Liko -Alongside the students of Blueberry Academy and Sarah, Race, Arven, and Asha in their next semester together, Roy, Dot, and I along with Sarah's old friends are taking the Terastal Course to learn about the power of Terastallization. Roy, Lazuli, and I passed our Basics tests and Ash, Lillie, Kiawe, and Mallow did the same. Now, it's Dot and Sophocles' turn to pass their Basics tests in Levincia against her fellow streamer and idol, Iono
The events of this episode pick up where Dot's previous misadventure as her alter-ego, Nidothing, left off with the calm before the storm that was her Basics test with Iono. After escaping from her after they and the others discovered their ploy in helping her overcome her stage fright, Sarah and Race rejoined the others to spend the rest of the day exploring the city and all it had to offer.
It was agreed with Iono that Sophocles and Dot's Basics tests with her and Bellibolt would be held tonight, leaving them the rest of the day to prepare for their big night. The heroes were grateful for the time needed to help them get ready. A bonus to the mix was that Lazuli could spend more time with her parents until then (something deeply she appreciated from the Levincia Gym Leader).
For instance, apart from the cakes and Tamantu-la-Tortes they had for breakfast, Sarah, Johnathan, and Diane took Seiya, Mary, their daughter, their Pokemon, and Breeze to Seafood Fresco for lunch, being treated to some Seafood Pasta, Ceviche, and Arroz con Leche (which they all found very satisfactory and delicious, especially for Timburr, Woobat, and Roggenrola who loved the Arroz con Leche).
To Jonathan's slight dismay, their next stop was Delibird Presents where they went on a shopping spree to give them new necessities including Lazuli's own Rotom Phone with a Swablu Sky Blue phone case, a sassy yet humorous female Rotom Phone lovingly nicknamed Rotoblue (whom Rotoscope and Rotospark welcomed graciously and eagerly with open screens)
While Roggenrola and Woobat were fine having no accessories on them for now (especially given their small sizes even if that didn't stop them and their human mother from picking out what they wanted to wear later), Timburr was interested in a Black Belt, something Lazuli couldn't refuse for him.
She was even given a new bag by the little princess, a medium-sized deep teal and silver-accented satchel having a triangular flap secured with a metallic clasp, multiple compartments in the interior for her to store her items inside (including a padded section for her more fragile items), and an adjustable left shoulder strap.
Afterwards, the group met up with Ash, Mallow, Lillie, and their respective partners as they tried some crepes including the Strawberry Chocolate Crepe and the Strawberry Whipped Cream Crepe from Kanto Crepes.
"Mmm! These crepes here are sure delicious!"
"They're so deliciously sweet!"
"I can't wait to show these to Dad, Ulu, and everyone back home!" Ash, Lillie, and Mallow hummed with delight as they ate.
They then joined Kiawe, Lana, and Gladion for a snack over at Sugar-N-Ice, the city's ice cream stand where they were treated to three ice cream flavors: Mint Chocolate, Teriyaki, and Mango.
"Wow, this ice cream sure is delicious! It's just as good as the Moo-Moo Milk ice cream we had back home!"
"It's good!"
"The people of Paldea never ceased to amaze me since we first tried this stuff," Kiawe, Lana, and Gladion remarked with smiles on their faces, each liking their respective flavors.
Of course, this meant that Sarah also found time to go on a shopping spree for her Pokemon yet again (or create new custom trinkets for them):
- Hootie, Rosie, Chili, and Sora were given new Miracle Seed and Charcoal necklaces while Crest instead went for a Mystic Water necklace
- Since she already had Altarianite and Sceptilnite headbands, she used the Doubling Charm to make two extras for Claudia and Evergreen
- In the case of the Paradox Pokémon, Koraidon, Gouging Fire, and Raging Bolt were each given a new custom item called a Prehistoric Claw (a talon-shaped claw crafted from fossilized bones that boosts the power of their physical attacks) and Zelda, Miraidon, Iron Boulder, and Iron Crown obtained a Futuristic Talon (a sleek and metallic charm resembling a perfectly engineered claw which glimmered with high-tech enhancements and sported a polished chrome finish, specializing in boosting their special attacks)
- As for Ranya, Duke, Duchess, Zygarde, Mew, Tao, Nico, Saba, Azul, Azula, Enya, Apollo, her Gift Eight Pokemon (Varokuna, Drazen, Staguar, Tigamar, Sabreak, Vale, Toxin, and Raja), Talon, Hikari, Chomper, Frostbite, Brave, Canine, Spherialla and her children, Berry, Tony, Jessie, Espathra, Spartan and the Meowth Gang and Meowzie, Stoutland, Blissey, Wigglytuff, Fantom, Hydrapple, Tectonic, Flynn, Slowking, Lapras, Bastidon, Venus, Inteleon, Chelsa, Aalto, Samaon, Staraptor, Corviknight, Flapple, Richard, Rachel, Blastoise, and Chester, she settled with getting them Expert Belts
Meanwhile, Dot and Sophocles were in the young recluse's room, overseeing the rising viewership in her and Iono's newest Nidothing collab video about their upcoming Basics tests (which they also agreed to take as a Master Triangle Battle between themselves and her).
"Wow... Can you believe it, Sophocles? My and Iono's latest collaboration today, and already, it's climbing in viewings since it was uploaded," Dot breathed in awe.
"That's for sure. Your and Quaxly's battle against Pipp's Swanna really left an impression on everyone, that was a real turning point for you," Sophocles grinned.
"It sure was, I only wish they told me about their ploy involving Zipp's sister and her partner earlier and not left me in the dark like that."
"Well, Iono's idea seemed good on paper but now that I think about it, battling Swanna after she stole your cosplay was much better based on what we saw."
"True, true. I'll give them that, at least," Dot conceded before she mused to herself, "Still, fighting while staying true to myself... What does that mean?"
(Theme Song - Hiten (TV Size - Rurouni Kenshin (2023)) ft. AyaseR-Shitei) Pokémon Horizons Pt. 3: Terastal Debut Ver.
~Kizu ari no sasurai no mi, itami ni donkan na boku tachi~ (Wounded wanderer, we are insensitive to pain!)
~Mou sabitsuitari wa shinai, nozarashi joutou no kissaki~ (Won't rust anymore, exposed to the elements, our blades are sharp!)
Our opening to Part 3 of Liko, Roy, and Dot's journey with the Rising Volt Tacklers and the Alolan Royal Family begins as Liko and Floragato walk out of Uva Academy's gates together before the young girl greets the readers/viewers first and she's later shown holding a Pokeball as they walked along. Roy then greets the viewers/readers before he is shown walking with Fuecoco and Dot and Quaxly following suit as the young recluse greets the viewers/readers herself. After Dot greets the viewers/readers, Sarah, Race, and their family are shown with the Paldea School Gang and their Partner Pokémon
Akumade mo kankaku teki ni, tadashii to omoeta michi wo~ (Always instinctively, we've been running, deceiving ourselves)
Boku tachi wa damashi damashi hashitte kitan da, machigai no hitotsu ya futatsu wa atta~ (Along a path that seemed right to us, there may have been a mistake or two)
Our Horizons Trio, Quaxly, Floragato, and Fuecoco are seen with Galaxagus (with Lazuli on his back), Char, Serrate, Plume, Breeze, and Shadow and his fellow Night Furies flying overhead beside Mistral (who was in her Dragon Form). Next, the group was shown with their Pokémon, mythicals, dinosaurs, and dragons enjoying sandwiches by a campfire at night.
Surikomareta soutai teki na, shiawase ni kyoumi nado nai~ (Ingrained relative happiness but we have no interest in it)
Yuzurenai mono mamoru tame kono, atama wo hineru katana wo nigiru~ (To protect what we can't give up, we grasp the sword that twists our minds)
Then, the group was shown trudging through a snowstorm as Articuno flew above them and Glastrier and Glacial covered them from either side, all keeping a watchful eye for anything that could give them trouble during the frigid blizzard. As our heroes then laid down on the grass (happy over the chance to catch a break after wandering around together), we are shown various Pokémon that reside in Paldea from the nearby trees and brush including a Kingambit.
