//------------------------------// // Z-Crystal Search // Story: My Little Pokémon // by Amarvax //------------------------------// Alola. Melemele Island. Afternoon. Currently, a bit of a Z-Crystal hunt is occurring. Half are staying behind to work on their poses while the other half get ready to venture across Alola to find the crystals of their own choice. Granted, Alola is a large region like most other regions so getting to their destinations, mainly cities, is going to take a while. The lesson might end before they can even find some. Luckily, that's where Poke Rides can come in. And Roxanne decided to introduce them to the ponies who decided to go for the crystals instead of staying behind to continue posing. And the rides could be found waiting at the end of Melemele Meadow. "Here we are." Roxanne introduced them to the Poke Ride. "The Ride Pokemon that will get you anywhere. There's the Tauros, Stoutland, Lapras, Charizard, Mudsdale, Sharpedo and Machamp. The best ride Pokemon Alola has to offer and then some." "Just them?" Rarity asked. "Well...there are others such as Metang, Garchomp and Wailmer. But these are the most commonly used. Plus, they can help out with certain tasks. Stoutland's amazing sense of smell can help find hidden items without issue and Mudsdale can help you run across rocky terrain. They have their unique strengths. "Stoutland!" "But...if any of you have your own Pokemon that can carry you to places, you can gladly use them if you wish." "With Pheromosa, getting around won't be an issue whatsoever." Rarity sent out her Pheromosa, knowing that her speed would help greatly in this. "Pheromosa!" "Good luck to you all. Remember, you can ask the residents of Alola for help on where the crystals are. I'll decide to lend my own guide. For those who want the Firium Z, head to Konikoni city and ask. You have at least 2 hours to find these crystals. If you don't that's fine. There's always next time. Some of you can even come to Alola in your free time and try again." "Thank you." Twilight and her Espeon went up to the Charizard. But first, everyone was instructed to wear some protective gear for the ride. Originally built for humans, they had made some for ponies over the past months. Everyone was suited up, getting on Poke Rides they chose to travel on. Applejack chose to be carried by a Machamp, Rarity was just going to use her Pheromosa, Fluttershy and her Pokemon would be taken by a Lapras, Starlight and the Crusaders would choose Stoutland while the rest chose Tauros and the remaining Pokemon. "Mew!" Pinkie Pie's Mew actually decided to do his own thing. By using his transformative abilities, the New Species Pokemon transformed into a Garchomp to carry Pinkie Pie. "Garchomp!" "Oh!" Pinkie hopped on Mew's back. "Nice thinking, Mew!" "Garchomp!" "Amazing..." Roxanne was still impressed at the fact that Mew was really here and couldn't stop being stunned. Ahem!" Remember. 2 Hours." Roxanne tapped on her wrist. "We know." Twilight put the rest of the gear on before hopping onto Charizard's back. "You don't have to worry. We'll get those crystals in no time." "Espeon." "Charizard!" Half of the students onto their respective Poke Rides while some just used their own Pokemon to travel. They remembered that the most common place they could find Z Crystals were the cities or even the towns. Some of the landmarks could work as Totem Pokemon could be found there as well. With that, they all took off, leaving towards different parts of Alola as some decided to stick in groups due to them wanting the same Z-Crystal. The people of Alola would also be kind enough to give them directions too. Canterlot Gardens, afternoon. But, back at Canterlot, a different kind of story was occurring. One of Legendary proportions. Just now, after using various healing methods on the Vast White Pokemon, Celestia and all the other Pokemon at Canterlot Gardens had witnessed the awakening of Reshiram. With one eye-opening, revealing its beautiful azure gaze, the Dragon of Truth had awoken, staring at the alicorn and Pokemon in front of it. "Oh!" Celestia gasped as she stepped back along with all the Pokemon. Reshiram's eye was mostly locked onto Celestia only. And for good reason. Passion and Arcanine stayed on alert while all the Pokemon hid behind Celestia and her own Pokemon. However, despite its instant gaze on the Sun Princess and its fellow Pocket Monsters, Reshiram was still laying on the ground. It didn't get or even ascend to fly. It just laid there, looking at them. It wasn't as if Reshiram didn't want to get up, it physically couldn't. The Vast White Pokemon was in a worse condition than expected. And then, just as everything