//------------------------------// // Chapter 14: Regional Variant Lectures // Story: Journey through Alola // by darkmage1997 //------------------------------// It didn't take long for our heroes to arrive at Paniola Town. Looking around, everything looked like it was from a western movie, "So, this is Paniola Town. Very rustic," Will said, as they walked down the main street. "Definetly looks like the kind of place you'd think the movie industry would shoot a western," Lincoln commented. They saw the Pokémon Center at the end of the street. "Oh, good. The Pokémon Center," Will commented, as they made their way over. Halfway there, they heard the familiar sound of one of their friends. "Dudes!" Hau called out, running towards them. "Hey Hau. We haven't seen you in a while," Luan commented. "I was just visiting Pikachu and Eevee Valleys. I caught a whole bunch of Eevee, and even nabbed a cool Z Crystal for my Pikachu," Hau replied, showing them the Pikanium Z. "That's good. Anyhow, we were heading to go and check into the Pokémon Center for the night," Will commented. "Oh yeah! We've all had a pretty long day today, huh?" Hau said, as he dashed off to the Pokémon Center. "Hey, no fair!" Lynn said, running after Hau. "Lynn! It's not a competition!" Lori scolded, but to no avail. Lynn's competitive nature couldn't be suppressed. "I take it this happens a lot?" Toby asked. "Yeah, Lynn has a terrible habit of making everything into a competition, even stuff that is never meant to be a contest," Lincoln groaned. "It can get her into a lot of trouble," Lucy added. "Last time she got too full of herself, well.... we don't talk about it," Luan shuddered, as they followed after the two. They were just approaching the center, when... "WATCH WHERE YOU'RE GOING!" they heard the voice of Busujima yell. They rushed over, to see Lynn on the ground, looking angrily at the bully. "ME?! You're the one who shoved me down!" Lynn countered. "So what? Unlike you, I actually need to use the Pokémon Center!" Busujima snapped, walking inside. "That guy...." Toby groaned. Luna and Lincoln went over to help their sister up, only for the jock to slap their hands away. "I don't need any help!" Lynn snapped, marching into the Pokémon Center. "Great, now she's in one of her sour moods, again," Lola commented sarcastically, as Lynn stormed off to vent. "Should one of us talk to her?" Fluttershy asked. "It's better if you don't. Once she's in a bad mood, there's literally no point in talking to her," Lori groaned, pinching the bridge between her eyebrows. "She'll come back once she's calmed down enough," Lincoln added. With that, the others went into the Pokémon Center, seeing that Hau had just finished up at the counter. "I'm happy to tell you that your Pokémon are all fighting fit, Hau," Nurse Joy said. "Thanks a bunch!" Hau exclaimed, as he noticed his friends. "Nurse Joy, could you take care of our Pokémon too?" Will asked, as each trainer gave her their Pokeballs. "Of course. By the way, are you planning to take the Trial up at Brooklet Hill?" Nurse Joy asked. "Yes. That'll be our first trial on Akala Island," Will replied. "Then I would recommend staying the night. it's a bit of a walk to Brooklet Hill," Nurse Joy said, handing them three keys, one to Will, one to Lori, and one to Hau. "Thank you Nurse Joy," Will said. "Also, is a girl in a red jersey with brown hair and a ponytail comes in, could you tell her where our room is?" Lori asked. "Of course. I take it she got in a fight with Busujima?" Nurse Joy asked. "Yeah, and now she's still fuming outside," Lori replied. "I'll tell her where your room is at," Nurse Joy said, as a large, pink rabbit Pokémon with huge eyes wheeled the cart with the Pokeballs into the backrooms. "Well, let's settle in for the night," Will said, as each of them went to find their rooms. "Linky, why don't you join us tonight?" Leni offered. "Sure, if that's alright with the rest of you," Lincoln said. Each of his sisters sounded their agreements, as they arrived at their rooms. Thankfully, each room was right next to one another. Will and his friends from Ponyville went in one room, the Louds in another, while Hau got the third room all to himself. "Alright guys, we can get our Pokémon when we go to have dinner," Will said, as they finished settling in. "Yeah, I'm feeling a bit hungry," Toby commented. "As are we," Silver Spoon added. "I'm sure the others are hungry too, so let's head to the restraunt, and grab some food," Will suggested, as they left their room. They looked to see the Louds exiting their room as well. They noticed a troubled look on Lincoln's face, like he was about to be sick. "Is your brother ok?" Silver Spoon asked. "He'll be fine once we get some food," Lori replied almost too quickly. Moments ago, As the Loud Siblings, save for Lynn, were setting their stuff down, Lori turned to her only brother, "Lincoln, we need to tell you something important, but