Juujiro de kousa, kinou no you da, kioku no oku de me wo samasu douran~ (Intersecting at the crossroads, it feels like yesterday, disturbances awaken in the depths of memory)
Itomo kantan, miiraresou da, makka na ame ga kanaderu chinkonka~ (So easily, it could enchant us, a requiem played by the crimson rain)
A singalong shot features Ann and Nemona on the bench closest to the camera with Liko, Sarah, and Kieran directly behind them in the middle, Dot, Penny, and Race on the left, and Roy and Carmine on the right with Ann's evolved Dewott, Kieran's Hydrapple, Carmine's Mightyena, and Pawmot jumping and cheering to the beat first and Floragato, Quaxly, Blitz, Bella, and Fuecoco doing the same afterward. Soon after, we are greeted by good ol' Captain Pikachu, Friede, and the unconventional professor's Charizard as they smirk at the viewers/readers.
Hakanaku chiru mouja temaneiteru monban, mi no uchi kara yakitsukusu gouka~ (The fleeting undead beckon as the inferno consumes from within)
Jigoku darou ga, tengoku darou ga, miteru mae saki wo isogou ka~ (Whether it's hell or whether it's heaven, should we hurry ahead before our eyes?)
Amid a sunset or sunrise before them, Sarah, Race, their Pokemon, dragons, dinosaurs, and mythicals, joined by Diancie and her friends, Lazuli, Breeze, Galaxagus, Pantherra, Dragonite, Honchcrow, Timburr, Delight, Woobat, Gengar, Mismagius, Roggenrola, Lacey, Granbull, Drayton, Flygon, Crispin, Taloneflame, Metagross, Amarys, Incinearoar, Kieran, Mightyena, Carmine, Liko, Floragato, Serrate, Roy, Char, Fuecoco, Dot, Plume, and Quaxly braced themselves, ready for what lies ahead of them.
Kizu mamire nan da tokku ni, kasabuta mou ichido hagashi~
(Covered in scars long ago, peeling off scabs once again!)Hiten takaku tobitatsu tame ni~ (To soar high into the sky!)
We are then shown Sidian, Coral, Garganacl, and Glalie as the two Explorers are in disguise, going incognito for a supposed mission of espionage for their comrades, Hamber, and Gibeon by secretly learning about the Terastal Phenomenon.
Tatoe kyou ga kusatta hi demo, asu ga motto owatteitemo~ (Even if today is a rotten day, even if tomorrow is even worse)
Returning to Dot, Liko, and Roy, they unleash the power of their newly-gained Tera Orbs amidst three Tera symbols glowing in their respective colors and Tera Crystals appearing after. Through the power of Terastallization, Floragato, Fuecoco, and Quaxly Terastallize, thus becoming a Tera Grass Type, a Tera Fire Type, and a Tera Water Type respectively.
Hitori kurai wa konna no demo, aishite kureru to honki de shinjiteru ze~ (I truly believe that at least one person will love me, even in this state)
Amid the approving stares of Jacq, Clavell, Geeta, and Dendr and a nonchalant stare from a disguised Chalce, Liko, Roy, Dot, and their partners run across a field to join their friends and face the challenges the Terastal Course provided for them as we're shown transitions of Paldea's Gym Leaders, the Paldea Elite Four, and their respective Partner Pokémon they would formally meet throughout the course: Katy and Teddiursa, Brassius and Sudowoodo, Iono and Bellibolt, Kofu and Wugtrio, Tulip and Espathra, Ryme and Houndstone, Grusha and Cetitan, Larry and Staraptor and Flamigo, Hassel and Baxcalibur, Poppy and Tinkie, and Rika and Clodsire.
Aa itsuka itsu no hi ni ka, doro no naka ni saite kumo no ue de chiru no sa~ (Ah, someday, somehow, blooming in the mud, scattering in the clouds)
Liko is then shown preparing to eat a sandwich she prepared only for Floragato to jump in and cheekily snatch it from her. Then, we see one of her eyes as it crystalizes as if Terastallization or something else dazzles and amazes her.
Aa baka mitai na hibi wo, ikinuite miseru no sa~ (Ah, those foolish days, I'll show you that I can survive them)
Finally, we see the heroes on a hill overlooking a stunning view as Lucius' Moltres and Rayquaza (with Marena riding on the latter's back again) soar overhead into the heavens before the opening closes with multiple Pokeballs thrown in the air before they become the new main titles and Cap, Blitz, Rosie, Chili, and Crest appear and wink at the viewers/readers, smirking together.
The Trials of Sarah - Pokemon Horizons Pt. 3: Terastal Debut
Later, the young recluse called Liko, Roy, Izzy, Pipp, Gladion, Kiawe, Sarah, Lazuli, and Race to her room to discuss with them Iono's tippet to her after agreeing to hold her and Sophocles' Basics tests together tonight.
"'Fighting while staying true to yourself'?" Liko echoed, puzzled.
"That's right. Iono told me after we agreed to hold my and Sophocles' Basics tests later tonight and I thought about it over the whole day. You remember me and Quaxly battling Pipp's Swanna earlier today, right?" Dot nodded.
"How can we not?"
"You two were at the top of your game throughout!"
"You were so cool out there!"
"And, even Quaxly was a star while they were fighting; I'm surprised by how they kept to her vocals even while she changed between songs," Gladion, Ash, Roy, and Liko remarked, smiling.
"Duh~! Why wouldn't it come naturally to me? I've been singing since I was a filly, it's my life!" Pipp chuckled as she proudly tossed her mane back and gently stroked Swanna's head.
"That was quite a gamble for you to battle Swanna while keeping to the beat of her songs, especially 'I Put A Spell On You' from Disney's Hocus Pocus," Kiawe concurred to Dot, grinning.
Dot smiled as she took out her Rotom Phone in Tablet Mode and showed them an analysis of Bellibolt and Quaxly, telling them, "It was challenging but when that happened... Despite the music going on, I came up with a plan and realized what Iono meant. Maybe this something I'd found out was what she meant by 'fighting while staying true to myself'. I just ran an analysis of Bellibolt and inputted Quaxly's moves via a battle simulation; if I one hundred percent stick to the plan exactly as I've calculated, I should be able to dazzle everybody tonight."
"Whoa! Seriously?"
"That's amazing, Dot!" Liko and Roy remarked, both sounding impressed.
"Hey, Dot, are you sure what you've shown us in the simulator is what'll happen during the actual test? You do know that simulations and reality are completely different, right?" Sophocles questioned, having doubts about what Dot was thinking of.
"Sophocles has a point, Dot. We and the rest of our team trained in our Battle Simulator while we were fighting Team Eclipse when they were still kicking but none of the battles we had in it played out in real life whenever we confronted them," Sarah agreed, sharing Sophocles' doubts.
"Iono is also a strong trainer and gym leader so she and Bellibolt must've won tons of battles, too."
"And, unlike Sophocles with Togedemaru and Vikavolt, Quaxly will be battling him tonight, too. Even after learning Aerial Ace, how will you hope to dazzle everyone and pass your Basics test with her?" Ash and Kiawe added.
"People did say that 'experience is the best teacher' which means everybody learns when doing things in the present moment rather than on a computer. Why trust technology to help you learn how to pass your test with Levincia's Streaming Queen?" Lazuli continued in agreement.
"Sarah's the same way with her family, too. We all learned that one way or another and it'll be the same for me when I take my test with Iono after you," Sophocles nodded.
But, Dot told them, "I want to be as comprehensive as possible. Everything you said is true but the unexpected can happen in battle or when I'm streaming."
"Oh, Dot, about streaming... Do you remember a Nidothing video that went viral one time? I remembered when it came up and..." Liko said before trailing off.
Dot blushed with embarrassment as she mused, "Oh, right... That one, heh... Yeah, truth is...I goofed up one time during a livestream."
"For real? What did you do?" the swordswoman questioned curiously, prompting Dot to show them a previous livestream she did showing her as Nidothing getting caught and entangled in the backdrop while Quaxly panicked for her wellbeing.
The others couldn't help but snigger as it was funny to watch in its own right while the young recluse said, "It didn't go exactly as I planned it but it ended up spreading the word about Nidothing, anyway. That's what I get for starting like I did but it worked out in the end. From disastrous to dazzling, heh, am I right?"
She turned to the others to hear their opinions about her blooper but she noticed them watching the video of her first fail on repeat, much to her shock as she snapped, "Are you seriously watching that for how long?!"
