The Contender's Ascent

by Insane Dominator

Third installment to "The Fairy Contender". Months passed since Nic and Erza finally united, but now things get really interesting. New challenges face Nic as Pokemon begin to rise, more complex foes challenge him and his powers, and something darker than darkness itself seeks Nic. With friends new and old joining forces, Nic and two worlds unite in ways unimaginable. OCxErza

46. Getting Continental Crushed

"And you're sure this the right way this time?" Nic questioned, passing by a large, dry boulder.

"Of course. These are the directions the locals said would take us to Konokoni City." Erza answered matter-of-factly, leading the way. Nic wanted to say something, but with how sure Erza was in terms of 'directions', he decided to role along with it. What's the worst that could happen?

As they walked through the tunnel, their eyes were all over the place. Ironically enough, they could still see in front of them thanks to the natural lighting that the tunnel provided. They saw Diglett with little hairs like grass sticking out of the ground and popping up like moles. It left an impression on Erza how different the Diglett looked compared to what she was familiar with back in Kalos. Along with the strange appearances they've seen on Melemele with Meowth and Grimer as well; it was a whole new point of view for the foreigners.

"Now that I think about it, wasn't there another region with the name 'Diglett's Tunnel'?" Erza pondered aloud. She looked up to the ceiling and saw that a few Zubat were roosting.

"I think that's 'Diglett's Cave' in the Kanto Region." Nic responded, his pace catching up to his wife's lead. "Though I heard that it goes underground instead of through a mountain pass, and that it's supposed to be a little less complex and natural."

"Maybe that's because only Diglett reside there." Erza watched a Dugtrio with shaggy, wavy blonde hair and darker skin traverse on a higher point. "How many different kinds of Pokémon species does this region have?"

Nic wasn't sure if he could even answer that. Or rather, he didn't know how to answer. He knows that Professor Sycamore has been looking at Pokémon and Mega Evolution for years, so he could have some leads about various species. But noting how he might not be familiar with Alola might not be the best course. He knows various types of trees grew in certain parts of Kalos though, like for example, some of the oak trees in Santalune Forest didn't spawn past Central Kalos. And he noticed many more pines were in the northern mountains near Frost Cavern. It could have been of natural selection or climate.

Now that he thought about it, he was thinking back to how there were random berries that rested at the base of certain trees on every other route they've been to. Much different from the standard trees that had one selection of berries to pick from. It was a lot more variety, but it was still a change that was starting to get to his stomach.

"Hm? Look, up ahead." Erza stopped short of what looked like a small light up at the top of the incline they were taking. A literal light at the end of the tunnel, ironically enough. But neither bothered to deal with anymore of the metaphorical leeways right now.

"Looks like this was the right way after all." Nic voiced.

Erza smirked and beamed with pride. "Hmph, and you doubt my sense of direction."

"That was your ability to read maps, not directory. Those are two different things." His tone earned him an elbow that he pivoted away from. "Nice try."

Erza huffed. Rather than deal with Nic's difficulty, she strode up the incline out of the tunnel. Nic took one last look behind to see the views of the tunnel, but despite their traversing, all they saw were Diglett, Larvitar, Zubat, and strangely enough, those Dugtrio with long hair. Rather than deal with how and why he instead left for open air.

Upon reaching the light, their eyes immediately stung from the harsh rays. They haven't seen sunlight for over a few hours. They were so hung to darkness that they felt like Zubat themselves. They both blinked until their surrounds became clear. The trail that went ahead forked to three different paths, with the one on their right clearly heading towards a city that was within their range.

Nic looked over to the sign that was marked 'Route 9'. "I think that should be Konikoni City up ahead. I was worried for a minute it'd be a lot farther than it was after we'd get out of that tunnel."

"Yes, I think I was, too." Erza said, looking down at her vacation wear. Her traveling boots were all dirty, and the heels were covered in clumps of dirt. "For such small creatures, those Diglett can really make a mess. I've spent a fortune on these boots. Hold on."

Nic looked around in case anyone was present. He stepped in front as Erza requipped her boots to her flipflops, much to her own delight. "There, much better. So, shall we?"

Nic walked alongside Erza as they took the small trail that carried them a small incline down towards their next site attraction.

---

Konikoni City, a city that practically touched the oceanic winds along the cliffs. Near the north, there was a lighthouse that overlooked the entire city's pastures where there were more than a few people out with their Pokémon. There seemed to be a person there with her Pikachu mimicking some type of dance.

Nic and Erza passed through the grand red gates that bordered the city, giving them a view of the merchant shops that the city stocked on. Stalls with various goods were laid out that people were happily buying from. There was even a photo club building directly to their left. At every crossroad, there were yellow triangular flags that flapped in the sea breeze. The sunlight beamed own along the overlapping light brown tiling of each household with silver borders along the roof.

"Huh, and here I thought it'd feel a little more welcoming." Erza chimed, raising a brow.

"Yeah, I get what you mean." Nic said, observing the rooftop tiling. "This feels different from Hau'Oli City by a large margin, and that's saying something. I don't think I've seen an herbal shop over in that direction." His gaze fell towards the medicinal sign that stuck out from the stand that the vendor occupied.

"It certainly does have its own little charm, though. This region has a lot more diverse towns and villages than the modern ones we're so used to." She thought back to Iki Town, how it was nothing but huts and wood. It got her thinking of certain cities and villages back on Earth Land. It was so nostalgic that she actually felt a little homesick for a second.

"Erza, you okay?"

She snapped out of it and looked towards Nic. "Yes, I'm fine. Guess I was just spacing out there is all. We should explore the city when we get from free time."

"Guess it's not a problem." Nic reached into his clothing, pulling out a manmade map of Konikoni City provided by the Cambire Foundations. 'They got these by satellite imagery, but zoomed in, it just looks like blurry pixels…can't anybody be legible around here?' He shook his head to rid of his irritation and followed the map. "Alright, so it should be right over in this direction."

Erza raised her chin and took her sweet time along the street. As they went up the open avenue to Olivia's jewelry store, their eyes darted to the many Pokémon that were coinciding with the people here. Overhead, another Pager Charizard glided towards the lighthouse for a tourist on its back. Erza glanced at Nic to see his indifference towards the case since he was tired of it. Instead, Nic found himself looking past the shorelines to see people jetting with Sharpedo across the water, and many of Wingull and Pelipper that migrated over ocean currents above the Finneon. A lot more people were active with Pokémon here than what they've seen in Kalos, let alone the other regions. And that was saying something considering that topic was still being pushed and shoved around Fiore.

Lost in their sightseeing, it startled them when Nic barely took a glance and saw eloquent double doors to a building right up ahead. It stood with an overhead sign with a hammer sticking out. The sign overhead looked to be a periwinkle background, with two pickaxes crossed in the shape of an X. If anyone were to guess, it would have to define minerals, if not a hardware store.

"This looks to be the place." Erza said. She looked at the map and the sign at the same time, squinting. "I mean, I think it looks like it…"

Nic faced the building indifferently. "Guess there's only one way to find out." Erza nodded. "Let's see."

He moved to open one of the double doors, allowing his wife inside first. They were immediately met with the presence of a receptionist as well as a Probopass on their right, levitating off the ground with strong magnetic powers so as not to damage the boarding. The receptionist looked at the two and gave a warm nod of greetings.

"Hi, welcome to the Konikoni Jewelry Center. Is there anything that's piquing your interests?" the receptionist chimed.

Erza decided to take the lead. "Hello, do you by chance know if Miss Olivia is in at the moment?" Her response was met the Probopass suddenly floating away from the stairwell leading to the second floor. Coming down at the right time was none other than Olivia herself. The Akala Kahuna stretched her arms overhead while giving a long yawn.

"Oof! Well, I needed that." She felt the case of a few stairs in her general direction, making her turn on her heel towards the two customers. "Ah, welcome to my shop! If there's any questions, feel free to ask…" She trailed off, her eyes squinting slightly at the scene. "Hm, say, haven't I seen you both earlier today?"

Erza approached her and nodded humbly. "Yes, hello ma'am. I believe that we've met earlier in Heahea City. I'm Erza Pularis, and this is my husband, Nic." She turned and gestured towards Nic, who nodded his head up.

"Heahea, eh…?" Olivia put an index finger to her bottom lip and scrunched her brow. She hummed to herself for a hot second until her eyes widened. She bopped her fist in her palm like a hammer to signal her epiphany. "Oh, that's right! How could I have forgotten?! I'm so sorry about that! A lot has been happening recently with my duties and all that. I'm just all over the place. Allow me to reintroduce myself again, my name is Olivia, and thank you both for stopping by today." She reached out to shake hands with them.

"Don't be so modest. The pleasure is all ours." Erza smiled, shaking her hand.

Olivia chuckled. "So, how was your trip here to Konikoni? I bet it was crazy getting through Diglett's Tunnel, right? People have been working on that for years, but it really hasn't shaped up in a while. You know what, for the trouble you two took to get here, I'll give you guys a little something on the house."