you can't tell the others that you know," Lori said in a deadly serious tone. "Um, ok? What about?" Lincoln asked. "It's regarding Flora, Serenity, Sylvia, and Toby," Lisa replied. With that, they told Lincoln all about how Toby and the three girls were all from different dimensions, and how Toby wound up in Equestria. Needless to say, Lincoln was horrified to the point of nearly loosing his lunch. "Toby... really went through all of that?" Lincoln asked, sounding extremely disturbed. His sisters all solemnly nodded, "But, why are you telling me this?" Lincoln asked. "Because, if you were to ask Toby, it would no doubt instill his darkest emotions, making him loose himself to depression," Lucy explained. "The point is, we're telling you this so that Toby doesn't have to," Lori added. The sound of stomachs growling filled the room, "I guess it is time for dinner," she blushed. Her sisters agreed, as did Lincoln, but he sounded more distant. "Well, let's go get somethin to eat. Lynn should've calmed down by now," Will commented. "If we're lucky," Lana mumbled, as the left the dorms. "Hau isn't joining us?" Lola asked. "I went to ask him if he wanted food, but all I heard was snoring," Toby replied. "I guess he crashed hard after whatever he's been doing today," Luna commented, as they entered the restraunt area. They saw Lynn, looking a little bit calmer, but was still fuming a bit from her run in with Busujima. "She still looks a bit grumpy," Silver Spoon commented. "Yeah, but sadly, that's as good as we're gonna get from her," Lori replied, as they all took their seats, with Lynn sitting at a separate table that was still relatively close to the others. They all took their turns ordering their food. "So, Will, I was wondering, are there any alien Pokémon?" Lincoln asked. "Get real brother. There's been no proof of extraterrestrials in our world, what makes you think there would be any in this world?" Lisa asked. "Lisa, we've seen a cat and two foxes that breathe fire, mice that generate electricity, a giant rock snake, a luchador bird, and a whole bunch of other Pokémon. Are you really trying to deflate the possibility of alien Pokémon?" Lincoln countered. "Touche," Lisa said, admitting defeat. "Well, to answer your question, a few species of Pokémon are rumored to have come from space," Will replied. "Some examples include the Clefairy evolution line, Starmie, Elgyem and Beheeyem, Rotom said, displaying pictures of three fairy Pokémon, a purple starfish, and two Pokémon that looked very much like aliens. "But there is one more Pokémon, that researchers have confirmed come from space. This one is the most mysterious one of them all. It is the Pokémon known as Deoxys," Will added. Needless to say, the Louds were speechless. "Rotom, do you have any data on Deoxys?" Fluttershy asked. "Of course. Deoxys, the DNA Pokémon, a Psychic Type. Specific data on this Pokémon is still unknown. It is said to have mutated from a virus," Rotom said, displaying a picture of an orange, alien Pokémon, with tentacles from arms, and a crystal in it's chest. "Now that looks like an alien," Lincoln commented, as their food arrived. With that, the humans, and their Pokémon all began eating dinner. During which, an elderly couple walked over, noticing Toby's Vulpix. "Oh my, such a precious little thing," the woman said, kneeling down to get a better look at Vulpix, who seemed uncomfortable under the gaze of the two strangers. "Does this Vulpix belong to any of you?" the man asked. "Why, yes. Vulpix belongs to Toby here," Will replied, motioning to the aforementioned boy. Vulpix the leapt into Toby's lap, not wanting to be stared at more. "It's quite a treat for us of Alola to see a red Vulpix," the man stated. "I think I remember Rotom saying something about how Vulpix is one of few Pokémon that appears differently in Alola than anywhere else," Silver Spoon commented. "Of course, and here's the information on an Alolan Vulpix. Vulpix, Alola Form the Fox Pokémon, an Ice Type. It's breath can reach temperatures of at least -60 degrees Fahrenheit. They are mostly common around Mount Lanakila. Many elderly folks refer to an Alolan Vulpix as 'Keokeo', which is a much older name for Vulpix," Rotom said, displaying a picture of a white Vulpix. "Whoa, so it's an Ice Type here in Alola," Will commented. "Yes. In fact, there's a particularly friendly Alolan Vulpix that comes by and visits us elders," the woman explained, as she and her husband took their leave. "Fascinating. You said that Grimer was a pure Poison Type in other regions, correct?" Lisa asked. "That's right, and they're purple," Will replied. "But in Vulpix's case, it has adopted an entirely new form by adapting to it's opposite element," Lisa theorized. "By the way, I assume that Ninetails has an Alolan Form too?" Toby asked Rotom. "Of course! Ninetails, Alola Form, the Fox Pokémon, an Ice and Fairy Type. It was once feared and