"Sorry!" the group gulped (save for Sarah and Race who stayed silent as they inched themselves away).
"...It was pretty funny now that you mention it," Lazuli peeped quietly.
"Oh, please, you think you're the only one who goofed up during a livestream? You were lucky. That was one flub-up and you improved already. I fared much worse when I started my social media career," Pipp snorted in amusement, surprising Dot as she showed her some of her old videos where she goofed up during her early livestreams.
One video was of her with two of her friends, Rocky and Jazz, as they sang their motto song on what is the Mane Melody stage when she lost her balance while they were dancing and singing, eventually crashing to the ground as she fell off the stage. Another was of her eating a plate of spaghetti and the entire plate ended up smacking her in the face albeit the Three Stooges pie gag as she slurped some of the pasta (which was so embarrassing for her that when she looked at herself, she quickly whipped around to see if anybody watched it before she put on her sunglasses to avoid making eye contact with them). And, finally, the third was her vocalizing until her voice suddenly cracked.
Some of the group winced in sympathy or hollered with laughter at the videos showing her streaming fails until Pipp told them, "I call this little compilation, 'Princess Pipp's 10 Most Epic Fails'. And, after I uploaded it, it ended up getting..."
She paused impressively before she showed them the video statistics, showing the heroes how many views she got for it in the long run. The overall total since it was first uploaded shocked them instantly as they were flabbergasted by what she had shown them.
"WHAT THE-?!"
"Crazy!"
"Oh, shit!"
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME? You got yourself-!" Sarah, Race, Lazuli, and Dot balked before they were cut off.
"13 BILLION VIEWS?!" the others finished, shocked beyond belief.
"That's impossible! I've never seen anything uploaded on the internet with that many views, it completely knocks the other videos that went viral without warning! Hey, Pipp, what were you doing besides those fails to make that a hit?" Sophocles gawked in astonishment.
"It just comes and goes whenever stuff like this doesn't go my way. And, this was me in the early days of my social media terrain, don't forget," Pipp chuckled, now completely unbothered by her first fails as the group saw another video of her but in one of her royal wears as she developed a tear (courtesy of her one of her legs getting stuck on the robe she was wearing) before she lost her balanced and screamed with the head garment blocking her eyesight, falling onto the screen as a result (and making everybody laugh again while getting a small chuckle out of Dot).
Pipp heard the chuckle and grinned at the young recluse, telling her, "Even I wasn't perfect with my livestreams back then as I am now. But, I've learned a lot from my failures as I went along, one of those lessons: 'Always expect the unexpected'. There's no shame in learning from every flop, Dot; you become better as you keep trying, and eventually, it comes naturally as long as you know what your audience is looking for. If you play your cards right during your and Sophocles' Basics tests, you'll pass with no problem. In the case of your Basics test, with Iono's help given her livestream, I'm sure the city and the world will remember it for months on end."
"...You really think so?" Dot pondered thoughtfully as she mentally chewed on Pipp's advice.
"Positive," Pipp nodded.
"Well, if that's settled... Let's get your and Sophocles' last-minute training for your Basics tests rolling, I'll have Sho and Zorua act as Bellibolt so you two will know how Iono and her Pokémon will be like when you go first against her," Sarah offered.
"Sure, thanks."
After working on what seemed to be a perfect strategy to allow the pair to battle at their best and dazzle according to what they heard from her the previous day, the heroes decided that it was time to head to the Levincia Gym and meet with Iono to begin Dot and Sophocles' Basics tests. As they were ready to meet with her, the Rising Volt Tacklers prepared to see them off and to Dot's horror and embarrassment, Murdock wore a headband and had glowsticks in his left hand and a small paper fan sporting her and Quaxly's faces on it (since he wanted to cheer her on). Her embarrassment was even worse when the heroes saw a banner Orla and Ludlow were holding (which was also made at his request since he wanted them to support her, too).
"Are you sure you don't want me to come with you kids?" he questioned his nephew while Cap, Friede, and Mollie looked at him awkwardly.
"Of course, I'm sure! But, what were you doing, anyway?" Dot grimaced.
"Whoa!"
"So cool!" Liko and Roy gasped in awe at the banner.
"Can you be any more embarrassing to your own niece than this?" Diane groaned at the friendly cook.
"I swear, I get you want to cheer her on during her and Sophocles' Basics test but this is just a step too far," Johnathan sighed in agreement.
"...Is this how...all parents these days support their children?" Seiya asked as he and Mary felt awkward about what Murdock did.
"Not all of them, thankfully," Delilah interjected.
"Aren't they cool? I'm gonna cheer you on throughout your test with all of these!" Murdock grinned, leaving his niece to snap, "ABSOLUTELY NOOOOOT!"
"...Yeah, while you're doing that... My parents and I better split, later," Lazuli said awkwardly as she, Seiya, and Mary went off, surprising everyone as they watched them leave.
"You're not coming?" Liko peeped.
"You know me since I got my folks back. I'll catch ya later. Right now, I want more private time with Mommy and Daddy. See ya."
Not long after Lazuli and her parents went off on their own to spend more family time together, the others made their way to the Levincia Gym to meet with Iono to begin Dot and Sophocles' Basics tests. But, as they left for the gym, Dot was still feeling embarrassed and incensed over her uncle's over-the-top support for her even though she appreciated what he was doing but not by much.
"I can't believe him, he's being ridiculous! I don't get why he would make such a big deal out of my Basics test. Why would he do all that?" she grumbled in humiliation.
"Well, you can hardly blame him for being supportive. He just has a different way of showing it given how reclusive you were. If my parents were here or were watching this, they'd cheer me on and support me to the fullest even if I'd fail my test," Sophocles pacified.
"Yeah, I'm sure Murdock was just worried about you. There is the possibility that you could bomb your test at some point after it starts up, after all," Liko agreed.
"I get what he's doing but...really?"
The evening sun was warm but not too harsh as everybody prepared for an eventful night out in Levincia, casting a golden glow over its vibrant and busy streets. True to form, the swordswoman walked with Mary and Seiya (walking hand-in-hand with her mother as she had once done before). Levincia was alive and breathing with the sounds of laughter, lively conversation between tourists, passersby, and residents, and the occasional sounds of distant Pokémon battles as the family of three meandered through its wide boulevards and weaved between its trendy shops and colorful market stalls lining along the sidewalks.
Eventually, Mary brought her husband and daughter to a quaint little café she had heard about from the residents and tourists via word of mouth and insisted on visiting. The café was also bustling with activity as the aroma of fresh pastries and the rich scent of freshly-brewed coffee filled the air as they found a table by the window. As they enjoyed their treats including sweet puff pastries, Lazuli watched as her parents chatted away, softly smiling at them. Their dynamic was comforting and powerful as it had been when she was just a child before the Explorers ripped the trio apart.
Speaking of the Explorers, now that she was told about her Zodiac lineage, she wondered if they, Hamber, and Gibeon wanted her specifically for that reason. More specifically, she wondered what kind of Zodiac she would end up being since she knew that her guardian and his friends resembled their respective animals in the Chinese Zodiac and her parents resembled the unicorn and the Nemean Lion.
She had been wondering for days what kind of Zodiac she would be and felt that now was the time to ask them, "...Mommy, Daddy?"
Seiya and Mary turned to their daughter as she then inquired (her voice small but filled with anticipation over what would be the inevitable for her), "...What kind of Zodiac am I? Did Mr. Hu and the others tell you about that...?"
The two were surprised by this but they looked at each other and smiled before Mary said to her, "Honey, the truth is... We don't know but your father and I knew you were going to ask one day."
Seiya gave an agreeing nod as he informed their daughter, "Dewdrop, your Zodiac form will come to you when the time is right. Hu and the others never told us because it's not their place to do so, that's something only you can know. Your mother and I are the unicorn and the Nemean Lion because of our courage and kindness; whichever Zodiac you will eventually become is a reflection of yourself. In short, your form will be entirely up to you..."
Mary nodded as she gently brushed away her daughter's hair behind her left ear (since she was facing them from the other side of the table) and added, "You may be the Nemean Lion or a unicorn like us, it could be Hu's tiger form or that of the others, or it'll be something else entirely... You don't choose a Zodiac form, it chooses you; it all comes from your heart, your spirit... Remember, whichever form you take, it'll be how it reflects you and you alone."