Nic and Erza looked at each other quizzically before turning towards Olivia as she handed them what seemed to be a blue stone. "It's not much, but consider it a tip from your ole Island Kahuna herself. We've been getting quite a few of these Water Stones in, so help yourselves."

"Oh, why thank you." Erza, deciding to be nice, took the stone and looked down at it. She would have to requip it later when nobody would be looking. For now, she passed it off to Nic for him to put into his coat.

"So how was it over Melemele? It's a fairly small island, but it's nowhere nearly as small as Poni Island. Akala is known for having the most diverse resources amongst the four big islands." Olivia said pridefully. "We've Walo Volcano Park, the Lush Jungles, and we've got beautiful tidal pools that lead out towards the ocean a little north from here. I sure appreciate it with you guys coming here first."

"Don't mention it, Olivia." Nic remarked. "Actually, we had a reason to come here, too."

Olivia raised a brow. "Really? What's that?"

Erza looked at Nic and gave him a leer. He leered back as though to signal of their approach to the cautious subject. "You see, Kahuna Olivia, we were on Melemele Island, when we ran into this." Nic followed her lead and reached into his coat again, this time pulling out the rocky stone in the form of a Z pattern.

Immediately, Olivia's eyes widened. "A Z-Ring stone?"

"So you know about this?" Nic asked. He had a hunch that she would, just as Hala had pointed out before, but he had to be sure in case there was a second opinion on the matter.

Olivia took the stone and smiled. "Why of course! This stone is very hard to come by these days, especially for just tourists who aren't part of the Island Challenges that we do here." her eyes widened. "Then perhaps you've met with Tapu Koko, did you not?"

"Yes, we've met him I believe." Erza said, remembering the rather hasty encounter Tapu Koko had with them. Suffice to say that experience left a very unwelcoming impression on their part. "We spoke with Hala when we had the chance. Do you know what this is about?"

"Well, that…" She glanced at the stone. "Is what I call a special sign. You two must really be fortunate to have a Z-Ring stone. And it just so happens that the Island Kahunas are actually qualified to modify these into Z-Rings for Island Challengers."

"But…we aren't really…"

"Oh no, don't worry about it." She winked. "I can actually spare a little time right now for you two to make this out just for you."

"Can you really do that? Isn't that supposed to be only for Island Challengers?" Erza questioned, furrowing her brow.

"Normally, but there are past Trainers who grow up and still find professions in Alola, and even then they can still use these. And I think I can make this work for you both. You don't have to tip me or anything." She gave then another flashy wink. "Consider this my special Akalan treat."

"You're far too kind, Miss Kahuna." Erza bowed.

"No problem. Now, it'll just take a moment. In the meantime, why don't you guys look around? We've got a great deal on necklaces with waxed Clamperl pearls that are really drawing them in. But it's a bit pricey, just warning ya~." She turned with her head held high, carrying the stone back up with her to be modified.

"Well…looks like we dodged a bullet there." Nic said. He turned towards Erza with a frown. "Don't you think we got a little too…cozy right there?"

Erza gave a serious frown at the stairwell. "In some light, yes. But unlike Hala, it looks like she isn't as suspicious. And besides, at least we'll know how Kahunas modify these stones to make them seem more accessible."

"Yeah, they had to make special items customized for Mega Stones back in Kalos." Nic looked down at his Mega Stone, which was in the Mega Ring guard that was fastened on his left sleeve cuff in his current wear. "Guess we'll just have to wait and see what she comes back with, don't we?"

Erza nodded. "Afraid so. But~, in the meantime…" Erza swept herself towards the glass casing, where many of jewels and necklaces made with various accessories gave her eyes twinkles. "Some of these just look absolutely breathtaking." She gasped. "That one looks like it could match my Sea Empress Armor!"

Nic raised a brow and rubbed the back of his head. He sighed heavily out his nose and felt something staring at them. He looked towards the windowsill, barely catching a pink blur that vanished from sight. 'What was that just now?' He furrowed his brow as he moved closer towards the window, glancing out at Konikoni's populace as they minded their own business.

His expression grew more serious the more he thought about it. Somehow, whether it was a sixth sense or not, he knew something was here for them.

---

Fairy Tail's saloon doors opened, immediately cooling down The Freaks after their little expedition completion. After being out on such a hot day, it felt like a breath of fresh air to be somewhere that wasn't broiling for several hours straight.

"Hey, look who's back!" Natsu smiled, getting everyone's attention drawn towards The Freaks' return."

"Welcome back, boys. Did the job go well for you?" Mirajane asked with her usual warm smile.

"What up, my people!" Joey greeted with hands up high. "Yes, yes, it's me, hold your applause, thank you very kindly. Phew! Man that was a hot one today…and a long one at that." A glass of water was handed to him by Mirajane, which he instantly accepted. "Thank you, Mira."

Mirajane chimed back. "No problem. Sounds like quite the day you all had."

"Trust me, you have no idea." Dereece eyerolled.

"Joey, you're back." Sophie remarked, walking up with a sincere smile.

"Yo, Soph'! How's it going, girl!" Joey winked, leaning back and snapping his fingers to point at her. "Been good, staying good! How's my favorite fellow blonde gal-pal today?"

Sophie's pink lips smiled wider. "Honestly, not much. It's been a slow day. Everyone has been trying to cool off for a while now." She turned towards Duncan and his usual frown. "Hope the job went well for you, too."

Duncan stood close by, but it didn't last long before he disembarked towards the saloon doors. Dereece was the first to take notice of his ongoing absence. "Where are you going?"

Duncan gave a light scoff back. "Thanks for the cash split, Captain. Let me know when the next job happens. I'm going out to train." He left the guild, the saloon doors opening briefly with a loud creak from the hinges being stretched.

"Man…that went down fast." Gray noted, sitting at the table with Snorunt hastily eating a block of ice made from his magic. "Nice job today by the way, Snorunt. It was a good try."

"Huh? Oh, right. I'll do better next time, I promise." Snorunt chimed. "Just fill me up with a few of these and I'll be on it…" Snorunt looked down at his "meal" to find it was reduced to a small ice chunk. "Um, would you mind, uh…"

Gray eyerolled before he placed his hand on the ice chunk. Instant ice grew around the ice chunk, making it the size of a bowling ball, much to Snorunt's delight. "That good?"

"Yeee! Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Snorunt's large teeth opened wider, before he took a large, cringy bite of ice that chunked off a sizeable margin.

"Geez, talk about chilling out. First it battles, then it gets the munchies for some ice." Lucy groaned, sitting on the opposite side of the table, since Juvia took up the space next to him. "If I didn't know any better, he kinda reminds me of Natsu's appetite, but with ice."

"Yeah, but I can eat fire just fine. Ice just melts in my mouth too fast." Natsu responded nonchalantly, before beaming at his Charmeleon. "Speaking of mouths, you guys wanna battle? You'll never guess what my Charmeleon can do now. Check it out!"

Charmeleon opened his maw, which he remotely enflamed in fire to show off Fire Fang. Dereece wasn't taken back lightly due to fatigue, but he chose to acknowledge it with a nod.

"I need a refresher." He turned towards Joey. "Captain, can we please go back for a little bit and cool down before we do something else? Even the train ride back was hot."

Joey shrugged. "Fine, if you wanna be a lazy sack unlike Duncan, I won't stop ya this time. But as for me…" He turned towards Natsu, pulling out his Luxury Ball. "I've got my own little surprise I wanna shine off you guys!"

He brought up his Luxury Ball overhead, the top-half prying open to reveal energy streaming out and forming into his newly evolved Palpitoad that stood in front of him. The bumps on his head shuddered lightly due to the cold air making contact with his cold-blooded body.

"Woah, a new Pokémon?!" Natsu exclaimed.

"I don't know about this one, Natsu…" Happy said, gliding closer to inspect him. "He kinda looks weird, though-gah!" He was blindsided by a smack of Palpitoad's long tongue, flooring him instantly.

"Ty si ten, kto sa chce porozprávať. Ste lietajúci mačka ... alebo skôr uzemnená mačka." Palpitoad chastised, his eyes squinting in offense.

"Well, can't say that wasn't called for. Honestly." Carla sighed, shaking her head at the grounded Happy.

"Well if it's got a sharp tongue like that, who am I to turn down?" Natsu stepped up, Charmeleon darting to take a battling position. "Alright pal, let's see what you can do against this guy. I should warn you, we're on a winning streak today, and we're just getting fired up!"

As Palpitoad and Charmeleon took their battling stances, the guild hall was making sure to space out while it was happening. Joey and Natsu took battling stances. The former was very glad the train ride home provided enough time for his Pokémon to rest up. He even applied two Super Potions just after the job in case something dire happened.

"A fellow Water-type going up against Charmeleon, eh? That ain't bad at all." Wartortle said, leaning up to the booth that Juvia sat in.

Juvia shifted her gaze down towards her Pokémon. "Are you okay now, Wartortle?"

"Yes, don't worry about me, Boss Ma'am." He smiled. "I'll admit, that Charmeleon really knows how to pack a punch in a battle. Sure got me good." He was surprisingly chilled in his suave tone as he was with the cold. Juvia can see that he was lightly shaking with the shivers. Compared to the others, Wartortle looked like he needed to warm up a little.