respected as a deity before being classified as the regional variant of Ninetails. It leads people out of it's territory for it's benefit alone," Rotom explained, displaying a picture of a White Ninetails. "It's so beautiful!" Lori commented. "This is what a normal Ninetails looks like. It is said that each of it's nine tails possesses a mysterious power that allows it to live for thousands of years," Rotom said, displaying a picture of a yellow Ninetails instead. "That's the Ninetails I know," Will commented. "I can't decide which one looks more elegant," Lola commented. "Well, they both look beautiful," Toby replied. "I'd like to see both forms of Vulpix and Ninetails side by side," Lisa added. "So, when does Vulpix evolve?" Luna asked. "When it's exposed to a Fire Stone. Much like Pikachu, Vulpix is one of many Pokémon that requires a certain item to evolve," Will replied. "But to evolve an Alolan Vulpix or an Alolan Sandshrew, you must use an Ice Stone," Rotom said, displaying a picture of a jeweled stone with a snowflake pattern. "Wait, there's an Alolan Sandshrew too?" Will questioned. "Of course! Sandshrew, and it's evolved form, Sandslash, Alola Form, both are Mouse Pokémon, and are Ice and Steel Types. Both Pokémon took these forms when they fled to icy regions to escape the volcanic regions. Sandshrew's new shell make's it unable to curl up into a ball, but can be used as a substitute for curling. Sandslash's claws are well developed to deliver the finishing blow to prey," Rotom said, displaying a picture of two mouse Pokémon. The smaller one looked to have a skin pattern like an Igloo, while the larger one had spike made of icicles on it's back. "So, what are normal Sandshrew and Sandslash like?" Leni asked. "They're both pure Ground Types, and they mostly can be found in desert regions," Will said, as Rotom displayed a picture of both Pokémon in their normal forms. "Fascinating," Lisa commented, as they all finished their dinner. The next morning, Hau had left early to get to Brooklet Hill, leaving our heroes to sample some of the local colors of Paniola Town's restraunts. Their eyes all set on one particular restraunt, "Looks like this place is a famous chain restraunt," Will commented. "Why would they serve chains? They wouldn't taste any good," Leni commented. "You're adorable Leni, but it means there are multiple establishments scattered across Alola," Lisa explained. "It's been a while since I've had pancakes," Silver Spoon commented. "Looks like they have a wide variety, so let's check it out," Will suggested, as they entered the restraunt, all apart from Toby, who saw some Team Skull grunts loitering about. 'What could they be up to?' Toby thought to himself, as he went inside. The group was then promptly seated, where they were looking over the menus. Leni then noticed a bunch of large mice, riding their tails like surfboards. "Hey Will, what are those Pokémon?" Leni asked. Will then looked over to the Pokémon she was referring to. "They.... look an awful like Raichu, but the ones I know don't float," Will replied. "Allow me to explain! Raichu, Alola Form, the Mouse Pokémon, an Electric and Psychic Type. Researchers have theorized that Raichu's diet of fluffy Alola pancakes caused it to take this new form. It controls electricity with psychokinesis," Rotom explained. "So even Raichu has an Alolan Form," Will commented. "This is the Raichu you're familiar with, right Will? It's a Pure Electric Type. It's Thunderbolt has enough power to knockout a Dragonite," Rotom said, displaying a picture of an orange Mouse Pokémon. "Yeah, that's the one!" Will replied. "So, Raichu from other regions don't surf on their tails?" Lana asked. "Precisely," Will replied, as they placed their orders. "So far, we've seen Exeggutor, Rattata, Raticate, Raichu, Sandshrew, Sandslash, Vulpix, Ninetails, Grimer, and Meowth. I can only assume that Persian has an Alolan Form too because of that," Toby commented. "Persian, Alola Form, the Classy Cat Pokémon, a Dark Type. In contrast to it's beautiful face, which is a sign of wealth, it has a brutal temperament. Rather than finish off it's prey, it elects to torture them instead," Rotom said, displaying a picture of a large, grey cat Pokémon, with a round head and a blue jewel in the middle of it's forehead. "That sounds awful," Leni commented. "Well, there are several species of Pokémon that do that sort of thing to their prey," Will replied, as their food arrived. Will, Fluttershy, Lori, Luan, Lincoln, and Lisa all got strawberry pancakes, Toby, Serenity, Silver Spoon, Leni, Luna, Lynn, and Lola got chocolate pancakes, and the rest got maple pancakes. "Why don't we let our Pokémon have some pancakes as well?" Fluttershy asked. "Good call," Will said, as each trainer released their Pokémon. And, like always, Mawile chomped down on Toby, who ran around, eventually getting the Deceiver Pokémon pried off by Luna and Lana. "Hmm, these