The swordswoman's eyes widened in awe and her heart swelled with excitement, anticipation, and uncertainty. Her Zodiac form is a complete mystery even to her own parents and guardians so whether or not it'll be graceful and pure like her mother's unicorn form or strong and fearless as her father's Nemean Lion spirit was or something out of the blue she doesn't know regarding herself about will be something for her to keep tabs on.
"Good evening, you three, lovely evening we're having today."
Lazuli jumped and wheeled back, she and her parents surprised to see Clavell smiling at them as he arrived in Levincia (most likely having been invited by Iono to witness Dot and Sophocles completing their Basics tests).
"O-Oh! Mr. Clavell! Uh, I-I wasn't expecting you to be here," she gulped, chuckling sheepishly at him.
Clavell continued to smile as he then nodded and asked, "I trust you and your parents are settling in well to Paldea and one of its most interesting places, Lazuli? And, also, why aren't you with your friends at the Levincia Gym for Dot and Sophocles' Basics tests with Iono at this time?"
"Uh, yes... All's well, he-heh! We arrived earlier today after finishing Roy's Basics test with Brassius and Liko and I ours with Ms. Katy. But, I wanted to spend more time with Mommy and Daddy before meeting up with them later tonight. Why are you here?"
"Oh, I wanted to see how everyone was doing in the course so far. And, by Iono's request, I've come to witness Dot and Sophocles completing their Basics tests."
"That's actually nice of her to do so," Seiya replied, smiling softly.
"Hey, Mr. Clavell, why don't we meet with the kids and see Iono together?" Mary requested the Uva Academy principal.
"Terrific," Clavell nodded before he turned to Lazuli and inquired again, "By the way, Lazuli, before we leave, I want to ask... Are you doing okay with your studies following your Basics test?"
Lazuli blinked until she replied, "Um, yeah, sure... It's, well, much...different from what I've been through. It's all...strange, I'll admit; high expectations from my previous life, the battling bit about 'not being required to win', demonstrating what I've learned to pass, it's...kind of, well, odd, if I'm honest. But, still... I'm happy with what I'm doing now. This entire thing... I didn't know I needed this until I started taking the course."
Clavell just smiled, "I'm glad to hear it."
Moments later, Lazuli, Seiya, and Mary, now joined by Clavell, made their way to the Pokémon Center to meet with Liko, Roy, Dot, and the others. The young recluse and the Electric Type Alumni had just gotten Quaxly and Togedemaru checked out (the Paldea Duckling Pokémon and the Roly Poly Pokémon (who had been chosen to take part) having been given a clean bill of health for Dot and Sophocles' Basics test) and further instructions on what the battle would be since they are taking it together.
"Well, are you ready, guys?" Arven questioned as Dot, Sophocles, Togeedmaru, and Quaxly returned to the group.
"Everything's set, we're ready for tonight. The battle's being held in the central plaza and Iono arranged it to be a Master Triangle Battle between us and her," Dot nodded.
"A Master Triangle Battle? That's amazing, Dot!"
"Yeah, you two will do great!" Mallow and Lana grinned.
"It sure is! It's gonna be quite a battle, no doubt it'll make social waves once she starts streaming it!" Sophocles replied, smiling.
"Ah, children, there you are," Clavell called as he, Lazuli, Seiya, and Mary arrived.
"Lazuli, hey!"
"Seiya, Mary!" gasped Liko and Roy.
"Hey, Mr. Clavell, why are you here in Levincia?"
"Aren't you supposed to be at the academy right now?" Carmine and Kieran puzzled curiously.
"I'm traveling around the region to see how everyone in the course is doing. I met Ms. Lazuli and her folks while coming in and I'm pleased to hear she's doing well with the rest of you," Clavell answered before he turned to Sophocles and Dot to give his best wishes to them. "Ms. Dot, Mr. Sophocles, I've heard from Iono that you're starting your combined Basics test with her tonight. Please do the best you can, both of you."
"Yes, sir!" Sophocles saluted happily.
"Oh, uh... Yeah, thanks," Dot added quietly, feeling slightly nervous about Clavell being present to watch them.
"I've also heard that your travels and studies together were going well since the first day which fills me with great pride and Brassius and Katy had nothing but good things to say about you children."
"Oh, right!" the group smiled at him.
"How has your journey throughout the course been treating you so far?"
"Well, you see..." Liko began before Roy eagerly cut her off to tell Clavell how he fared during their short stint in Artazon.
"It was awesome! We all made some amazing artwork and I made a Charizard sculpture with Fuecoco's help!"
"Really?" the headmaster grinned with intrigue.
"It was after my and Nemona's battle when it started to rain; when we first started, I had no idea what we had to do even though I got a basic idea of what we wanted when we started working on it! When Brassius told me what I had to do, it helped me realize that...!"
Roy continued to ramble excitedly about his success during his Basics test with Brassius but Dot was still on edge about her and Sophocles' Basics test with Iono also being watched by the Uva Academy headmaster, whispering to the others. "Guys, what am I supposed to do? Our test is about to begin any minute and we need to meet with Iono right now..."
"Just go on ahead, Dot. We'll catch up in a minute after we tell Mr. Clavell everything we've been through as of late," Liko assured quietly while Sarah and Race nodded at her and Sophocles.
"Thanks."
"See ya when you get there. Come on, Vikavolt, Togedemaru, Quaxly. You too, Plume," Dot and Sophocles thanked as they, their Partner Pokemon, and Plume made their way to the center plaza.
It was nighttime by the time Sophocles, Dot, their partners, and Plume arrived at the central plaza and met with Iono and Bellibolt for their Basics test. The entire city (tourists, passersby, and residents like) had turned out in droves to witness the most unique and interesting Basics test in Uva Academy's Terastal Course administered by the Levincia Gym Leader herself. As promised, Iono began the Basics test with a bang with her Bellibolt and his Tadbulb lighting up the main stage.
"Electrifying for you tonight, it's time for Whozat TV! Featuring your favorite streamer of electrifying personality, it's Iono! Oha-hello-ciao-bonjour!" Iono began, getting the crowd engaged as they greeted her back. "Now, now, now, everybody, welcome to the livestream you've all been waiting for! For tonight, we're having a special Basics test involving two new students for Uva Academy's Terastal Course!"
Everyone cheered while the Levincia Gym Leader continued, "And, what's different about this Basics test, you may ask? Well, after a dazzling performance by one of the students I've been assigned to and to see what one of the finest students from Alola's Pokémon School can offer, facing me, the Levincia City Gym Leader, is none other than...a girl who could make a crying Tinkatink rest easy on the double and a boy aspiring to reach for the stars as the world's youngest Pokémon Astronaut: Madam Dot and Mr. Sophocles!"
The spotlight shone on Dot, Sophocles, Togedemaru, and Quaxly as the crowd cheered for them with Murdock cheering from his group's apartment, "Come on, Dot! You kids got this!"
"Well, this is it, Dot. You ready to show Iono what we're made of as your own self and one of Alola's best students?" Sophocles asked the young recluse as he braced himself.
"Yeah... All we got to do is stay calm and stick to the plan. We'll stick to it as we intended," Dot nodded.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah! Let's boogie!"
"Ready," Togedemaru and Quaxly agreed as the Roly Poly Pokémon was eager to get started and the Paldea Water Starter flicked his hair in anticipation while remaining as calm as a cucumber.
"Are ya'll ready to get this show on the road? Then, let's see our guests of honor battle it up in this Master Triangle Basics test! Let's get ready to rumble, now!" Iono signaled, beginning Dot and Sophocles' Basics test.
"Let's go, Quaxly!"
"You ready, Togedemaru?"
"You got it!"
"Let's spark, buddy!"
"Sorry, pals, but I'll be jumping in first if you don't mind! Bellibolt, light up with Spark!"
"Let's get buzzing!" grinned Bellibolt in agreement as he charged himself up to use Spark.
"Dot, I'll lead with Togedemaru for this one! You and Quaxly follow and charge forward!"
"Got it! Good luck!"
"Togedemaru, roll over to Bellibolt/Quaxly, run for it!" Dot and Sophocles bantered knowingly, having their respective partners charge at Bellibolt (who did the same as he used Spark), the female Electric Type laughing as she jumped onto the EleFrog Pokémon and absorbed his attack while giving Quaxly a change to dart behind him just in time to avoid the blow.