"Wartortle…is everything alright?"

"Nah, I'm just fine, Boss Ma'am. Just a little nippy is all." A loud crunching sound got the turtle's attention, making him and Juvia turn towards Snorunt as he gobbled ice to the point where chunks were scattering across the table. "Brr…now that's frostbite if I've ever seen it."

"Gray, dear. Perhaps it's best we try and teach Snorunt to slow down on his habits? I don't think they're doing any favors for anyone." Juvia warned, seeing Wartortle's slight shivering not ending.

Gray put a hand to his hair, grunting at the mess Snorunt was making. "Yeah, guess you're right about that." He looked as Snorunt's tiny black hands were ate clean of ice. "Alright Snorunt, you're good for now."

"Awww~, but your ice tastes so good…" Snorunt said in a deflated tone.

"Hey, has anybody seen Vanessa?" Lucy asked, changing the subject. She noticed that they were vacant of a certain Aura Mage for a short while.

"Vanessa?" Sophie shot a glance at Lucy. "She said she had to go get some groceries for the day. She wanted to go get some before the rush hour kicks in. Knowing her, she'll most likely be spent for the evening."

"Well that's a bummer." Cana sulked, before looking over at the other end of the guild hall. "Say, doesn't that guy usually just sit over there? What was his name again…?"

"Who, Shiin? I think I saw him leave a little while ago too. It was a little bit after Vanessa left around 32 minutes ago." Sophie's glanced at the ground. She was a little disturbed with how she knew the exact time Vanessa had left, almost as disturbed as to how she could still remember the sweet taste her morning pancakes left her despite being many hours ago. There were still some aspects to her Memory-Make Magic that Rufus mentioned before, but she was still trying to get used to.

Cana shrugged. "Aw well, his loss. Now let's see a clean fight!" she clapped. "C'mon, ya Freak! Show us what you've got against ole' Natsu over here!"

Natsu smirked eagerly as he glared at Joey. "Here we come! Charmeleon, use Dragon Rage!" Charmeleon opened his maw, channeling a blue glow from his stomach that traced into his mouth. A beam of black and blue flames with a dragon's head roared into Palpitoad's direction as he braced for his command.

"Bupta!"

---

Even under the summer heat, the market was still swarming with customers and people alike. It was nice and peaceful, with great deals for everyone to enjoy. The kids especially love the free samples, in which some ran right by Vanessa as she was minding her own business picking out the fresh lemons.

"Which ones are the best ones today…?" Her blue eyes traced each individual lemon that was bordered right beside the limes. They were on sale, so she could buy quite a few. But she had to remember she had to limit herself so that her teeth wouldn't melt down to their enamels. She picked up a large one with a mildly rough surface, but had a smooth coating. She could tell this one would have plenty of lemon juice inside. "This one looks good. And so does this one." She picked up two more of equal size and put them all on the scale beside her. Once got the approximate weight, she was slight surprised at how much they weighed, but chose to take them.

She reached for the plastic bag roll and pulled out a sleeve. She opened the wrinkling bag up and placed the lemons inside, fastening them with a green twist tie. "Now, I believe that fresh meat should be on sale as well. I believe they were the roasts…" She trailed off when her aura picked up on something.

All around, she could feel a tranquil vibe from everyone around her. However, around the corner where she looked, there was a feint but very studious aura. Even though she didn't see anything, her eyes narrowed when she could still sense it. For now, she still had groceries to shop for, so she chose to leave it be.

Watching her move further into the crowd, Shiin peeked around the building with his eyes narrowing. 'So it's true what they say. She has a craving for sour fruits after all.' He made a mental note to put that into the report tonight.

As Vanessa walked and minded her business, Shiin was tailing behind, hoping to continue with the hunch he had earlier today. He had no idea the woman was none other than Nic's younger sister until Mirajane pointed it out. This was a big lead he could use to his advantage to see what Nic was conspiring.

'I can't lose sight of my target. I need as much intel as I can.' He moved into the crowd, trying to keep Vanessa in sight. However, he couldn't help but shifts glares around every person who had some kind of Pokémon with them. When a kid trotted with a Growlithe right past him, he watched them go with a furrowed brow.

If there was a single emotion that could describe Shiin right now, it would probably be – is – discomfort. Seeing all the happy faces of the public with creatures that were so foreign to them just a short while ago getting all chummy with each other. He would have rather scold them for being so careless and not taking safety precautions with how to interact with these Pokémon, but that wasn't his priority right now. He had to swallow what lumps were coming up from his stomach and soldier on. But even so, in spite of the level-headed gleam in his eyes, he kept seeing bizarre things. Like small piles of sludge poking out of the alleys and munching on rotting fruit, and a Venonat that bounced with a berry that its womanly Trainer provided. Or it could have been the Hoppip that floated above a couple overlooking the fresh produce. Whatever the case was, at its core, all he felt was sheer distaste.

But, nevertheless, the ruling was absolute in his mind. He was given a task and he would do whatever it took to achieve it. He squandered through the crowd to look for Vanessa, forcing him to sense her magic through the crowd. Just as he was drawing in on her, a familiar shadow fluttered overhead with a chime.

"Huh?" Shiin looked up, his eyes casting upon the Butterfree that fluttered merrily over his head. "Oh…you." His brow furrowed. "How is it that you always come back. Haven't I told you to abscond?"

The Butterfree fluttered overhead, nibbling on an Oran Berry that it had picked up in the woods. His tiny teeth nipped and started reducing the berry until it was almost gone. He looked down at Shiin, and with a sound chirp, dropped the berry into his palm.

"Hey, what do you think you're…!" The Butterfree fluttered overhead merrily, but Shiin focused on the half-eaten Oran Beery that was dropped into his palm. 'This is…this has to be one of those so-called 'berries' that these creatures feast on.' He looked up at the Butterfree. "Where did you get this?"

The Butterfree hummed lightly before fluttering away over the crowd. Shiin looked over and scowled. "Hey, I asked you a question! Where did you get-?!"

"Pardon me."

Shiin's eyes widened when he turned around to the person that snuck up on him. Standing a few short feet away, Vanessa stood with several paid groceries in her grip. Her expression seemed as neutral as ever, something that Shiin matched.

'I got distracted.' Shiin cursed himself for getting so carried away. He kept a serious face as he decided to engage in conversation. "Oh, yes. It's you from earlier." He looked at the plastic grocery bags in her hand. "And I see that you are out shopping, yes?"

Vanessa nodded. "Of course." She eyed the Oran Berry in Shiin's hand, keeping a neutral smile. "Looks like somebody left you a gift."

Shiin looked at the Oran Berry in his hand, furrowing his brow. "This? You are mistaken…this was dropped on me by some ongoing…butterfly."

"So I noticed." Vanessa saw the Butterfree fluttering over the roofs of the nearby buildings, fading into the distance. "It's rather uncommon to see you out of the guild hall. It's a rather hot day, wouldn't you have rather been inside with Gray's Pokémon cooling down the place?"

Shiin lowered his chin with a scoff. "Am I not entitled to my own air you say? And for the record, my clothing can regulate the heat that I take in to reduce or filter out any excess heat."

"So you say…" Vanessa's aura sensory made her sense defense from Shiin's argument.

"Since I have been assigned to shadow Nic, I should at least be aware of my surroundings. Your public here has a rather quelled atmosphere. That being said, I've been meaning for something from you?"

Vanessa frowned. "What is it?"

"It's regarding our conversation from earlier. I've been meaning to ask you for some more insight. But…this isn't the right place." He turned left and right to see people and Pokémon that overtook the streets. "I would very much appreciate it if we found somewhere more accommodating that we can go in depth to what you were referring to the subject."

Vanessa gave Shiin a dead serious look. She didn't need aura to get the feeling of what was happening. She could tell just from looking at him that he seemed to be relentless on the subject. Whether it was personal or not, she would rather not deal with him on her back the entire time until Nic eventually comes back.

She hummed and started past him. "Very well, if you so insist." She cooed. "But a little note. It would feel far more practical to formally engage a woman than play stalker."

Shiin cringed. 'She knew. What impeccable sensory she has…' He chose to disclose the matter for later on. For all he knew, she could be reading his thoughts. That alone was enough to make him steer forward and follow her lead.

---

Erza hummed merrily as she walked away from the cashier, a bright smile on her face. Saying she was elated would be an understatement if her expression wasn't the dead giveaway. "So what do you think, Nic?" She struck a pose to her hip, showing off her new accessories.

Erza adorned a necklace that had hollowed out pearls that clang low enough for those close to her to hear. At the base of the necklace was a pink ornament that was carved out to be a replica of a Deep Sea Scale. Meanwhile, she had very small Shellder-shaped earrings, with two beautiful pearls shining between the clamped shells. She looked so prideful, especially in front of Nic.

Nic looked at her with an earnest face. "Yeah, you look really…nice." He said in an honest tone.