regional Pokémon variants must've been discovered by someone. Rotom, is there any data on who documented these regional variants?" Lincoln asked. "Of course! Regional Variants of Pokémon were first discovered by Professor Samson Oak, the Alola Region's leading expert on regional variants," Rotom said, displaying a picture of an old man in a green button up shirt, and short khakis. "Whoa, he looks a lot like Professor Oak from Pallet Town in Kanto," Will commented. "That's because Professor Samson Oak is the cousin of Professor Samuel Oak," Rotom stated. "So, what's this Professor Oak guy like? The one from Kanto, I mean," Lynn asked. "Well, he's the most renowned expert on Pokémon in the world. He dabbles a bit in poetry, but is nevertheless a very wise man," Will explained. Lucy looked up at the mention of poetry. She was about to ask Will about one of the professor's poems, when..... "Hey, you numskulls, leave Vulpix alone!" they heard some voices from outside yell. Looking out the window, they saw Team Skull, who were picking on an Alolan Vulpix. "Ahh, why does this Vulpix even need that Bottle Cap anyway?" the Butt Grunt said, talking like he was above everyone. "We'd better get out there and help that Vulpix!" Toby exclaimed. His Pokémon all leapt into action, as they dashed out to confront Team Skull. Serenity's Grubbin was caught up in the chaos. "Grubby!" Serenity said, as she slowly ran behind her brother's team of Pokémon, with her own Pokémon, save for Chubbykins, in tow. Lana, Lynn, Luna, and Lori all decided to come help as well. "Hey! You jerks better leave Vulpix alone!" Lynn exclaimed, as the group confronted Team Skull. Serenity took this opportunity to safely get Grubbin. "Hey, you're that gang with the red Vulpix, aren't ya? What a score, we'll be able to sell off two forms of Vulpix at once," the Butt Grunt said, as the others soon joined up. "Keep talking like that and I'll bite you again!" Lana threatened. "EEK!" the Butt Grunt said, covering his butt. "Oh, so you're rear's your weak spot, eh? Then I should whack it with my cane!" one of the elders suggested. "EEP!" the Butt Grunt said again. The Alolan Vulpix saw this as an opportunity to get away from Team Skull. It quickly dashed over and hid behind Toby, "Hey! We ain't done with you yet! Go Drowzee!" the Butt Grunt said, sending out Drowzee. The other grunts sent out Mareanie, Salandit, Fomantis, and Zubat. "Alright, Grimer, get in there!" Will said, as the Sludge Pokémon..... slithered forward. "Trumbeak, we need you too," Fluttershy added. "Rockruff, go!" Toby said. "Go Marill!" Silver Spoon said. Before anyone could do anything, Grubbin wrestled out of Serenity's grasp, and sprayed String Shot all over Team Skull and their Pokémon, making them look like mummies. With one tremendous throw, Grubbin threw Team Skull out of Paniola Town. "WE WON'T FORGET THIS!" they yelled. "That was truly unexpected," Lisa commented. "Who would've thought something as small as that bug could be so strong?" Lynn added. Just then, Grubbin began to evolve. It became a green, rectangular grub Pokémon. "Grubbin, evolved?" Serenity questioned. "There's my cue! Charjabug, the Battery Pokémon, a Bug and Electric Type. Charjabug stores electricity in it's body. Those who own Charjabug are grateful for having one, as they can be used as a power source," Rotom said. "Fascinating," Lisa said, taking closer inspection of Charjabug, who remained still. "Thank you nice kids for saving little Vulpix here," an elderly woman said. "Not a problem, but why was Team Skull picking on Vulpix?" Will asked. "Because of this," the woman said, as Vulpix gave her a silver bottle cap. "A bottle cap, really?" Luan commented, sounding unimpressed. "Don't sell it so short. There's a facility somewhere in Alola that can raise your Pokémon's power to even greater heights, even when their at their maximum level. They offer this service in exchange for a bottlecap," the woman explained. "Well, I've heard some people would go to great lengths to get a bottlecap," Will said. "I'm more impressed by Lincoln's coin collection than that. No offense," Lori said. "None taken," Lincoln replied, as Vulpix dashed off somewhere. "I do hope that Vulpix finds a kind trainer someday," the woman commented. "But won't it get lonely without it coming by?" Lola asked. "It will be lonely, but it would set our minds at ease knowing it has a good trainer taking care of it," the woman replied, as she took her leave. "Well, if you guys are ready, we should get going," Will said, as they turned to leave Paniola Town for Brooklet Hill. On a cliff overlooking Paniola Town, a trainer was watching the large group. He had pale blonde hair, covering one eye, bright green eyes, and torn up black clothes. His Pokémon consisted of a Zorua, Zubat, and a large Pokémon that looked like a patchwork of pieces with a big metal mask, "Those guys are worth keeping an eye on," he commented.