calmed down when Reshiram awoke, doing barely anything but staring at everyone, he suddenly spoke to them. "All of you. Thank you." "Eh?" Celestia froze after hearing the Dragon of Truth speak. From his mind at least "Y-You can talk?! No wait...this is telepathy..." "Gardevoir?" "Reshiram, right? Are you alright now? Can you move?" Celestia asked the Vast White Pokemon. "Sadly no. I'm afraid that my body refuses to move anymore." Reshiram then looked at his wings. "My wings are unresponsive. Even my tail is completely motionless. The best I can do is move my eyes." "I didn't know you were in such a condition...I thought you had just merely fainted." "Fainting would just be a minor detail in what truly happened to me. When under Ghetsis' possession. But that is no longer the case now that I'm free from their control." "Minor detail? What happened?" "From my own world. Ghetsis arrived and captured me whilst destroying the trainer I had chosen. After that, I had been subjugated to horrible tests from their kingdom. Tests that involved pushing my own body to its limits. And the same can be said for the other Pokemon that have been captured. Even other Reshiram from different worlds." "They've been experimenting on Pokemon?!" Celestia gasped before looking down in shock. "And we were only able to retrieve two Pokemon..." "But even so...I greatly thank you for rescuing, freeing and driving me away from them. I would have followed Ghetsis' truth soon if it wasn't for one of your subjects. And my own health would have deteriorated if you hadn't healed me. All of you. Princess Celestia, was it?" "O-Oh. Yes! You're welcome." Celestia smiled. "I was a bit hesitant and worried at first when sending you out of the Poke Ball but seeing you faint...I really couldn't resist helping. All of us really." "I appreciate your assistance. Unfortunately, there's not much that can be done for me as of now. The rest of my body needs to finish re-adjusting properly if I am to move again. Due to what I've been through, this will take days upon days most likely. But...after being at that lab...Rest is something I've been longing for." "Then I should probably leave you alone for now," Celestia said as she turned around, ready to give Reshiram some privacy. But before that, along came Premium Polish who was obviously curious about the giant Dragon just resting on Canterlot Gardens. She was also here with her foal friends that she managed to make in Canterlot. "Princess Celestia!" Premium cried out as she ran over here with her Pokemon and friends. "Hm? Premium?" "Woah!" Premium almost fell over with how fast she was running as she came to a screeching halt in front of the Sun Princess AKA her temporary caretaker. "Sorry! We just had to come out and see this!" "See this?" Celestia turned to face Reshiram. "You mean Reshiram?" "Mhm!" The little unicorn nodded. "I saw it show up when looking out the window in my room. It was pretty scary at first since it was so big but after a few seconds I saw how cute it looked!" "Cute?" Reshiram's eyes squinted after hearing that. He's not used to being called cute. Actually, he's never been called cute before. The same can be said for the rest of the Reshiram out there. Probably. Maybe. "Oh. You're all not afraid of Reshiram?" "Nope! Plus its colour makes it look pretty!" A filly exclaimed. "Pretty?" "Did you just catch it today, Princess?" "Hm? Oh, no. This isn't my Pokemon. Or anyone's Pokemon anymore. Reshiram is just a free Pokemon under no one's care. Right now, he's just resting here for now." "Ooh." Premium went up to the Vast White Pokemon. "Premium. We should give him some space to rest and-" "It's fine." Reshiram interrupted. "I don't need interruptions for recovery to be slowed down. The only thing that would slow it down would be other forms of energy interacting with me. My recovery needs to be natural for my full strength to return." "Ah." Celestia nodded. "Then in that case!" Premium teleported towards Reshiram. "Can we do your mane and makeup?" She and the fillies asked with innocent smiles and faces. "No." "Are you strong enough to stop us?" Premium smirked. "...No." The Vast White Pokemon sighed, knowing that he was currently weak to stop anyone right now. "Yay!" They all cheered as they immediately got to work, already having the necessary items to decorate Reshiram. Almost as if they pre-planned this. "We're gonna make you prettier!" "Well then...I-I'll leave you to it, Reshiram. I have important matters to attend to regarding the incoming invasion. Will you be alright?" "I will. All I need is to rebuild my Infinity Energy." Reshiram replied while his face was being shifted by little ponies. Reshiram was