Erza lightly blush. "Thank you, though I think I may have splurged a bit of our budget unfortunately. But I'm sure we'll be able to manage for the rest of the trip if we're able to hold our funds better." She crossed her arms, raising a brow at Nic.

"Last I checked, I didn't buy a single thing this entire trip so far." He reasoned. "What you spent, that's pretty much on you. Don't rope me into what you blow the budget on."

Erza gave a small "Hmph!" as she crossed her arms beneath her massive chest. "Honestly, you're so difficult. I try to please my dear husband, and this is the reaction and thanks I get?"

"Hey, I never said that I didn't like it." Nic countered, offended.

Erza glanced back, opening an eye. "H'oh? Really, then maybe you should have come up with something better if you read between the lines."

Nic gave her a serious look. "Just because I can read between the lines, doesn't mean that I have to follow them." He looked away slightly. "Sorry if I don't have the capability to reach your expectations." He responded in a firmer tone.

Erza frowned. She knew by the way Nic reacted that she may have struck one of more sensitive nerves. She didn't mean to offend him. She walked closer and put a hand to his cheek, turning him towards her. "No, it's alright. I'm sorry. I was just teasing you, no hard feelings, I promise."

They heard the sound of footsteps coming from the stairs and turned to find Olivia coming down. "Sorry for the holdup, you two. Been a little while since I've made some of these." She stopped and noticed Erza's hand on Nic's cheek, a mischievous smirk crossing her face. "Oh~, sorry. Did I come back at a bad time?"

Erza pulled away, bashfully gulping. "Er-n-no! By all means!"

Olivia chuckled. "I'm so jealous." She swooned. "What I wouldn't give to have my own man…huh? Oh, I'm sorry. I was lamenting out in the open like that. Well, anyways, here you both go!" She presented Nic and Erza something that looked like a ring with a strong yet adjustable band. The rock that made up the stone had been smoothed out, enabling a fairly-sized guard with the Z symbol on the white stone still showing. In the dead center of it was a diamond-shaped emblem large enough for a stone to be placed into there.

Nic took the bracelet from her and inspected it. He turned it upside-down and checked the sides. But in the end, it all looked well-made. "So this is a Z-Ring?" he asked.

"Yup! Ain't it a charm or what? With this, you'll be able to perform Z-Moves that will do a serious number on your opponents in a battle." Olivia beamed with pride. "And it just so happens, I can spare time for you to show you just how that works!"

"No, honestly, you really shouldn't." Erza insisted, putting her hands up. "You've already done so much for us. We couldn't possibly ask for anymore favors from you."

"Hey, it's all good. If you're gonna learn something, you should at least have somebody there to show you the way, right? And…well, plus it's pretty much part of my job as a Kahuna for those who take the Grand Trial. Bu~t…" She smirked at them. "If either of you are up for it, I might give you a pass if you can best me in a battle!"

Nic and Erza looked at each other for a moment. They knew this was meant for another purpose, but who were they to deny a Pokémon battle? They didn't have to think too hard about this one to consider what were the ups and downs.

'If she's anything like a Kahuna, she might be as strong as Hala was.' Erza figured, having flashes of the battle against his Crabominable. 'Which means, she must have her own Z-Move as well.' She stepped up, giving her a serious look. "I think we'll take your offer up on that, if you don't mind."

"Then it's a deal." Olivia smiled promptly. "Meet me at the top of Memorial Hill in an hour. It's going to be west from Konikoni City. Just be careful when you go through there, quite a few Pokémon like to be out in the tall grass. You might wanna bring some Repels. Unless you wanted to kill time and get experience, but hey, enjoy your little honeymoon while you can!" She turned towards Probopass. "Probopass, make sure nothing happens while I'm gone. It'll only be for a little while."

"(Understood!)" Probopass arose, then bobbed back down.

Olivia turned towards Nic and Erza and beamed. "Alright, see you both there. Better not be late!" She moved past them and made way out of her shop. The couple watched blankly as she made way for the preparations to be made.

"A little…excessive." Nic muttered.

"Yes, perhaps a little bit." Erza raised a brow. "She did lay it on a bit strongly there. But at least we have an idea of where to go next." She glanced at hill. "She said it was west from Route 9, right? We better get moving. We should use our Pokémon to save time and energy."

"Alright." They both held up Poke Balls and started for the exit.

---

When Nic and Erza made it to Memorial Hill, they weren't expecting a labyrinth.

Both Trainers traversed on the backs of their Arbok and Houndoom respectively to save energy. Neither really mind since it gave them open air and a chance to trotter about. But the hedges were so massive that it was nearly impossible to look over them unless you were an Onix. If it weren't for Nic's Earth form's Ground-type basing, they'd be lost in the realm of the sleeping.

"You sure this is the way?" Erza asked, raising a brow. Now it was the shoe on the other foot, with her chiming at the doubt in Nic's sensory.

"Yeah, I can sense the bordering ahead. We need to make the next left." Nic instructed. "Arbok."

"(Asss you wish.)" The cobra kept his slithering light and supple as he curbed around the hedge up on the left. Houndoom followed behind on a surprisingly tight turn and kept on the snake's tail, quite literally.

Erza passed by a grave, frowning heavily. "I find it hardly appropriate that such a sacred place where many rest is where others can do battle."

"I know, we know all about disturbing the dead too well." Nic's anecdote made him and Erza think about the Impure Underworld from so long ago. Even now, the grimacing aftereffects of what that has done left a nasty scar on them, in more ways than one. But Nic was able to passively think about it without getting the shivers.

It wasn't long until the area Arbok slithered off to where the dirt branched into greenery. Smooth grass glided beneath his scales while Houndoom's paws panted softly within the grass. They continued eastward until they found tall grass, much like Olivia had warned them about.

"(Nic, what shall we do?)" Arbok obediently asked.

"I'd rather we didn't. Normally we wouldn't mind taking our time around here." His brow furrowed. "But, I'd rather we stayed on track." He reached into his pocket, pulling out an item. It looked to be a light cream tag with a red Unknown pattern with a black dot in the center.

Erza raised a brow. "What's that?"

"It's called a Cleanse Tag. I picked up quite a few items back during my training for the Pokémon League back when I saw fifteen." Nic thought back to his journey. Back then, he didn't have to rely on such items other than Mega Evolution. Looking back on it now, he was less experienced. 'I never realized how important items could be until recently. With all these crystals and rings these people use, and those berries…'

He broke into a small snicker, something that didn't go unnoticed by Erza. "Someone's having some strange thoughts."

Nic glanced back. "Nah…just thinking is all." He placed the tag on top of Arbok's head, in which it stuck like a magnet to a refrigerator. Arbok looked up and stuck his tongue out. "Bear with me, alright? It's just for a short while until we get through the grass, I promise."

Arbok lowered his head in dutiful compliance. "(Don't worry about me. I won't make a fussss.)"

Nic nodded and mounted Arbok's hood. He held firm as the serpent slithered into the tall grass, and Houndoom followed once more.

Almost immediately, they could see the results bearing fruit. Wild Phantump that eyes Houndoom's backside were hesitant. Not because he was a Dark/Fire-type, but because of the spellbound feeling making them flinch. Gastly that were hovering around the area floated backwards as Arbok slithered onwards.

"(Well what do you know. Guess that thing really does work.)" Houndoom scoffed. "(Either that or these ghosts really know how to spook themselves.)"

"I think that I've read up about that item in particular." Erza pried. "That's the opposite of Sweet Scent, isn't that right? That move draws in Pokémon in an instant, whereas abilities like Stench and certain items repel Pokémon…I think." She lifted her head up an saw the sun waning further in the west. 'Now that I think about it, we should have used that when we were in Diglett's Tunnel. But we were also trying to scope out that parasite, too. But I guess now we have priority changes.'

A wild Zubat tried getting closer, but when it did, Houndoom snarled, causing it to retreat. "(Hngh! Batty much?)"

"(Hmph! What a foul one-liner, mutt.)" Arbok scoffed a few meters ahead of his pacing.

Houndoom's nose wrinkled. "(Hey, c'mon. Give me a little credit, would ya? Wouldn't hurt to give a compliment to a decent joke.)"

Arbok hissed as a retort. "(Your bark isss asss crissspy asss your sssenssse of humor.)"

Houndoom raised a brow. "(Damn, now that was a burn if a Fire-type could ever feel one.)"

Complacent, she kicked Houndoom's side, ushering him to keep up with the snake. Up ahead, they trekked for what seemed to be a mile into the grass until that patch ended, allowing them a clean dip into the hills that took them up the slope.

"Looks like that went better than expected." Erza chimed. "Olivia said that she's up ahead. Let's try our best and see what she'll do."

"Right." Nic tapped Arbok, ushering him to speed up the slope. Houndoom followed behind.

They hurried up the hill's steep slope until the trail started to wane away to full fields of grass. The coast was sitting right along the cliffs, with an incline towards a small enough ledge for a short dive into the small pools gathering from the sea.

Between the two exceptionally large fields of tall grass, there was a narrow passage across the grass that Arbok took. His tongue flickered out to get a taste of the air. Another person was up ahead.

Feeling his scales tense up from the senses, Nic knew very well they were at their destination. "We're here."