"Hey, what is that?" Iono peeped curiously, wondering what they were doing as Bellibolt bounced the charged Togedemaru off of him before she had her partner go at them again. "Use Spark, once more!"
"Quaxly/Togedemaru, dodge him/absorb his power again!" her opponents countered, having Togedemaru absorb Bellibolt's Spark attack and dodge him a second time.
"I'm reading you two like a book here! Smooth play after spotting Bellibolt's wind-up before he lit you up, Mr. Sophocles, Madam Dot!"
"Thanks, we learned a thing or two from our friends including Sarah while we were at the Pokémon School before coming here."
"Yeah. But, now it's time for us to attack this time! Sophocles, follow me, we got Bellibolt right where we want him! Quaxly!"
"You got it! Togedemaru!" Dot and Sophocles smirked as Quaxly took the lead and Togedemaru followed, the two of them circling and meeting each other before they jumped and eyed Bellibolt after he lost sight of them.
"Hey, hey, what's going on here?!" Iono gasped in surprise after she saw Togedemaru and Quaxly behind Bellibolt from the air.
"Gotcha now, Iono!"
"Let's see you and Bellibolt have a taste of your own medicine!"
"Go, use Water Gun/Zing Zap!"
"GAH! What am I going to do here...?! I'm trapped like a rat...Just kiddin', he-he!" Iono feinted, pretending to panic and sniggering as Quaxly and Togedemaru combined their favorite attacks and pummeled the EleFrog Pokémon.
Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, while they did Bellibolt considerable damage, he immediately compensated for the supercharged assault by sparking himself with electricity that left him standing. Dot and Sophocles gasped in shock as they realized they, Quaxly, and Togedemaru (the two Partner Pokémon bracing themselves and glaring at Bellbolt with determination when they regrouped) had their work cut out against their powerful Basics test administrators.
With the heroes and Clavell, Roy and some of the others were getting anxious for the pair and their partners as they watched from Roy's Rotom Phone while Liko, Lazuli, and their group continued their conversation with the Uva Academy headmaster.
"Come on, guys! You got this!" Roy prayed quietly.
"I see. In all sense, getting some much-needed rest is essential and a necessary aspect of being a Pokémon Trainer. And, in addition, I think a good soak in a tepid bath is good for you to maintain your personal hygiene," Clavell told them.
"Can't deny that," Lazuli nodded in reply.
"Hmm, excuse me, Roy. What exactly are you and the others doing?" Clavell asked the young adventurer, curious as to what he and the others were watching from his Rotom Phone while the Pokémon and dragons were sleeping (having droned out during the heroes' chat with him).
"Oh... Uh, well, it's just that... We're wondering how Dot and Sophocles' Basics test was getting on," Roy replied, finding no point to lie to the headmaster when they were all thinking the same thing regarding Dot and Sophocles' Basics test with Iono.
"Oh, goodness gracious! Of course! We can't waste time chatting away while they're having their test with Iono! Let us make haste!" Clavell realized as he raced off to the central plaza.
"R-Right!" the group shouted as they hastily followed Clavell while he ran ahead (with the Pokémon and dragons waking up and darting after them once they heard and felt them leaving the Pokémon Center).
"Liko, Roy, are you nuts?! Why didn't you two let us know Video Princess and Electric Astronaut already began their test with the Streaming Queen?" Lazuli spluttered in shock at the young girl and Roy.
"We had to give them a headstart knowing it was time for them to meet up with Iono! And, besides, Mr. Clavell wanted to know how we were all doing throughout the course and what we've learned as Pokémon Trainers before coming here! We didn't think our talk with Clavell could drag on until tonight!" Liko fretted in reply.
"What?! But, we missed the beginning of their test and they're already on the ropes! We should've been there sooner to cheer them on, that's why we were counting on you since some of us heard you talking with Video Princess! Jeez, can't I ever trust you two with anything like ending a conversation sooner for something like this?"
"Hey, don't be mad at us!" Roy barked back.
"He-heee! That is Bellibolt's special ability: Electromorphosis; with every hit he takes, he builds power from his belly!" Iono smirked at her challengers, making them gulp.
"Sophocles, got any ideas? I'm not sure if we could stick to the plan much longer with curve balls like that. I thought we could do it if we carried it out as planned, but..." Dot quietly fretted before she trailed off.
"Don't worry, Dot, I got us covered since we're taking it together. You just leave that power surge from Bellibolt to me and Togedemaru," Sophocles reassured with a wink, confusing the young recluse as she wondered what he was talking about.
"So, let's take all of that stored power, Bellbolt, and let's...!"
"Quaxly, Spark incoming! Dodge it quick!"
"...Discharge it!"
"Discharge?!" the young relcuse balked in horror, realizing too late that it was not Spark Bellibolt and Iono were going for but Discharge (which was much stronger than Spark) as he unleashed it in the form of an electric shield barrier.
"Now, Togedemaru!" Sophocles signaled to his partner just as Discharge was about to touch Quaxly.
"WHOO-HOOOOOOOOO!" Togedemaru hollered excitedly as she quickly knocked her fellow Pokémon out of the way and absorbed Bellibolt's Discharge attack.
Iono was shocked as she realized Togedemaru had a hidden trump card on her with an Electric Type ability of her own, "Ai-Yi-Yi! Are my eyes deceiving me or is Bellibolt's Discharge going, going, gone?!"
"Togedemaru!"
"Togedemaru, you-!" Dot and Quaxly gasped, originally fearing the worst but shocked upon seeing what happened to the Roly Poly Pokémon.
"I bet you weren't expecting that coming from Togedemaru and I, do ya, Iono?" Sophocles smirked proudly as he raised an eyebrow at the Levincia Gym Leader. "I had a feeling you would use a more powerful Electric Type attack instead of Spark after storing all that power so I had Togedemaru use an ability of her own called Lightning Rod to absorb all that power you threw back at us."
"Lightning Rod...? Ah, wait! You mean Blitz's Lightning Rod ability?! Wow, Sophocles, I-I didn't know you and Togedemaru had that on you," Dot gasped in awe.
"I'm glad we're still in this together. We got your and Quaxly's backs for this one, Dot."
"Wow, good thinking, Togedemaru! Thanks!" grinned Quaxly to Togedemaru in gratitude.
"Thank Sophy, he trusted me to do what I must when Bellibolt unleashed his Discharge attack," replied Togedemaru happily yet modestly.
"Wowwy-zowwy! That's some brains you cooked up there, Mr. Sophocles! That's something I'd like to see from you and Madam Dot! For your enjoyment, I'll keep going 'til I drop! But, where, to where, I may ask? A world where I sparkle at my finest! Bellibolt, use Spark, once more!" Iono grinned again, impressed by Sophocles' loyalty to his friend before she had Bellibolt go at Quaxly and Togedemaru again with Spark.
"Quaxly, Togedemaru, look out!"
"Get out of the way!" Dot and Sophocles cried to their partners, having them dodge Bellibolt and his Spark attack from the left as the crowd gasped and marveled at the Master Triangle Basics test before them (knowing that even if Togedemaru and Quaxly had yet to take damage, Dot, Iono, and Sophocles were just getting started).
At the same time, Clavell and the heroes arrived at the central plaza just in time to see everything with Iono, Dot, Sophocles and their partners all on equal footing even though either side has yet to falter and break.
"Look, there they are!"
"Sophocles, Dot!"
"Hang in there, guys!"
"Keep going!"
"Don't lose face, you two!"
"Keep it up!"
"You can do it!" shouted Ash, Liko, Arven, Lana, Kiawe, Lacey, and Roy screamed encouragingly to their friends as their Pokémon and the dragons watched on in awe (seeing Quaxly and Togedemaru starting to take a few knicks and bruises against Bellibolt but still holding their ground).
"Don't forget, Iono, your Bellibolt's not the only one who can charge things up! My Togedemaru knows how to mix things up when converting damage into strength, too! Togedemaru, Zing Zap, let's go!" Sophocles smirked as he allowed Togedemaru to attack Bellibolt.
"YAHOO, LET 'ER RIP! CHAAAAARGE!" Togedemaru roared, sharing her partner's smirk as she darted around Bellibolt (with Quaxly backing off for his own safety) and struck Bellibolt head-on in his chest which created an explosion.