now a temporary visitor at Canterlot with a motionless body and only his telepathic mind. Celestia left as the little ponies took everything from here. Reshiram was thankful to Celestia for helping wake him up along with the other Pokemon that came to visit Canterlot Garden. However, the Vast White Pokemon knew that a bad omen was still lurking. Ghetsis and Team Plasma still had other Pokemon captured and being experimented on at this very moment. Alola. Konikoni City. Afternoon. Konikoni City. A coastal city that welcomes the sea breeze. The large gateway at the entrance gives a unique impression. This is a city of merchants, where a plethora of shops can be found. Only exclusive to Alola. Fluttershy and Scootaloo were the ones who came here since they were both searching for the Firium Z. Originally, Fluttershy was aiming for the Grassium Z for Chikorita but since Scorbunny was so eager to learn Z-Moves, she changed it up. After arriving here on Lapras, Fluttershy, Scootaloo and their Pokemon got off the back of the Transport Pokemon. Now, Lapras would just wait here until they got back. "Thank you, Lapras." Fluttershy thanked the Water-Ice-Type. "Lapras." "Firium Z here we come!" Scootaloo hopped onto the back of her Ponyta for a ride. "Ponyta!" "Scor! Scorbunny!" Scorbunny jumped up and down, eager to find the Z-Crystal as he ran ahead of Fluttershy. "Let's see...Where to start?" Fluttershy looked around before spotting a nearby resident of the city walking by. "Oh! Excuse me!" "Hm?" The man turned to face the pegasus. "Do you know where we can find the Firium Z? We're currently searching for Z-Crystals at the moment. And it'd be a great help if we were given someplace to look." "Yeah!" Scootaloo dashed over to Fluttershy's side. "Firium Z, huh? Hm...Do you both want it?" The man asked. "Mhm." The two pegasi nodded. "Well, you could always go see the Island Kahuna Olivia. She's mainly a Rock-Specialist but she knows where to get Firium Z. One or two. Unless you want the Rockium Z instead." "No. Just the Firium Z. Where can we find Olivia?" Fluttershy questioned. "You can try and find her just over there. She owns a jewellery shop just up ahead at the city's crossroads." The man pointed at the crossroads in the distance with a shop sitting in front it." "Got it. Thank you, mister!" Scootaloo thanked him as she and Ponyta immediately got a move on. Olivia and other Kahunas certainly own crystals of their respective type but they also know about other crystals and their whereabouts. Some may not necessarily possess it with them though. When walking through Konikoni City while heading towards the jewellery shop, Fluttershy and Scootaloo took the time to admire the sight of this gorgeous city and Alola itself. Coming to Alola always feels like they're on vacation and an absolute treat. They could see various Trainers and their Pokemon chowing down on some Alolan meals at the local restaurant. The sight of these meals made Scootaloo's stomach growl as she felt like stopping by for a quick bite. Until she saw the prices and realized she couldn't afford them. At least not yet. Trainers were also dressing up at the Salon and styling their hair at the salon, wearing clothing apparels that resembled certain Pokemon Types. They were all just having the time of their lives. There wasn't too much the residents of Alola or any part of the Pokemon world needed to worry about. The same couldn't be said for the other world and Equestria, which was on the verge of having an invasion soon. But aside from that, Fluttershy and Scootaloo arrived at the jewellery shop. The large title on top also gave it away. The sign here also showed that they sell Evolution Stones and fossils for those with any Eevee or other stone-related Pokemon. "Here we are," Fluttershy said as she knocked on the door with her hoof. "COMING!" A bellowing roar came from the shop, loud enough to startle them as the entire building shook. Then, sounds of furniture being knocked over and heavy footsteps could be heard within the shop. The two pegasi and their Pokemon looked at each other, wondering what was happening inside. "Um..." Scootaloo scrunched her face. "HOLD ON!" More booming sounds came from the building as whoever was inside was starting to approach with the noises getting closer. Just then, the door had finally opened up as all that chaotic rabble and noise had come to an end. Now there was just little sounds with the sound of the door creaking and a bell going off. And the one who opened the door was the Island Kahuna Olivia herself. Currently, not in the best condition with how messy her hair and makeup were. Along with her clothes. "Sorry...Can I help you?" Olivia