Both he and Erza dismounted their Pokémon respectively. Nic took the Cleanse Tag off of Arbok's head, being mindful to not be so harsh. "Thanks for bearing with that." He complimented his cobra, much to the serpent's chagrin. He tucked the Cleanse Tag away and turned with Erza towards the person higher up.

"H'oh! So you guys finally made it, that's great!" Olivia was further up ahead, smiling as she drew closer down the two rocky gates that bordered up ahead. "Welcome, you two! So, you ready to see what a Z-Move can really do?"

Just as she was drawing near, Arbok hunched over and aggressively hissed. "(Take a ssstep clossser and we'll sssee about persssonal ssspace.)"

"Easy, Arbok." Nic insisted, to which the cobra immediately backed down. "Sorry about that, Arbok is very territorial, especially with people he doesn't find to his respects."

Olivia didn't seem bothered by the dismay. "Oh, I see. A rather finicky Pokémon you've got there." She laughed. "Then again, Arbok are always known to be very territorial." She looked towards Erza and smiled at her Houndoom. "Ah~, so you rode on your own Pokémon too, eh? I had to get a Pager Tauros to bring me all the way up here. They're so convenient."

"So we've been told." Erza grinned. "You folk seem to have an appreciation for Pokémon by your side. It's admirable."

Olivia's cheeks blushed as she giggled. "Aw, c'mon now. No need to flatter." She shook her head, retaining her focus. "Now then, normally I would take my trial goers a little further to the Ruins of Life to have our Grand Trial. But since you're not, we'll have to make do here in Akala Outskirts. Now…which of you would like to battle me?"

Erza out her hands to her hips, leaning into Nic. "Nic."

"Yeah? What's up?" he whispered.

"I think you should have a shot at her. We have no idea what type she specializes in. On top of that, I've fought Hala and saw the power of a Z-Move."

"I see…yeah, guess that would make some sense." He glared back at Olivia, seeing her smirk with a more serious gleam in her eyes. "Guess I don't see any reason not to. Alright." He stepped up, but not before looking back at Arbok. "Make sure you keep a lookout, Arbok. If you sense for that parasite or that Tapu…watch our backs."

Arbok hissed and nodded. "(Asss you wish.)"

He gave one more passive glance at Erza, to which she nodded in understanding and backpedaled for a perimeter. Nic faced Olivia as she pulled out an Ultra Ball. He wasn't too certain what to expect from her of all people, but he knew he had to be certain that as a Kahuna, she had a measure of power.

"Alright, you ready over there?" the Kahuna chimed. "I'll show you my partner for this! Lycanroc!"

The Ultra Ball was flung into the air, causing the capsule to summon energy into the ground. Manifesting on the hill was a bipedal canine with primarily maroon and white fur. It had a large mane that went over its head like a forward mohawk. Its eyes were a beastly red that glared at Nic, like a bloodthirsty wolf glaring down its prey in the middle of the night.

'Another Alolan Pokémon?' Nic pulled thought. He glanced over at Erza, who pulled out her PokeDex to analyze what their new opponent was.

"Lycanroc, the Wolf Pokémon. The more intimidating the opponent it faces, the more this Pokémon's blood boils. It will attack with no regard for its own safety."

"A Rock-type?" Erza looked at its typing, raising a brow a its shady appearance. "It looks more like a Dark-type than anything…"

"There's quite a few of these guys that come in a couple other forms. Stick around long enough and I just might explain them to you." Olivia smirked. "Now, let's see what you bring out, shall we?"

Nic brought out a Poke Ball and tossed it upwards. The capsule opened, where energy shot down and transformed into Kecleon. The chameleon stood with her head straight up, before tilting it off towards the side.

"(The tree has sprouted…and the leaves are ready to bud.)" Kecleon chimed, her tone as monotone as ever.

Olivia raised a brow. "A Normal-type, eh? That's quite the choice made there."

Nic spread his legs, looking ahead with a serious expression. "You ready?" he asked, coolly, but also intimidatingly.

Olivia appreciated the level head and smirked. "Alright…but don't say that I didn't warn you!" She held up her Z-Ring, which had a dark brown crystal in its center. "Lycanroc, let's go!"

"(Heh, fine!)" he snarled. "(I was gonna get bored sooner or later, why not kill it now?!)"

"(Because if you killed it, it would be dead…)" Kecleon chimed, her creepy, feminine tone leaving Lycanroc to blink for a few moments.

Olivia took a sharp breath and crossed her arms over her chest. The air hue around them suddenly darkened as the Z-Ring and Lycanroc illuminated the area. A stamp with a rock-shaped emblem appeared and Olivia struck a pose with hip bent and flexing off towards her left. Orange-brown energy beamed up from the crystal until it arched down on top of Lycanroc. The wolf struck a similar pose with Olivia, in which the aura crashed down, engulfing him its empowering aura.

"I heart the heartbeat of life! The edge of the sea to the skies above and ground below!" Olivia chanted, making motions that Lycanroc copied. "The island Kahuna…shall bring the land down upon you! Now!"

Lycanroc jumped high into the air, letting out a howl as he brought his left arm up. The ground around Nic and Kecleon tremored violently until it became a full-on earthquake. Chunks of land began defying gravity and was pulled in by a gravitational force above Lycanroc's paw. The rocks all gathered to one point and built off of one another until a gargantuan boulder that could have been no smaller than a Wailord to be looming high above everyone's heads.

Erza's eyes were wide with shock as she felt the kinetic energy from her standpoint. 'It's…a giant boulder?!'

"(The hell?! She trying to turn us all into mush?!)" Houndoom exasperated.

Arbok didn't look nearly as startled, but he was looking out at Nic and Kecleon. His tongue flicked out in case he smelled anything unusual.

"Now! Face the power of Alola's great rock!" Olivia swung her arm down, in which Lycanroc did the same. "CONTINENTAL CRUSH!" The gargantuan mountain of cracked earth was hurled down straight onto Kecleon and Nic, who looked up as calmly as they could. The chameleon was in the dead center of the downward wake that the attack carried. It had the momentum of a meteor of anything.

Nic remained firm in place as he saw the move coming down. The ground below was shaking from the force, but he was far from deterred. "Kecleon…"

Kecleon looked straight up and tilted her head once again. She stamped on the ground, harsh enough to give her jump an extra kick. She shot up towards the bottom of the oncoming Z-Move without so much as a flinch.

"Wait…are they seriously going to take that head-on?!" Olivia exasperated, her tone showing genuine shock and worry.

Kecleon closed in with her arm out to the side. Nic glared up readily. 'Even if it's a Z-Move, it's still a Rock-type attack. And Kecleon has something for that.' His glare sharpened, just like Kecleon's beady black eyes did as she focused on a spot. "Kecleon…Brick Break!"

Kecleon's claws balled into a fist, in which the entire arm glowed bright white. She reeled back the fist and drew closer towards the falling mountain. S she vanished into its shadow, the chameleon's frame suddenly pushed forward into a lightning-fast jab into the dead-center of the underside.

For a moment, everything went stiff. A gargantuan airwave fanned out in all directions. It spread all throughout Akala Outskirts, over Memorial Hill, and dissipate when it reached Route 9. The airwave didn't go unnoticed by certain others, though.

"(Hm?)" Petering out of the temple that was the Ruins of Life's entrance, Tapu Lele looked up at the huge boulder that was frozen in midair. "(Oh, what's that~?)"

For a split second, there was nothing done. However, the point of impact suddenly extended networks of cracks that spread over the massive boulder until they've reached the top. In several flashes, the gargantuan rock was crushed completely, breaking into shards of smashed rock that exploded across the sky.

"No…no way!" Olivia gasped, completely dumbfounded with what was done.

"(What the-?!)" Lycanroc was left as dumbstruck as she was.

Not wasting a beat, Nic glared up. "Now, Kecleon!"

"(One steppingstone at a time…)" Kecleon aimed for the nearest, fairly sized debris piece still in midair and launched her stocky tongue. Upon contact, she reeled herself towards it and camouflaged, leaving a red zigzag in her place.

Lycanroc's feral eyes were wide with shock before he could have sworn some of the rocks tapped, and faint red blur ricocheting until Kecleon suddenly met face with him.

"Brick Break!" Nic shouted.

Kecleon's fist glowed bright white, and suddenly smashed it into Lycanroc's rocky mane with as much force to break down a steel wall. He went cross-eyed for a moment from the impact before the force caught up to him, sending him crashing through the falling rocks and smashing them to further shards before slamming into the earth with a powerful eruption.

All around, rocks from the shattered Continental Crush peppered the field between a stupefied Olivia and a calm Nic. He didn't look fazed in the slightest as the crumbling field dissipated for several minutes until it finally bared notice.

Olivia uncovered as the rocks stopped falling. "Lycanroc…?!"

As the dust cleared away, Kecleon landed in a handstand on a precipice and backflipped off it onto her two feet. She watched the dust clear with her head eventually tilting off towards the side.