"Whoa... That was amazing, I didn't know Togedemaru could be so strong thanks to Lightning Rod," Dot breathed in fascination, getting a knowing smile and wink from Sophocles.
"Did you see that?!" Roy balked in shock as his jaw dropped.
"How did Togedemaru do that, how come she was so strong?" Liko added in amazement.
"If I have to guess, if Iono used a powerful Electric Type attack on her and Quaxly and she absorbed it, I'd say she used Lightning Rod to absorb Bellibolt's power and save herself and Quaxly," Sarah smiled knowingly.
"That's our sparkplug of a Roly Poly," grinned Blitz as he rode on his human mother's right shoulder and also recognized what Togedemaru had done.
"Lightning Rod?" Liko echoed.
"I get it, dudes! Lightning Rod allows its owner to absorb all Electric Type attacks and as each hit increases Bellibolt's power, when he released it, Togedemaru absorbed it and increased the power of her Special Attack stats!" Rotoblue buzzed in awe.
"Sick and clever playbook, dudes and dudettes! Iono wanted to see how our two brainiacs and their partners bounce off each other and shine at their finest together! With Quaxly, despite him being a Water Type and with her Lightning Rod ability, Togedemaru acts as a foil for Bellibolt and his shield!" added an astonished Rotospark.
"Most ingenious," Clavell smiled, prasing Sophocles' thinking.
"Bellibolt, body slam with Spark!" Iono continued.
"Sophocles!"
"Right! Togedemaru, use Spiky Shield!" Dot and Sophocles nodded, having Quaxly do a backflip over Togedemaru and expose Bellibolt to her Spiky Shield and stopped him in his tracks when he hit her.
"YEOUCH!" Bellibolt yelped as his power sparked everywhere even if some sparks stung Quaxly while he held his ground.
"UNH! You okay, Quaxly?" called Togedemaru with concern for Quaxly as she pushed Bellibolt off of her and turned to him.
"I'm okay, don't worry! We're not out of the game yet!" Quaxly smiled reassuringly as he gave her a thumbs-up.
Amazed by what she was seeing and the viewership of her livestream spiking like never before, Iono couldn't help but gush over her popularity as she cooed excitedly, "Aiiiyeeee! Magnifique, most fabulous! My viewership count is spikin' to new heights already! Hey, everyone, hope you're still tuned in! Make sure you drop in for more and all of Iono's shocking, sparkling livestreams!"
"Well, in that case, we'll try this. Quaxly, use Aerial Ace!" Dot shouted as she and Quaxly took the lead now, charging forward with Aerial Ace and knocking Bellibolt off his feet. "Now, Water Gun, full power!"
"Time to soak, Croaker!" Quaxly snarked as he fired his Water Gun attack and struck the EleFrog Pokémon, making him faceplant onto the field.
"Ooh, my, my, my! What a show you're putting on there, Madam Dot, you're just as good as Mr. Sophocles when push comes to shove. Wellzen, looks like we better heal up, for now. Bellibolt, time to Slack Off!" Iono called, still smirking and looking impressed at her opponents.
"Slack Off?!" Sophocles gasped in shock as Bellibolt rested for a moment to replenish his energy. "Oh, no, I didn't know he had a move like that!"
"This is not good," Dot agreed, worryingly gritting her teeth.
"Slack Off, eh? That spells trouble for Sophocles and Dot, right?" Kieran frowned, concerned.
"Right, Short Man, Slack Off allows Bellibolt to restore his heath at 50% max! He's not throwing in the towel yet!" Rotoblue nodded.
"They'll never Terastallize if Bellibolt pushes them into another corner!" gasped Lillie.
"Oh, no, you don't! Quaxly, use Water Gun!" Dot shouted.
"Dot! Dot, wait!" Sophocles cried in alarm as Quaxly fired his Water Gun at Bellibolt twice only for him to tank his blows while healing.
Then, Bellibolt jumped back into battle as he smirked, "All charged up!"
Dot went pale as she gulped, "N-No... M-M-My attacks, they're not working...!"
"We're in trouble if we don't do something," Sophocles grunted in agreement, realizing Iono and Bellibolt were backing them into a corner after using Slack Off.
Iono smirked at what she was seeing as she then declared, "All charged up and ready to begin the battle anew again! One more time, Bellibolt, my boy! Discharge and let it rip, if you're rarin'!"
"Look out, Togedemaru! Shield, quickly!" Sophocles warned.
"Right!" Togedemaru nodded as she quickly jumped in front of Quaxly and Bellibolt unleashed his Discharge attack for a second time, his power once again absorbed by the tiny Electric Type with the Electric Type alumni ready to call out her next move. "You and Quaxly will want to stand back for this one, Dot!"
"What do you mean?" the young recluse questioned curiously.
"Watch and learn! Togedemaru, show Iono and Bellibolt your new Wild Charge!"
"What?!"
"WILD CHARGE?!" Iono, Dot, Race, and Sarah cried, aghast over Togedemaru learning such a powerful attack (prompting Quaxly to jump back towards his partner for his own safety).
"Yeah! Good call, Sophy! I've always wanted to try this! ...ATTAAAAAAACK!" Togedemaru squeaked ecstatically, rolling forward with all her might as she made use of the leftover water from Quaxly's Water Guns to make her absorbed power and Wild Charge stronger.
"Huh?! U-! Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey! Now, wai-GAGH!" Bellibolt blurted out in bewilderment before Togedemaru collided with him and sent him flying to Iono just as she jumped back to Sophocles, Dot, and Quaxly while wincing (having obtained recoil damage as blue electricity sparked from her body).
"What am I doing?! I'm drawing blanks, I can't fight like this! This is way too unexpected!" Dot fretted as she tried to follow up on Sophocles and Togedmearu's front for her and Quaxly.
But, then, Dot remembered a tippet from Goh when they once talked about Pokémon battles between them, "Ash taught me a few things, too; he once showed me that using unexpected moves and not giving up until you get what you want can allow you to do things nobody before you has seen before. It's really amazing to see!"
She then looked around to see the aftermath of Togedemaru's Wild Charge attack and the impact it made on Bellibolt; when she used her new move on him and commenced the explosion that followed, the blast was so powerful that the leftover electricity sparked wildly and it ended up short-circuiting the lights around the plaza (much to everyone's surprise).
"Uh... Oopsey," gulped Togedemaru sheepishly, realizing she overdid it with her Wild Charge.
"Huh, what, what? How can this be? My stream just cut out after that unexpected Wild Charge," Iono blinked, wondering what was happening after her stream was cut off.
"Are these technical difficulties of some sort?" Clavell pondered curiously.
The sudden power outage extended to the Rising Volt Tacklers' apartment as the stream cut off from their TV as well, leaving everyone inside waiting anxiously for the power to return (now left wondering what could happen to Dot and Sophocles by the time the livestream could get back up and running again).
"...Sophocles, listen. I realized this power outage could be the lucky break we need, and if possible, we could-" Dot suggested quietly to the future Pokémon Astronaut until she noticed Quaxly and Togedemaru now having fun and dancing in the puddles from the former's Water Gun that soaked the area.
That was when she remembered what Iono was telling her and grinned at him knowingly, Sophocles returning the grin as he asked her, "Hey, Dot, are you thinking...what I'm thinking?"
"Yeah, from disastrous to dazzling, right?" Sophocles nodded before they turned to their partners and took out their Tera Orbs.
"Quaxly/Togedemaru, let's all shine brighter together!"
"YIPPEE/LET'S GO!" they cheered in agreement, ready to Terastallize.
"Our systems are in complete sync! Now, let's push through the darkness and reach for the stars!"
"Bring on the haters...! Start trending, create buzz and shine!"
Charging their Tera Orbs with Terastal Energy as they shone brightly, Sophocles and Dot threw them over their partners before Terastal Crystals overtook them and shattered, revealing them in their respective new Tera Types (Quaxly - Pure Water Tera Type, Togedemaru - Pure Ground Tera Type).
"WHEEEEEEEE!"
"READY? LET'S DANCE!" Togedemaru and Quaxly grinned, showing off their new Tera Types in the darkness of the blacked-out central plaza.
"Oh, my!" gasped Clavell in awe.
"Quaxly and Togedemaru!"
"They did it!"
"Dot and Sophocles are Terastallizing now?!" Arven, Roy, and Liko balked in surprise and amazement.
