as Zirc and his Rhydon barged in as well.
"Stay right where you are and no one gets hurt," Zirc threatened, forcing Sarah, her family, and Lazuli to get into a battle stance with the swordswoman drawing her sword and pointing it at him.
"You..." she seethed quietly, glaring daggers at the man and his Rhydon who killed her parents with a single Hyper Beam in cold blood.
Zirc's warning, however, went on deaf ears as the Night Lights sparked with electricity and growled threateningly back at him, Onia, Amethio, and their partners with Koraidon and the rest of the heroes' Pokemon glaring and snarling at them as well. The Palismans belonging to Asha and her and Sarah's families saw that their owners were being threatened and they prepared to fight back as well. Even Panthera, Galaxagus, and Stardust readied themselves as they snarled and snorted at their sworn enemies with Hu and Mistral bracing themselves for a struggle, too.
It was a standoff waiting to blow as the two sides prepared to take each other down, one that would determine what happens to the Terapagos Four and the heroes' chances of solving the mysteries of Lucius, Lakua, and the Six Heroes.
To Be Continued...