The dust soon faded, revealing Lycanroc embedded into a crater with his mane having a clean hit on it. He grunted heavily as his red eyes were swirls, indicating his unconscious state. "Lycanroc!" Olivia ran over towards the crater, her face painted with shock. She saw he was down for the count.

"(It was rocky…but then it turned out smooth.)" Kecleon blinked, tilting her head in the opposite direction.

Erza closed her eyes, smirking. 'Why was I worrying to begin with. I expect no less from him of all people.'

"(Well he was put down.)" Houndoom chimed, his tail whipping. "(I almost feel sorry for the mutt.)"

Nic calmly looked up as Olivia pulled out her Ultra Ball and recalled Lycanroc. She walked over, maneuvering around the debris field with and huff with each jump she took. She eventually reached where Nic was, and Erza reconvened.

"Well, I most certainly wasn't expecting that." She sneered, a hand to her hip as she looked towards Kecleon. "Gotta say, your Pokémon can pack a really mean punch. And that's saying a lot." She mused.

"Thanks, I suppose…" Nic trailed off. He wasn't sure whether or not to take it as a compliment or a dry sense of humor, but Erza was quick to precede.

"Thank you for showing us what a Z-Move is capable of, Kahuna Olivia. We learned a lot about them today."

Olivia perked up. "Oh, don't you worry about that. In fact…" She dug into her pocket – if her tight shorts had any – and pulled out a small brown crystal. She held it between her thumb and index digit and held it up to Erza and Nic. "Now, for you two, I believe that a reward is in order. I'm familiar that in other regions, you all earn a 'badge' when you defeat a Gym Leader, right? Here in Alola, we do something a little different. Island Challengers who accomplish their Grand Trial against a Kahuna are rewarded a Z-Crystal. I know you two are on your splendid honeymoon and all, so how about one more for the road, huh?" She put it closer to Erza's face, but the Requip Mage was taken back by the offer.

"You really didn't have to, really. This is just too much."

Olivia waved her off. "Nonsense. Besides, you've beaten me fair and square. You're so strong, you should feel humbled if anything."

Nic looked down at the Z-Crystal Olivia held out and quickly figured the pros and cons. It would be a little too rude to turn it down. And looking back at it, things were going well so far with Olivia. At the very least, he was willing to accept. He took the Z-Crystal, placed it in the compartment, and nodded at Olivia. "Thanks." He spoke.

"Now, that crystal is for the Z-Move Continental Crush. In order for you to fully access the power, you've got to be in sync with your Pokémon. But being as experienced as you are, I think you can manage!" she smiled. "Of course you've gotta strike the spoke to show your move off, too."

"A pose, you say?" Erza blinked, recalling that Hala did something familiar to a pose.

"Right! Now, it's very simple, but it's also complex. Here, I'll show you." Olivia spread her legs. "It's all in the hips, watch." She bent her knee and flexed her hip at the same time. She held one arm up and the other in the back, essentially flexing her biceps. "See? Just like this. You've really gotta be firm as a rock to get the knee bent just right."

Erza saw the pose, stars in her eyes. "How very interesting. So like this?" She mimicked Olivia's pose, bending towards her left knee and twisting her hip with flexing biceps.

"Yeah, just like that! Only you've gotta do it towards your right."

"Oh, so like this then?" Erza bent the other knee, shifting her weight towards her other end. "Like this?"

"Yeah, work it girl!"

Erza beamed with a bright smile of pride. "Yes! I feel empowered already! So this is the symbolism of your strength, how astonishing!"

As Erza and Olivia were getting lost in the joys of the pose, Nic, on the other hand, was watching on with a less than appeased expression. Seeing them speak so prideful as they flexed in unison, it didn't do any favors or what he saw as appropriate. Of course he wasn't going to say that to their faces, but he could never see himself striking such a stupid pose.

'That…is seriously the most ridiculous thing you have to do. And you have to do that with every Z-Move you make?'

Erza turned towards Nic with a bright smile. "Nic, why don't you try?"

"Thanks, but I think I'll pass this time." He rejected. He was given a raised brow by Erza, but he folded his arms and eyerolled.

"Now then, I believe that it's getting late." Olivia looked out at the sun getting closer over the mountain near the north. "Guess I'll have to call it quits today. Sorry if you guys were expecting more."

Erza broke away from glaring Nic down. "Oh no, you were more than courteous today, Olivia. By all means, we owe much to you for today."

Olivia nodded in appreciation and pulled out her Ride Pager. "I'm going to get my own ride, so you two won't have to worry about me. But while you're in Konikoni City, stop by the lighthouse, you'll get a beautiful shot of the sea. Especially when the sun hits the horizon."

"We'll keep that in mind, thanks for today." Nic replied. He turned towards Kecleon. "Nic job Kecleon, return."

Kecleon tilted her head. "(With extra sugar on top…)" She chimed, before the red laser retracted her to her Poke Ball.

Nic and Erza mounted their Arbok and Houndoom respectively and started to slither and run off back down the outskirts.

Once they were out of distance, Tapu Lele floated silently as far away as possible. She was sure to stay out of the fight, but she couldn't help but look on at the two Trainers with interest. "(Hmmm, oh those were the people that hurt Tapu Koko? Well, that Kecleon sure packed a punch…)" she sulked her thin arms. "(But I was hoping to really see the guy and girl transform. Phooey~!)" Her eyes widened with an idea. "(Heh, then I guess it's up to me to really see what they're made of! Don't worry, Koko ole' buddy! Ole' Lele is gonna see this through, just you wait! Teehee!)"

She drifted off towards the distance, pink sparkles fluttering in a trail path closer towards Konikoni City.

---

Shiin and Vanessa continued their little trek away from the public. Once they were able to find some space between some buildings, they both took fairly laxed positions against one of the orange brick walls.

The tension between the two was awkward to say the least. Vanessa didn't have to use her aura sensory to get a hint. With Shiin's mysterious disposition and suddenly asking her, while on a busy day in the open mind that, to continue the conversation before about the prospects of people from her world, it left much to the imagination what was stirring inside of his head.

"So…I supposed this is the best spot you had in mind?" Vanessa coolly asked, her arms folded with the grocery bags in hand.

In the shade of the building, Shiin crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. "Yes, we most certainly do." He shot her a steel-hard glance. "Tell me something, you are from that other world, are you not?"

Vanessa closed her eyes and kept a straight face. "I believe that question is an answer to itself. I don't supposed you're asking how I ended up here, did you?"

"I wouldn't say it wouldn't help with my inquiries. The Crossing happened four months ago, but from your experience, it sounds like you are already accustomed to this planet and its functionality. Did you perhaps arrive here at a different time period?"

Vanessa kept a straight face to the question asked. "You can say that."

Shiin furrowed his brow. "I see, so that explains why you're accustomed. I'm curious, just how much of this world do you really know?"

Vanessa raised a brow. "Do you intend on specifics?"

"Well…for example, how was it that you've managed to survive this long? If you Trainers rely on Pokémon as you say, that alone shouldn't be enough. Here on Earthland, we practice various types of magic, and we have certain regions where only special magics are withheld from the world." He shot her a glare. "And yet knowing that much, you still find it suiting to befit in such a place."

Vanessa frowned. She was sensing his aura getting all the more defensive. "Not that I don't understand where you're coming from, but you do have some sentiments. Yes, there is a large amount of fear of the unknown. But is that reason enough to prosecute it as hostile? I understand that you have a much different viewpoint of the world with Pokémon as I do. That's fine, you're free to feel as you see fit. However, those with an open mind tend to see more of both sides before drawing their conclusions."

Shiin raised a brow, genuinely piqued at Vanessa's viewpoint. "Is that so? Then I hope that you don't mind if I hear out the truth in your words, do you not?" His eyes closed for a moment, gathering magic for a spell. Vanessa sensed this and braced herself.

"Truth's Eye!"

Shiin's eyes opened, with a light blue magic seal appearing in front of his iris. Once Vanessa looked into them, her irises reflected the same seal.

"Don't be alarmed. This is my Truth's Eye. It enables me to see into the truths of what others say." He stepped forward. "So…let's start off with basics. First question: What is your name?"

Vanessa was surprised at first, but her aura sensed Shiin's seriousness. She figured as to stand her ground and play along to amuse him. In truth, she felt like she was being forced into an interrogation, and stemming from what Shiin was here for, he was seemingly doing just that. She knew there was some measure of vendetta, so for her sake as well as any potential guild members, she had to comply.

"If you so graciously insist." She answered flatly. "My name is Vanessa Pularis."

"Vanessa Pularis you say…" his eyes squinted. "Then tell me, what is your affiliation with Nic Pularis?"

"I am his younger sister." Her answer left Shiin's eyes to widen slightly, an expression that didn't go unnoticed by him.

"A younger…sister?" He was quick to façade his shock and returned to squinting. 'I see, so it was true. He does have siblings.' He started to question her again with a stale glare. "Tell me, how did you cross over so long ago?"

"There was an incident regarding the Dark Legendaries many years ago." She answered matter-of-factly. "For a time, my brother and some of my guildmates were transported to PokeEarth. We had to travel over our home region to find spatial portals that constantly shifted because of our gods."

