//------------------------------// // Ch.2 - Ultra Giant - Pt.1 // Story: A Little Adventure in Alola // by CommanderX5 //------------------------------// A Little Adventure in Alola - Chapter 2 - Ultra Giant - Pt.1 Tapu Koko sat in silence atop a nearby dining table, watching as his newfound allies picked comfortable spots around him. Beside the table rested a demolished laptop and a T.V, both useless as a result of the Ultra Beast’s search for electricity. Though many items were trashed, some were still intact, such as a few lone chairs and the table he was currently stationed on. Nica jumped up beside the guardian while keeping a respective distance. Perching herself on the white table cloth, she settled down in between a vase housing a red rose and an abandoned meal, worry clearly visible in her eyes. Ace, as usual, was settled on his levitating tail, an uneasy expression gracing his normally confident features. What Tapu found odd however was Ace’s attempt of polishing a side of his tail. He watched as the Alolan Raichu rubbed three wet napkins back and forth. With half of his tail now clean and shining, he patted it, motioning for the pokemon at his right to hop on. Pikachu quickly took the invitation, perching himself beside Ace. They both floated next to Nica, gazing at Tapu Koko with unrestrained curiosity. On the roof sat a sky blue pegasus, her wings twitching in anticipation as she scanned her surroundings for any intruders looking to cause trouble. Her rainbow mane fluttered in the slight breeze as she listened for any conversation in the building below her. Using a hole blown into the top of the shop, she occasionally peeked inside, gazing down at the creatures gathered below. Twilight and Starlight were huddled together, sharing hushed whispers as they examined the inside of a damaged TV screen before taking a seat on chairs of their own. Tapu looked at the ponies curiously, imagining them with flames engulfing their manes. A mental image of a tourist riding a Rapidash came to mind, though he couldn’t think of one for the pegasus. He scoffed, picturing one of the majestic horses with wings. Twilight opened her large bag and plucked out a few notepads and a quill with her magic, eager to take notes. She displayed a toothy smile and urged the guardian to begin, staring back with knowledge-hungry eyes. Tapu Koko poked at the collar which Nica generously shared with him, with the group being lucky that it was big enough for his neck. A device with mystical power capable of translating pokemon speech to the human language. Such a marvel. I wonder if they would be willing to share their creations? Not that he needed such a device when choosing or guiding Kahunas, but when sharing a story with a group, it was going to be most helpful. “Tell me everything!” Twilight exclaimed, unable to refrain from flapping her wings in excitement. It was only when the group gave her a blank stare that she froze and gave a sheepish smile. “Or, uh, maybe you can you start your story from when things started to go wrong?” He opened his mouth to begin, but she cut him off, adding at the last second, “The more details, the better!” The group merely rolled their eyes, giggling as she displayed an undying grin. Tapu nodded before speaking, “A week after some brave trainers and their pokemon rescued a fellow human from the clutches of an Ultra Beast, Pikachu and a couple others of Ash’s pokemon vanished without a trace. A few days later numerous portals opened across Alola, inviting the invaders into our land.” Pikachu’s ears drooped. “I wonder… i-if we stayed, could we have made a difference?” Ace patted Pikachu on the back before placing a reassuring forepaw on his shoulder. He shot him a compassionate smile, attempting to cheer up the saddened pokemon. Tapu continued, “The Guardian and Kahuna on each island worked together, fending off the invaders from their respective islands while catching them into ‘beast balls.’ The fights were glorious and tiring, but nothing we couldn’t handle.” “Beast balls?” Twilight asked. At the inquiry, Tapu took out three rounded objects he was hiding in a damaged hand-shield. Each orb was a deep, dark-violet coated with vibrant light blue rings circling the pokeballs. Four claw-like, yellow strips were curved around the ball, casting the illusion of a creature with sharpened talons gripping it. He presented them to the group before lowering to the table. “These were created by the Aether Foundation. From much trial and error, we’ve found that so far, only these can contain the invaders.” “Really?” Twilight asked. “Nica’s reports mentioned these ‘pokeballs’ quite often. You throw them at weakened pokemon to capture and contain them, correct?” Tapu nodded. Starlight grinned before levitating one beast ball over. “Say no more.” Her horn lit with a blue aura before she vanished in a flash of teleportation. Silence overtook the room, lasting several seconds. In yet another flash, Starlight returned with the beast ball by her side, a cocky grin present on her face. “Looks like the big, bad Buzz has been captured.” Pikachu’s mouth hung open in shock as the Alolan Raichu beside him gave an amused grin. Ace said, giving the unicorn a paw up. Starlight smiled in response at the pokemon’s friendly gesture before gazing at the beast ball. After a moment, she looked up at Tapu and asked, “Does this mean he’s on our side now?” The island guardian shook its head and then shrugged. “It is difficult to predict. Ultra Beasts are dangerous and independent, very different from the pokemon of this world. Allying with trainers is unheard of for them, but they also respect strength and determination, each having their own unique personalities.” He pointed at the regular Raichu. “It may obey Nica, seeing as she bested it in battle,” and then pointed at Starlight, “but it will most likely rebel against you, since you didn’t earn its respect in battle.” Tapu continued. “Not to mention it’s been weakened. I don’t think Buzz will be battle-ready any time soon.” Twilight rubbed her chin thoughtfully before speaking up, “Portals… beast balls… I assume that you all tried to find a way to send the captured beasts home; ether by opening portals or finding new ones. Am I correct?” Tapu clapped its shielded hands together while gifting the alicorn with a proud smile. “You’re not wrong, wise Princess.” Twilight blushed, hiding her flushed cheeks behind her left wing. Ace placed his forepaws on his hips and raised an eyebrow. “You aren’t wrong.” Tapu sighed while his shielded hands dropped. “The next day, a large portal opened and with it came a gigantic monster that wielded devastatingly powerful electricity. It was surrounded by a furious red aura, that made it extremely aggressive and dangerous. It challenged any Ultra Beast that it came across simply to show its dominance. Each defeated beast started to listen to it out of fear and respect.” Starlight raised her foreleg. “So this giant beat other beasts into submission, turning solo creatures into a powerful and nearly unstoppable, organized army? No wonder this city is abandoned. I’d get the heck outta dodge as well.” “Correct, a sad truth we had to face in our struggles. This creature hungered for the taste of electricity, absorbing everything this city had to offer and more. It ordered any defeated beast to aid it in its quest,” Tapu explained. “It sought my electricity as well.” “What happened next?” Twilight asked, eagerly writing down notes in her overfilling notebook. Her ears perked up, listening with full attention. “Did you try to defeat this creature?” Tapu nodded. “I, several other fellow guardians, their chosen kahunas, and a group of brave trainers; we gathered on this island to challenge the giant and their army.” He sighed, placing his head into his shielded limbs. “A colossal mistake we made.” “Meaning?” Twilight questioned, sensing the negative, underlying tone in his voice. “How could an attack with such high numbers fail?” Pikachu looked at Tapu with worry clearly visible in his eyes. “These beasts possess a powerful ability. Each time they defeat their foes, they grow temporarily stronger. A dangerous boost of power. The giant we tried to defeat… one of its limbs glowed brightly before spreading a spark of overwhelming electricity. It covered a massive range, defeating numerous pokemon at once, both wild ones and those serving their trainers.” His words became lodged in his throat. “I’ve n-never seen such high casualties before.” “Casualties?” Nica murmured, hugging her tail close. Pikachu raised forepaw up to his mouth as he quietly murmured name of his trainer, his ears drooped. “Yes. It didn’t just defeat them… but killed those that weren’t durable enough to survive. The beast’s power only grew and soon, we could only escape with our lives from its might.” Tapu glanced at Pikachu and reassured, "I can tell what you wish to learn, and I assure you, you can put your worries at ease. Your trainer is fine." Seeing as Pikachu sighed in relief, he added, "Sadly, I know not of his whereabouts. I know only that he's no longer on this island." A sad whimper escaped from Pikachu's mouth. It became obvious that his expected reunion was going to be delayed again. Ace’s mouth opened in shock before he shouted, Pikachu’s ears collapsed in on themselves, the pokemon wincing from Ace’s outburst. As everyone turned their attention to the levitating Raichu, Ace snatched the translating collar from Pikachu’s neck and continued. “I have faced my fair share of bug-type pokemon that were sent against me. Some of them know a move called ‘Tail Glow.’ It’s like a stronger version of ‘Nasty Plot’ and it powers up special attacks temporarily to an extreme level.” At the group’s blank expressions, he added, “I believe that’s the same move this super powerful Ultra Beast used, explaining how he was able to take out so many pokemon at once.” “That would also explain why the ‘Discharge’ it used was so powerful,” Tapu said in a sorrowful tone. Ace gulped before muttering, “So let me get this straight. This Ultra Beast is way bigger than others and is probably ancient, meaning it is among the most powerful of its kind.” Ace tapped his forepaws. “It is surrounded by an aura that boosts its power.” Another tap. “It seems to be very aggressive and merciless.” Another tap. “It knows the move ‘Tail Glow’ which boosts its special attacks.” Another tap. “It can use ‘Discharge,’ which hits all pokemon in a wide area.” Another tap. “And each pokemon it defeats or kills, makes it temporarily stronger.” He closed with a final tap, causing the group’s heads to hang in defeat. “Correct.” “Great… just great…” Ace mumbled with a roll of his eyes. “Forget about Tapus from Alola or legendary rulers of elements from kanto or any other low tier legendary pokemon from each region.” He spread his forepaws in aggravation. “Call in Mewtwo, Ho-Oh, Palkia, Dialga or even Giratina. The size and aura alone makes that beast strong enough to defeat even the most powerful legendary pokemon in a one vs one battle, and it's a walking army slayer. Good luck beating that.” Nica tapped her chin, thinking in silence. “Why can’t we just get reinforcements?” Starlight asked. “We have a lot of strong pokemon in Equestria. Elites that belong to the pokemon master Astra and some of Emily’s veterans. I’m sure they can help us.” Ace was about to respond, but Pikachu beat him to it by seizing the translating collar for himself. “You forgot to mention Ash’s Lycanroc, Litten, and Rowlet. They’re strong! They can help too.” “Right… sureee…” Starlight fibbed before shaking her head, disregarding Pikachu’s feelings. “Actually, no. Someone needs to be honest with you about this.” The unicorn pointed at Pikachu and said firmly, “Your friends have only a few months of experience and are mediocre at best. Rowlet is lazy and sleeps the day away, Lycanroc has anger issues and frankly, needs to see a therapist and Litten is a tiny, cat that hacks up fire hairballs…” She paused, rubbing her chin. “Well… maybe I’m being a bit too harsh on Litten. He seems very eager to improve under Ninetales guidance, but I would rather put my faith in a battle-hardened pokemon like you than your friends.” The unicorn took a deep calming breath. “Astra and Emily’s pokemon have years of experience, so no doubt they possess a lot of raw power and sharpened skills. Not to mention that when facing a gigantic beast that grows stronger with each victory and can hit numerous opponents at once, we can’t risk the lives of weaker pokemon while letting him grow stronger.” Pikachu crossed his forepaws and shot Starlight a cheeky raspberry. While his trainer had a big share of strong pokemon in the past, some even stronger than himself, his current team was still small and far from competent. Ace smiled sheepishly, speaking in Starlight’s mind. About that… I fear we won’t get any reinforcements from Equestria anytime soon. “What?” Starlight stomped, turning to face the Alolan Raichu. “What?!” Huffing in aggravation, she muttered, “Let me guess, something has gone wrong with the portal.” Dash peeked into the restaurant and added, “It shrank and shrank until it was gone.” The unicorn merely shook her head. “So my portal only remains stable for a limited time. That’s… unfortunate. Good thing I prepared for this possibility.” Twilight glanced into her bag with supplies, weighing her options as she dug through the items stored inside. Nica kept staring at her own feet while rubbing her chin. Starlight