"Togedemaru, it can't be!"
"She's not a Pure Water, Bug, Flying, or even a Fire Tera Type like Tera!"
"Now, she's a Pure Ground Tera Type!" Sarah, Lazuli, and Kieran gawked (seeing Togedemaru's Ground Tera Type denoted by a cut-through model of an Earth-like planet on her head).
"WHAAAAAA?! Oh, no, no, no! Now, of all times?! Why must you choose to Terastallize your partners NOW, Madam Dot, Mr. Sophocles? How could you do this to me?!" yelped Iono in bewilderment while Togedemaru and Quaxly happily danced in the puddles together.
"Nice footwork, you guys! Keep it up!" Dot grinned proudly before she turned to Sophocles. "My turn first, then you, Sophocles!"
"Yeah, dance the night away while you're at your brightest, Dot!" grinned Sophocles in agreement.
"Quaxly, use Low Kick!" Quaxly danced on the water before he darted towards the surprised Bellibolt, skating on the wet surface as he did so before he struck him with Low Kick.
"Oh? You're not going for a Water Type attack this time, Madam Dot?" puzzled Iono curiously.
"So far, so good, Quaxly! One more time, use Low Kick, let's go!"
"HE-YIKES!" Bellibolt yelped, startled by Quaxly's Fighting Type assault as he was sturck again but from behind.
"Yeah! Great work, Quaxly!" Dot congratulated as Quaxly continued to dance with Togedemaru.
But, as he and his fellow Pokémon continued to dance, the water around them started swirling around the Paldea Duckling Pokémon. He then jumped forth and spun around, his webbed feet becoming covered in water before he unleashed a hard Shaolin Flying Dragon kick on Bellibolt as the water engulfed his entire body.
"Whoa...!"
"Was that attack...?"
"It must be...!"
"Yes! It's Liquidation, Quaxly just learned Liquidation!" gasped Sophocles and Dot in awe, recognizing the new attack Quaxly learned.
"YAAAAAY, QUAXLY, QUAXLY, QUAXLY!" cheered Togedemaru as she applauded her fellow Terastallized Pokémon.
"A-Thank you," Quaxly replied coolly as he bowed before they got back into their battle stances, ready to continue fighting.
"Quaxly!"
"I don't believe it!" spluttered Lana and Crispin in shock as the crowd went crazy for Dot, Sophocles, and their partners.
"Quaxly learned Liquidation on the spot while he was dancing out there!" Lillie gawked in astonishment.
"Awesome!" Roy cheered.
"And, at the perfect time, too!" Liko grinned in agreement before the power returned and Iono's livestream was rebooted. "Ah! Hey, the livestream's back up!"
Iono was delighted by this as it meant that she and Bellibolt can also unleash their full potential through Terastallization, declaring to everyone and her opponents, "Ooh! Yes! That means we can finally get things going again! Oha, everybody, thanks for waiting! Looks like you've shown me your true colors, Madam Dot, Mr. Sophocles! I guess it's time for me to get serious, too!"
"WE'VE BEEN WAITING, MS. IONO! GO FOR IT! YOU ROCK! WHOO-HOO! YEAH! BOO-YAH! WHOOOOOOO!" the crowd hollered as the lights flicked back on and the entire plaza lit up while Iono brought out her Tera Orb to Terastallize Bellibolt.
"Callin' on inspiratoin's li'l lightbulb! Now, let's observe how Iono unleashes her true power for the world to see!"
After charging her Tera Orb and throwing it over, Bellibolt, the EleFrog Pokémon showed off his Terastallized prowess as he became a Pure Electric Tera Type and bellowed, "TIME TO SHINE AND BLING!"
"Alright! Now, Bellibolt's Terastallized, too!"
"This is getting good!" grinned Roy and Ash.
"Yep-yep-yep! Enough recharging to last us this beautiful starlit and energetic night! Time to get zappin' with Discharge!"
"Twin assault?"
"You read my mind! Togedemaru, Spinning Zing Zap, now!"
"Quaxly! Liquidation, let's go!" Dot and Quaxly bantered knowingly, deciding to go for a frontal twin assault on Bellibolt with their, Quaxly, and Togedemaru's combined Terastallized powers.
Understanding the shared mindset of their friends/respective families and seeing Bellibolt coming at them with yet another Discharge, Togedemaru and Quaxly steeled themselves as the former got in front of the Duckling Pokémon and spun while using Zing Zap and the latter unleashed his new Liquidation attack. The three attacks clashed as Discharge engulfed the entire plaza in an electrical dome with Dot and Sophocles watching with bated breath to see if their partners made it out of the assault.
Togedemaru came out okay as she cheered happily after using Zing Zap as a shield against Bellibolt's supercharged Discharge (due to the water conducting his own electric power as well) but the assault was too much for Quaxly to deal with as he collapse with swirls over his eyes and his Tera Form was canceled out.
"Oh, no!" Amarys cried.
"Look, Quaxly's down!" gasped Kiawe, pointing at the knocked-out Quaxly as Togedemaru was the only one left in Dot and Sophocles' Basics test standing against Bellibolt.
Smiling at how hard Quaxly fought despite his Type disadvantage and being passed out, she carefully picked him up and returned him to Dot, smiling at her, "Here you go."
"Thanks, Togedemaru. Quaxly, good job, pal," Dot grinned warmly, thanking Togedemaru and her partner as she took him in her arms before turning to Sophocles. "...Go get 'em."
Sophocles gave a thumbs-up as he returned his attention to the battle and Togedemaru nodded at the young recluse before she took her place out on the plaza in a battle of the Electric Types in their respective Tera Forms now that Quaxly was out of the picture.
"Now, it's just you and me, Toady!" Togedemaru taunted with a smirk.
"Bring it on!" Bellbolt smirked back.
"Well, well! Just you and me with Madam Dot done and dusted, Mr. Sophocles. You ready to reach for the stars mono e mono?" Iono grinned at her remaining challenger.
"I'm ready for you more than ever, Iono! Thanks to Dot and Quaxly, Togedemaru and I are just getting started!" Sophocles replied, smirking back at her.
"Well, guys, this is it. Looks like Sophocles is going to strike out on his own from here on out," Kieran noted, watching with anticipation.
"Yeah, Type advantages don't matter anymore, especially since we're dealing with an Electric Type showdown," nodded Mallow in agreement.
"Sophocles and Togedemaru will win this, I know it!"
"But, I wonder what they'll do now," Roy and Liko said.
"Well, they'll be going at each other in their Tera Forms until one of them falls but even though it's far from clear, Sophocles and Togedemaru have an ace up their sleeve."
"That's true; Togedemaru's still a Ground Tera Type so Bellibolt's Electric Type attacks will have zero effect on her and there's no more water for him to conduct his electricity with now that he's burned it all out. This leaves him with Slack Off unless he and Iono have something else on hand, it'll be like my and Ash's Grand Trial with Hapu and Mudella," Sarah agreed, seeing how her and Ash's Grand Trial with Hapu mirrored Sophocles' Basics test with Iono in a similar fashion.
"Bellibolt, Spark time!" Iono began as Bellibolt used Spark on Togedemaru.
"Dodge then use Electric Terrain!"
Dodging his Spark again, Togedemaru swiftly rolled around Bellibolt with great speed before she stood back up and unleashed Electric Terrain, creating a field of electricity around them.
"Electric Terrain...?" Lazuli breathed, puzzled by what Sophocles was thinking.
"Ooh! That's gonna get a big charge from me! Thanks for the boost-up! Now, let's wrap things up with a dazzling Discharge! Go!" Iono grinned, having Bellibolt prepare Discharge again only for Sophocles to smirk at her.
"Don't be so sure about that, Iono! Some moves are also electricity-proof as Togedemaru and I will demonstrate! Togedemaru, use Steel Roller!"
Iono was shocked when she heard this, "S-S-S-S-Steel Roller?!"
"MY NEW FAVORITE, WHOOOOOOOO!" Togedemaru squealed as she rolled forward, the power of her new Steel Roller move making her immune to the electrical voltage from Discharge and allowing her to hit the startled Bellibolt on his chest.