"Gods, you say?" Shiin raised a brow. "You are saying that there are Pokémon who have powers to rival that of Earth Land Gods? I apologize if I find that highly incredulous to believe. But I'd rather not digress, so tell me, why did you cross over? It makes it sound like you were given a choice, did you not?"

Vanessa closed her eyes. "You are right, I did have a choice. But I chose to follow along to Earth Land because of one reason."

"And what might that be?"

Vanessa folded her arms, her glare hardening behind the magic lens. "Simple. I wanted to be with my brother once again. Nothing more."

Shiin watched carefully for the magic circle to respond to what she said. He wanted to see if it would say she was wrong, say there was an ulterior motif to why she wanted to come here and not stay behind…but nothing happened. The truth in her words were as clear as day. If he was frustrated with this answer, he was definitely doing a good job at hiding it.

"…I see. So you were willing to give up your life on your own world for the sake of family allegiance."

"As simple as it gets. Now, do you have anything else you have to say?" she asked in a rather serious undertone.

"Yes. Your brother has powers, but from what I have heard, they are related to that of these Pokémon. You wouldn't supposedly know if you have a familiar brand of power, considering you are his sibling perhaps. Is this not true?"

"On the contrary." She denied. "I have Aura Magic, which is completely different from Nic's powers."

"Aura Magic…" Shiin blinked, his disposition barely flinching. "I see, so you have learned your own type of magic in order to further adapt to Earth Land. Since your brother was given powers by these…Pokémon, you had to find a way to gain power to support his cause." He straightened his back. "Now, I have one last question for you. And I can tell when you are lying…" he stepped forward, glaring Vanessa in the eye. "Tell me, what was Nic's plans for Earth Land?"

As calmly as she could, Vanessa folded her arms, shifting the weight on her lips. "After the fall of the Dark Legendaries, Nic wanted to just live a modern life. The mission to save Arceus' life was rather tedious on him back then, and since then, he decided to settle down here, with the guild." She raised a brow of suspicion. "No then, I believe that your questions are answered for now, are they not?"

Shiin paused for a moment, but he complied with his words of promise. "Fine." He closed his eyes, dispelling his own magic from his and Vanessa's left eye. He turned away, seemingly complacent with what he got in the end. "I apologize for the inconvenience I gave you. Thank you for your cooperation and your insight, Miss Pularis. I hope that I wasn't too much of a bother in your upcoming evening."

He started to walk away, but Vanessa stepped behind him. "Now hold on. May I ask why you asked me such questions, perhaps?"

Shiin stopped in his tracks, looking down with eyelids shut. "Don't forget what I explained to you rom before. I am here to get a thorough understanding of the customs of Trainers like Nic Pularis have on us all. I am entitled to my questions, and as someone who understands the fundamentals of communication, I believe that it's essential that we share as much information that benefits the cause."

Vanessa raised a brow. "And what might that cause be, perhaps?"

Shiin turned around, giving her a glare that rivaled her mildly relaxed one. "The future of the magic world that we live in. Nothing more." He started past her. "I hope to hear from you again. As I recall, your guild is known for being very much social. I trust that everyone will be as compliant as you were."

As he walked off, Vanessa glared at his back. With the sun starting to set, she was starting to see the shadows along the alleys extend. It was getting late, and she had to make dinner. She knew those questions asked were more than just personal, and if she lied, it would have been a sign of bad faith.

'If he said he hopes the rest of the guild is as compliant as I was, he might be asking some more questions about Nic.' She narrowed her eyes as she saw his white coat fade into the street. 'He's after some very specific answers. And he's willing to get them however he pleases…'

Unable to bear the heat any longer, she decided to hurry along back to her and Sophie's place to prepare dinner.

---

Konikoni City was still lively, especially in the evenings. There were more people her than there were before. It was so packed that the streets were almost crowded. It was so hard to get by unless you were along the edged, where many of stands along with cafes were still open. There were a lot of people that were sitting down and talking about everyday stuff. Some even had fruity, citrus drinks in parfaits. Evening lights were slowly coming along the lanterns set out at nearly every corner of a building. Nic and Erza decided to get dinner for the evening. With all the walking and running they've done; they sure could use the energy right now. They sat outside a local café at a round wooden table. Nic was eating what looked like a wrap with various vegetables with shredded meat, while Erza had a house salad with egg whites and Oran Berry dressing.

"I've gotta say, their culture here really knows how to bring out the sweets." Erza chimed, her taste buds tingling against the Oran Berry-coated spinach. "I've gotta give this place its credit. We should come here more often."

"We've managed to break a lot of ground today, that's a given…quite literally." Nic noted, looking at his wrap's half-finished insides. It had just the right texture with right amount of crunch to the slightly toasted tortilla.

"Still, Nic. Was that really necessary?"

"It wasn't like I was fond of the idea of having a mountain dropped on Kecleon." He defended. "She could have spared herself with Protect still, but against a Z-Move, better safe than sorry."

"Hm, suppose that's fair enough." Erza looked down at her salad with a blank stare. "Still, there's still so much of Alola that we haven't even uncovered yet. Not to mention that we have two priorities, one of which we haven't been able to track since arriving here to Akala."

"It's possible that it was carried off to another island." He said low. "My Meadow Form picks up on the natural energies all around me, and it can even sense nature being disrupted. If it were in range, I would have felt it."

Erza frowned. "I see…we'll have to do a look of the rest of the island just in case we might overlook anything tomorrow."

"Alright, that probably works in our favor, too. We can familiarize ourselves with the terrain while we're at it. Olivia did say there was a jungle and volcano park, right? Maybe we can scope around there for a start. At this point, anywhere would be a reasonable start, until we find what else we need."

Erza nodded silently. "Sure thing. But first…" She reached over, applying more Oran Berry dressing over her salad, drenching the leaves in the liquid, much to Nic's mild shock. "This Oran Berry glaze is to die for! Nic, you should try it!"

"Uh, sure…" Seeing no reason to decline, Nic leaned in, chewing on a spinach leaf with the blue dressing with tiny grains in it. It was crunchy, but the cool and sharp tastes of the berry juice blend actually tasted great. "Yeah, you're right. That's sweet alright." He said mildly. 'At least it's better than those ridiculous poses, that's for sure.'

"I know, isn't it? And here I thought Johanna was a berry dessert expert. I think I just might be bringing home a new idea for us to try for our dinners." She beamed with just pride, stars twinkling in her glazed gaze.

Nic, on the other hand, remained neutral despite her insistence. "Uh, sure…I'll be sure to plant some Oran Berries in the backyard when we get home. I'm sure Vanessa might have some growing too that she could lend us." He turned his gaze towards the evening sky looming overhead. It was dusk, and another day would be prompted to come to an end. 'I can't shake the feeling that we're being watched. Someone's looking out at us…I can feel it.'

Over a roof, hiding from view, Tapu Lele was staying awfully quiet as she observed Kale and Erza. Even from such a distance, her inner shell was tingling with this strange pressure she felt. It was as though she was staring at some foreign object that threatened to turn around if she made a move. That was the vibe that her psychic powers were getting.

"(So that's who messed up Koko? Huh…I definitely sense something different about them, that's for sure.)" she mumbled. "(Still, I really wanna see what ole' Koko said was true…but the question is, how do I get them to spill the beans? Hmm…)"

She looked around Konikoni from the suitable perch. There were a lot of people moving around with their Pokémon. She needed something to bait them into using their powers. When she saw a fellow human with a large toucan Pokémon hover down below, an idea sprung into her head.

"(Huh…I think I just sprung myself an idea! Teehee!)" She gently moved her position over the roof, keeping her pink scales fluttering out of sight overhead. Moving to the second lowest roof, she lied in wait as the golfer trainer walked with the bird.

"Well, that wasn't as bad as I thought it would go. Luckily I was able to get that birdie on the last hole." The golf girl said nonchalantly. She noticed the estrange look her toucan gave her. "What, Toucannon? It's not dirty."

Toucannon rolled his eyes. "(You said it, not me. I just want to eat something. A couple of Watmel Berries sound pretty good right about now.)"

Tapu Lele tucked her head in as the golfer and hungry Toucannon were moving just below her. "(Teehee, if this doesn't do the trick, I don't know what will…Flatter!)"

Toucannon flew just beneath her when he felt everything get dark all of a sudden. "(What? Did it grow night so soon?!)" He was suddenly hit by a bright spotlight, along with a quick applause that sprinkled down rainbow sparkles around him. The flakes scattered around him, fading with the imaginary spotlight.

Tapu Lele quickly ducked against the roof to see the Toucannon flapping his wings, shaking his head about in a daze.

The golf trainer looked back, noticing Toucannon's recoiling. "Huh? What's the matter, Toucannon? Something getting in your feathers?" She moved closer, but she got unnerved when she saw Toucannon's usual squinted stare was red instead of blue. "Tou…cannon?"

"(Gnnnngh…I'M SO HUNGRY!)" He squawked, violently fluttering like a Golbat. The trainer jumped back in shock when Toucannon opened his beak, firing Bullet Seed sprays at the ground and his surroundings. Green energy seeds shot along the pavement near a passing local, causing him to fall over onto his side.