shot Tapu an annoyed glare and asked, “Anything else that has gone wrong that you forgot to mention?” “Yes… there was that one issue with the first beast balls we were given…” Tapu started, but was cut off. “On second thought, I don’t want to know. We already have way too many issues at hoof as it is.” She stepped from her seat and approached Nica, poking her shoulder. “You seem deep in thought. Did you think of something? Anything?” Nica looked at Starlight and nodded. She glanced at Tapu. “It is, but make no mistake, it knows one powerful grass type move it can use to counter any ground type pokemon it come across,” Tapu warned. Nica pointed out. “And how can we defeat it?” Pikachu asked. “You heard it yourself, it can stand on an equal ground against even the most powerful legendary pokemon.” His ears drooped, his voice lacking of the usual confidence. “We are separated from our friends. What can we do on our own?” Nica looked at Pikachu with a firm stare. “Y-yes… that’s true… but I was rarely alone when fighting against them. Ash, his friends, and his pokemon fought beside me and cheered me on.” He flattened his ears against the side of his head. “And this Ultra Beast defeated four Tapu’s and pokemon that belong to Kahunas… And it even managed to kill...” Nica pointed at herself, and then at everyone gathered in the room, before pointing p at the roof where Rainbow was stationed. Pikachu tapped his forepaws together, his smile still hesitant. Nica raised her head proudly and pointed at herself. Pikachu smiled lighty, both at her praising herself and the added boost of confidence it gave him. “I suppose your logic is sound… You may even be more efficient in combat then Solgaleo, and your brother’s techniques have a lot of raw power.> Nica placed her forepaws on her hips and smiled encouragingly. She placed forepaw on Pikachu’s shoulder. “You’re absolutely right.” Pikachu smiled and clenched his forepaws in determination before punching the air. “Bring them on!” Nica stood on the tips of her rear paws and pointed at Twilight and Starlight. She pointed at Ace. Ace said. He smiled at Pikachu and pointed at his collar. Pikachu nodded, giving him the translating collar. Ace pointed at Tapu and said, “I believe the guardian should keep his distance. Not only is he in no condition to fight, but we don’t want ‘Electric Terrain’ to be summoned anywhere near that Ultra Beast. I would prefer its giant discharges to not lay waste to half of the island, thank you very much.” Tapu groaned in aggravation. “As much as I hate to admit it, Ace is correct. But if these ponies’ mystical force can indeed empower you all, you may actually win.” “Excuse me,” Twilight coughed, catching everyone’s attention. “Can some pokemon translate what Nica said? I fear I’m missing a big portion of the plan.” She stepped onto the floor, before looking down at her own hooves. “Has anyone felt that?” Starlight stood up and looked at the floor. “I felt a weak trembling.” Nica jumped from the dining table and started tapping at the floor. “Girls!” Dash shouted while peeking into the restaurant from the higher ground. “You should totally see this!” Ace levitated towards the roof with Pikachu perched on his tail. Twilight left her notes and quill before flying onto the roof with slow flaps of her wings, as to not disturb the papers lying on the table. Starlight arrived at the roof with the help of a quick teleportation. Nica jumped towards the roof with a weak leap. Tapu flew towards the roof, joining the gathered group. Twilight’s eyes become wide and her wings drooped. Starlight gulped as sweat fell down her face. Ace and Pikachu’s jaws and ears drooped. Dash kept staring with a firm glare, putting on a war-face in an attempt to hide any sign of fear. Nica looked at the rest of the group in worry. Their attention was now focused on a titanic being on top of the mountain. Twilight examined the topography. It quickly became obvious to her that the city was built at the edge of a mountain, which was completely swamped by a sea of trees. One kilometer height, give or take a hundred meters. A few odd areas made of crushed trees caught her attention, while the top of the mountain was bare and devoid of life, no doubt a result of the fight between the Tapus and the Ultra Beast. She gazed up, spotting the hunched over Ultra Beast at the top of the mountain. Gasping, she watched as it rose to its full height. Its head was similar to a 3-D white, star and it seemed to have a bunch of cables