A massive explosion soon followed after Togedemaru made contact before the Roly Poly Pokémon jumped out of the smoke plume and smirked as she returned to her partner's side. When it finally cleared, they could see Bellibolt still standing after the hit while they and everybody else watched with bated breath. The seconds ticked by and they were being to wonder if the EleFrog Pokémon would keep fighting despite the powerful Steel Type move.
Finally, as Bellibolt and Togedemaru exchanged a final smirk and glare with each other, Bellibolt groaned and he fell on his back, losing his Tera Form in the process.
The crowd cheered for Dot, Sophocles, and Iono as the Master Triangle Basics test ended and the victory went to Dot and Sophocles despite the former's loss after Quaxly was beaten (which was somewhat of a blow to her despite feeling happy for what Quaxly had done to get so far).
"Alright!"
"They did it!"
"Bellibolt's beaten!"
"Awesome!"
"Neat!"
"Sweet!"
"WHOO-HOO!" the heroes screamed excitedly.
Even the Pokémon and the dragons cheered loudly for Quaxly and Togedemaru while Iono congratulated Bellibolt and gave him an elixer to restore his energy, the two of them going over to their challengers to give her verdict on their shared Basics test.
"He-he-he-he-he-he! Well, Mr. Sophocles, Madam Dot, your test is complete even though there was a light blooper with the power earlier. But, no matter, what do you make of the buzz tonight? Starting with you, Madam Dot!" she asked them, eager to hear their thoughts.
"...I hate to admit it even though we won. But, well... I lost after Quaxly fell," Dot began, getting her thoughts together.
"But, still, still...! That's not all you have to say, right? Agreed?"
"Uh, um... Y-Yeah, well, uh...?" Dot stuttered as she tried to continue until she looked to Quaxly, Togedemaru, and Sophocles.
"Say it, say it, say it, say it, say it, say it!"
"Go on, pal," Togedemaru and the recovered Quaxly encouraged while the Electric Type alumni gave her a soft encouraging nod and smile.
The young recluse smiled at them and finally made her next thoughts known, "It was a lot of fun, really..."
Iono winked at her fellow streamer before turning to Sophocles, "And, you, Mr. Sophocles?"
"It was great! This is my first time being in a Master Triangle battle but I had a lot of fun, too! Togedemaru and Quaxly, Dot and I couldn't be more proud of them. It was a little scary when the power went out earlier but I pushed through because of my loyalty of my friends and our friendship. And, after we Terastallized Togedemaru and Quaxly, we felt happy and it was an honor to finish what Dot started after she trusted Togedemaru and I to finish things with you and Bellibolt. It was the best feeling I've felt since Sarah became the Alola Champion..." Sophocles replied.
"That's it, that's it, that's it! My friends, despite the goofs, setbacks, and your personal struggles, you still had fun and battled it up while being true to yourselves!"
Dot and Sophocles were awestruck as Iono continued, "Even when you're at your lowest points in the heat of battle, you carried on regardless and shone at your brightest with your Pokémon when you Terastallized when I least expected it! That's how a person and/or streamer dazzles before a crowd, Madam Dot, Mr. Sophocles!"
This caught Dot by surprise as she echoed to Iono, "...Having fun? Is that how you dazzle every day during your livestreams?"
"That's right! Having fun and loving what you do is an important aspect of being a Pokémon Trainer, Madam Dot! Why, Mr. Sophocles, I was told, had a dream to reach for the stars as the world's youngest Pokémon Astronaut and from what I've seen, he's not only grown since he began his new journey after graduating from Alola's Pokémon School as Sarah informed me, but he and his Togedemaru were having a ball during our match! Having fun is a mega Pokémon Trainer tippet you shouldn't miss out on! You think so, too, everybody?"
The crowd went bananas again as they agreed with Iono's words and applauded for Dot and Sophocles, allowing the Levincia Gym Leader to make her verdict, "And, just like that, the likes are pouring in like no tomorrow! So, with that, Madam Dot, Mr. Sophocles, survey says, for your Basics test...YOU PASSED!"
Everyone screamed and clapped with utter joy and happiness for Dot, Sophocles, and the Basics test they had the honor of watching live, leaving the two students speechless. Even the Rising Volt Tacklers and Sarah's family couldn't help but feel proud of them with Murdock crying tears of joy for his niece passing their Basics test (as all three of the Rising Volt Tacklers' young trainers had completed their Basics tests with Lazuli, Kiawe, Ash, Mallow, and Lillie, leaving the rest of the heroes apart from Arven to take their Basics tests later on).
"Oh, Dot! You've done it, my girl! I'M SO, SO PROUD OF YO-O-O-O-O-OU!" the friendly cook wept ecstatically, trying and failing to hide his tears.
"Dot!"
"You did it!"
"You too, Sophocles!"
"That was great, you guys!"
"You won!"
"And, you passed your Basics test!"
"You guys and your partners were terrific!"
"Congratulations!"
"We're so happy for you!" Roy and Liko, Ash, Lillie, Kiawe, Lana, Mallow, Drayton, Kieran, Lacey, and Carmine grinned excitedly in congratulations to Sophocles and Dot.
The Pokémon and dragons extended their congratulations to Togedemaru and Quaxly but Vikavolt was the happiest of them all as he went to his friend and sister and cheerfully buzzed, "That was sick, Sis, Quaxly! You took Bellibolt to school and won!"
"Well, we had help from Dot and Sophocles."
"We all won, together!" Quaxly and Togedemaru replied, grinning back at him modestly.
Dot and Sophocles couldn't help but agree as they thanked their partners, "Hey, Quaxly, thanks so much!"
"You too, Togedemaru, that was your best battle yet."
"No biggie!"
"We rule! Don't we?"
Iono grinned at her challengers and friends as she announced to everyone watching (while Clavell smiled and nodded his approval), "So, everyone, what did you think of tonight's livestream? What we bore witness to on this electric and wild night showed us how Dot, Sophocles, and Yours Truly battled it up marvelously! Etch it into your brain-memories and override your hard drives to make room for it tonight! And, so, with all that said, electrowebbing before your very eyes... I am Iono, the Electrical Streamer, here tonight saying... 'Good night, see ya, and happy dazzling~'!"
The crowd erupted into a final round of cheers and applause for Iono, Dot, and Sophocles for the completion and success of her challengers' Basics test as the livestream wrapped up. This was a livestream that the entire city of Levincia let alone the entire world never forget for some time.
After saying goodbye to Iono and Bellibolt, the heroes returned to the Pokémon Center where Clavell personally offered his congratulations to Dot and Sophocles.
"Ms. Dot, Mr. Sophocles, allow me to offer my humblest congratulations. That was the best Basics test I've ever witnessed for some time, you've put up a fine performance and understanding of what you've learned during your time here. And, because of that, you've passed your shared Basics test marvelously," he told them proudly.
"Y-Yes, Sir."
"Thank you, Mr. Clavell," Dot and Sophocles replied in thanks.
"Now, then... While nearly half of you have yet to complete your Basics tests, I'm pleased to say you're all progressing in the Terastal Course at a remarkable rate. Allow me to offer you my congratulations and extend to you my best wishes for your ongoing successes."
"Yes, we understand. Thank you, Sir," the heroes nodded.
"And, another thing, once you all have completed your Basics tests with the rest of your assigned gym leaders, I would like you to return to the academy for your mid-terms interquel. But, Jacq and I would most appreciate if you don't forget to interact more with the wild Pokémon on your way back nor neglect to write your reports for him."
"Oh, right! I forgot, we have to do our reports, too!" Liko blinked in surprise.
"We can help you guys do the reports if you want. After all, Arven, Sis, and I are working on our Herba Mystica project."
"And, I'll be doing a chunk of my and Island Girls' Terapagos project in the meantime."
"It works since I still need to keep track of your grades, too," Sarah, Race, and Arven put in knowingly.
"Thanks," Liko and the others thanked.
Clavell nodded as he continued, "I'm sure you'll find the experiences you go through most rewarding as you do them. Jacq and I will be expecting great things to come from all of you."
"Yes, Sir!" the heroes finished.
But, while Clavell then decided to speak with Dot about streaming and what he and the academy could do to make use of it, Sarah quietly glanced out the door. There was something she needed to check out in relation to Reader's vision.
To Be Continued...
Occurred Events
Dot and Sophocles pass their Basics Test
Togedemaru is revealed to have learned Wild Charge, Electric Terrain and Steel Roller