"Ow!" He grunted, turning angrily towards the attacker. "Hey, what's the big idea! Where were you aiming you-?!" His eyes widened and he ducked below more seeds, which shattered the glass of the shop's window display on the other side.

People started turning and panicking as seeds were sprayed haphazardly. Some people tripped, causing others to follow behind them. The street was quick to fall into disarray as many of the people started fleeing the dazed and hungry bird. And the scene didn't go unnoticed by Nic nor Erza.

"What's that?" Erza questioned. She and Nic looked over, seeing seeds flying everywhere by the confused bird close by.

The Toucannon's large, colorful beak opened in their direction, immediately alarming them. Green energy surfaced as a sign of seeds ready to fire. Nic's eyes narrowed, and upon instinct, he flipped the table over and yanked Erza behind the cover just before seeds sprayed their way. The table served as a holdout, but the wood was quickly cracking and denting.

Behind their cover, Erza gritted her teeth. "What's going on here?! Has that bird lost its mind?!"

Nic peeked from the side, seeds blitzing inches from his nose as he looked at the confused Toucannon. He saw that his gaze was completely unfocused, if not disoriented. The answer was all clear in its eyes, which were red. 'Is it confused?'

The Toucannon shook his head, but that only stirred him up some more. "(Grrr, somebody…FEED ME!)" In dizziness, he flew at the table, much to his trainer's horror.

"Toucannon, wait!"

Unable to hear her, the toucan continued his flight path towards them. Waiting until the last second, Nic moved out of the way with Erza, both separating as Toucannon crashed into the wooden table. Beak pierced and splintered the wood as the table fell into two pieces. The bird fumbled about against the ground, recoiling harshly from that damage.

They both got up, taking defensive stances against the attacker. "Erza, it looks like it's confused." Nic stated.

"Confused?" She looked at Nic, earning a nod of confirmation. "Alright, then we should snap it put of its shock before people get seriously hurt."

The Toucannon's stumbling frame lazily turned towards Nic and Erza, who opposed him. His delusional red eyes squinted tighter as he started to focus heat into his beak. The rings around the top started turning bright red as heat rapidly charged up.

Nic took the signal as a charging up move. "Get ready…"

Erza pulled out a Dive Ball, holding it up. "Looks like we have no choice then!" She threw the capsule skywards. "Cloyster, Protect!"

The Dive Ball popped open, revealing Erza's antisocial Cloyster. The bivalve appeared in front of them, closing his shell tightly as a blue, translucent barrier appeared in front of him as a defense.

Once the heat was charged up within the beak, the Toucannon flew in with heat waves tracing around the tip as he closed the gap on himself and Cloyster. The dazed look in his eyes never faded once he struck the forcefield between himself and the bivalve. There was a moment's pause, but eventually a heat wave erupted into smoke, encompassing enough area to surround Nic and Erza as well.

Nic covered with his forearm from the smoke. He quickly realized that they had cover. 'This is my chance!' In a swift flash, he transformed into his Icicle Form. He saw Toucannon's silhouette flailing in front of the forcefield and jumped atop of Erza's Cloyster for a form stand over the shield.

"Haze!"

He opened his mouth, exhaling a thick, black bog that was chilly to the touch. The haze took over the smoke cloud, engulfing the surroundings and the stunned Toucannon. The bird's gassy nostrils were quick to sting with the sharp inhales of the blackened vapor. Steadily, his red, disoriented vision started fading back to a calm blue.

"(Hm? What the…?!)" He coughed madly from the excess haze. He fluttered back down towards the pavement, his feet barely holding up his wobbling frame.

The Haze was quick to fade away, but not before Nic glowed and reverted to his natural state before fully exposed. Once everything cleared up, Nic stood beside Erza as Cloyster opened his shell again. The street was quick to calm down moments after the bird settled down.

"Looks like everyone's alright for the most part." Erza shit a glance back, seeing only a few people fallen over getting back up and faced forward. "What on Earth Land was that just now?"

"It didn't get confused out of nowhere." Nic pointed out. 'Was it a move that it was hit with to cause confusion? The status lifts after a battle, unless someone deliberately was-!' His sixth sense perking up, he glanced over on his left. "Erza, move!"

Reflexes kicking in, Erza and Nic backpedaled before a pink sphere shot from skywards, hitting the street and sending gravel and asphalt hailing down around them. They covered their heads to avoid serious fallout. When it finished, they both looked up, seeing pink sparkles coming down above.

"(Aha~! So Tapu Koko was right after all! So you really are the freaks that made a mess of things, huh?)" Tapu Lele giggled above. "(I caught ya red-handed. Don't think that I didn't see that from you!)"

"Nic…look at its pattern." Erza glared. "It looks just like…"

Nic lowered his head, but his guard was kept completely firm. He had a good guess of who this mysterious creature was. It was written all over his face.

Nearby, the avenue was still recoiling from what just happened, but even more were still shocked at the sudden appearance of the island's deity. Hurrying over with her Probopass in tow, Olivia was pacing hastily. "What's going on?!" she shouted.

A random local turned to her. "Miss Kahuna! Glad you're here! Something crazy happened just now!" He pointed at the scene. "A trainer's Toucannon went out of control, and now all of a sudden the island's deity appeared out of nowhere! What's going on?!"

Olivia gasped. "You said…Tapu Lele is here?" She turned her head towards the scene where so many people were keeping their distance, all except two familiar people right below the pink island deity floating above. Her pupils shrank at the scene unfolding. 'What is she doing here of all places? And what are Nic and Erza doing?!'

Up ahead, Tapu Lele swayed her shell to and fro. "(Awww, you both look so cute together! I would be so jealous if it wasn't for me being genderless. Phooey!)" she shrugged. "(Oh well, gotta work with what you were given I guess.)"

Having none of her nonchalant attitude, Erza looked up at her in challenge. "Enough playing around! What is it that you want?!"

"(Teehee, wouldn't you like to know.)" Tapu Lele swiveled around. "(Well tell you what, play a little with me, and I just might be entertained enough to feel satisfied!)"

Actually hearing her, Nic raised a brow. "'Play with you', you say?"

"(Yup, like this!)" Her eyes glowed bright pink as she channeled psychic energy in between her palms. She aimed it forward, unleashing Extrasensory in their direction.

Erza's breath hitched. She hastily went for a counter. "Cloyster, Hydro Pump!"

"(I got it!)" In a hurry, a mirror of water appeared in front of the bivalve before a forceful volume of water blasted the kinetic energy waves heading their way. The two attacks met in the middle, resulting in a stalemate before the two elements began fusing and imploded, spreading mist that clouded up everything.

Tapu Lele backpedaled through the air, looking a little shocked. "(My goodness! Looks like you can put up a fight after all! Goodie for me!)" She turned away and floated off towards Route 8. "(Try and catch me then if you don't want anyone else hurt~!)"

Once the mist cleared away, Nic and Erza saw Tapu Lele on the move. "Damnit." Nic grunted. "Erza, c'mon!" He started after in the direction at his breakneck speed.

"Right! Cloyster, return!" Erza turned towards the bivalve, retreating him back to his Dive Ball. She started running behind Nic, trying to keep up with him in spite of his flexible speed limits. "Nic, what was that just now?"

"I don't know myself. But…" his glare hardened. "It looks to me that she was onto us. We need to trace her and stop her before she hurts anyone else."

"Right!"

They both sped off away from Konikoni City, leaving the people present shocked and confused at the same time. Amongst them was Olivia, who was shocked at Tapu Lele's sudden actions against innocent tourists. "What is happening? Why would Tapu Lele just…?" She reaffirmed herself and glared over at Probopass. "Probopass, head back to the shop! Tell them that I'm heading out!"

"(Understood!)" He answered, his red metal top dropping for an instant. He levitated away towards the direction they came from, while Olivia hurried in the direction where Nic and Erza took off after Tapu Lele.

'Great guardian deity of Akala, Tapu Lele…what trouble is it that you see?' she worried. She picked up her pace and hurried towards the trail of sparkling pink specks left behind.

---

Well people, I believe that I owe everyone an apology for the incredibly long wait, but I hope that you can forgive me for taking so long. Now, finally after finishing my Bakugan story, I'm fully back to my other stories once again! I know many of you have suffered a lot with me holding off chapters, but I hope the wait was worth it.

I know 2020 was a painful year, and that maybe I should have jumped back into this story sooner, but I wanted to take a few weeks off and chill to get the mojo flowing again. Everyone needs some tome to rest, right? But now I have the creativity going again! But I will say one thing about this, though. My chapters, I am hoping to improve the quality of them, meaning I'm trying to step up the plot, along with grammar. I'm sure there were some mistakes I didn't get along the way in this chapter, but I hope that the plot was at least not overbearing for this chapter as a whole. 15K sounds reasonable, right? Anyways, glad to be back people!

I'm looking forward to what you all have to say about this chapter in reviews! This is Insane Dominator, here to continue through 2021 for you all! XD