attached to it. The cords snaked down and formed legs, arms and a tail, that were held together by white bands, each taller than a skyscraper. No, taller than that. Sweet Celestia, this creature is over a hundred meters tall… It’s even bigger than an Ursa Major! We’re royally screwed. She couldn’t help but think back to the Ursa Minor she barely managed to subdue, when she first moved to Ponyville. If I couldn’t even take care of a creature like that with ease, what chance to I have against a massive threat like this? I can’t be the weak link, the creatures of this world need me! Taking deep breaths, she calmed herself. No. That was years ago, when I was fresh out of Celestia’s school. I’ve learned and grown stronger, even managing to defeat Tirek and Discord. Her wings fluttered at her sides. I’ve earned my place as an alicorn and a princess and with my friends by my side, I know… She froze, when she recalled she was alone. There was no Applejack, no Pinkie, no Rarity, and no Fluttershy by her side. Even Rainbow Dash was busy fluttering around behind her, eyes locked on the massive creature before them. Her wings began to droop until she really observed her surroundings and spotted the creatures’ around her. She had the kind and ever loving Nica, who wouldn’t hurt a fly along with her eager brother. She had Pikachu, determined to never give up and the mysterious guardian, who was willing to point them in the right direction. Even Starlight and Rainbow Dash were still here, right by her side. Even if they weren’t her first, she still had friends that would work with her until the end. She grinned, until a massive tremor shook her out of her daydreaming. The gigantic creature took its first step down the mountain after half a minute, crushing several trees with a single stomp. Twilight’s ears drooped while sweat fell down her face. There’s no way I can open another portal before it reaches us. She gulped while her face began to show signs of the panic she was working so hard to restrain. She turned around and pressed her muzzle against Ace’s nose. “If Nica’s plan can get us out of this mess, translate it to me immediately!” Pikachu closed his eyes, mentally preparing himself for the empowering rush of magic. The last time I was enhanced with magic, it was meant to help me fight Nica on an equal footing, but this time it will be different. He felt Nica’s bigger left forepaw wrap around his right paw and give a loving squeeze as they held each other, both seeking comfort, trust and courage in the other’s company. This time I will fight alongside her, facing what seems to be the greatest and largest challenge of my life. Peeking open his eyes, he snuck a glance to the side, smiling at Nica’s determined expression. Thank goodness Nica’s on my side. He felt Ace’s forepaw hold his left paw with a way stronger grip. Feeling his tight hold alone told him that Nica’s brother was scared, not looking forward to the battle ahead. Ace is certainly less brave and experienced than Nica and I, often relying on terrain and type advantages in battle. Even with that though, he’s nice, creative and fun to be around. I trust he’ll pull his weight. In fact, he has what it takes to do the greatest damage to the Ultra Beast of all of us. Pikachu grit his teeth and his ears drooped as the two ponies magic rushed over him. He tightened his grip over the forepaws of the two friendly Raichu while the spell bolted through him, sending an exhilarating spark through his blood and bones. As the magic was established, he opened his eyes and smiled, once again feeling a great sense of strength as his body was coated by a mix of a blue and lavender aura. Turning his determined gaze to the forest before him, he watched the gigantic creature stalk towards the city, only a few steps away as it neared its destination. The earth trembled from the beast’s massive steps. Feeling something poke his right leg, Pikachu looked down and noticed a cracked brick which fell from a nearby damaged building. Curious, he raised his rear leg before descending his tiny foot against the brick, crushing it with a single stomp. Yep, way stronger. Pikachu glanced to both sides, nodding at the befriended Raichu who were coated in a layer of the magical aura as well. He released their forepaws and said, “I have trust in your plan, Nica. It will be hard, but we’ll overcome it, together!” He stepped onto a free space on Ace’s tail, who in turn grabbed Nica by wrapping his paws around her belly. “Let’s do this!”