breathed in and out. "Oh um...Are you okay?" Fluttershy asked. "Ah, I'm fine." Olivia laughed awkwardly. "Just a few mishaps in the afternoon that's all. Uh, did you need something from my shop?" "Well...We came here because we were told you know about the Firium Z Crystal. We're going through a Z-Move lesson and we came straight from the Pokemon School." Fluttershy explained. "For both of us." "The Firium Z?" Olivia had droopy eyes after responding to that. Her brain was just processing it. "Oh, right the Firium Z. Yes, I know of it. I'm mainly a Rock-Type specialist but I do also cover the Firium Z Crystal as well." "So you're a Dual type Kahuna?" Scootaloo questioned. "No, no. See, Alola has very limited Trial captains. We haven't exactly found other potential Trial captains yet to cover the other types. But one day, we'll cover all of them but for the time being...they're all sparse." "So...is the Firium Z in here?" Scootaloo asked. "Oh yes. I have it. But I can't give it out so easily." Olivia shook her head, making Scootaloo groan. "You'll have to clear the Island Trial to earn it from me." "We can do that." Fluttershy walked up to Olivia. "We'll take the Island Trial. Where is it?" "Wela Volcano Park." Olivia pointed west from here. "That's where you'll find the trial. And where the Totem Pokemon will be waiting for you. You do know about the Totem Pokemon, right?" "Yeah. Our teachers told us." Scootaloo nodded in confirmation. "Wait uh...We're both doing the trial. Do we have to take turns?" "Take turns? Hm..." Olivia pondered for a bit. "Well...Totem Pokemon are incredibly powerful and difficult to battle or even defeat. And they do call allies in battle...And two trainers taking on the trial isn't anything new. So...if you want, you can both battle the Totem Pokemon together." "A Double Battle? That sounds good!" Scootaloo exclaimed. "Be careful though. Wela Volcano Park has unforgiving heat and steep paths. Almost an entire wasteland." Olivia warned them. "We will." Fluttershy turned around with Scootaloo, ready to head off to Wela Volcano Park. "We can probably make it there before the lesson ends. There's still time anyway. Thank you, Olivia." "Aha..." Olivia gave a thumbs up while adjusting her rugged hair. "Good luck on your Island Trial." She then waved goodbye to them before heading back into her building at breakneck speeds. Once she re-entered and closed the door, the building began shaking as Olivia was in a rush once more, doing who-knows-what. Meanwhile at Melemele Meadow. "Done!" Rainbow Dash had just finished practising the Z-Pose for the Fightium Z. "Hah! That was way easier than the Electric one." Other ponies had just finished their posing exercises and were ready to leave to find the crystals. Some had already left and taken Poke Rides to various cities and towns in Alola. "Hoh? If you're done, then I assume you're ready to take on the task of receiving the Fightium Z?" Hala spoke. "Sure am!" Rainbow Dash picked up her Mienfoo. "Mienfoo!" "Then in that case...If you want the Fightium Z, you can either choose to head out and find it across Alola..." Hala then stomped his leg. "Or challenge me for it." "I made up my mind. I think I'm gonna challenge you for it instead." Rainbow Dash decided. "Mien." "Then so be it, Rainbow Dash." Hala crossed his arms. "We shall have a Grand Trial Battle to see if you are ready to truly utilize the power of Alola." "First Grand Trial. Feeling psyched?" Ash asked. "You bet I am." Rainbow Dash replied with equal excitement. "When I get that crystal, wait till everypony hears about this." "Now then. Rainbow Dash. I need you to come with me to the Altar in the Ruins of Conflict. For your Grand Trial to truly begin." Hala turned around. "We must pray first before battling. It's just up ahead." "Huh? O-Okay!" Rainbow Dash understood as she followed Hala. "Come on, Mienfoo." "Foo." "Aren't you gonna try and battle for that Fightium Z?" Roxie asked Brawly. "Nah. I think I'm good. My first time battling for it didn't go so well anyway..." "No shame in trying it again though, huh, big guy?" Roxie laughed, giving Brawly a powerful nudge to the stomach. "You're way stronger than before!" "Ough!" Brawly held his stomach after that nudge. "Y-Yeah...Probably..." Later on, Hala had taken Rainbow Dash to the nearby altar for preparation as she was ordered to sit down and let herself focus on this prayer for Alola. Hala also had his Hariyama out to pray with him. Rainbow Dash and her Mienfoo would also follow Hala's words. "Today I will carry out a Grand Trial Battle against the challenger Rainbow Dash. The Guardian Deity of conflict, Tapu Koko...Please bestow upon us the power of the Alolan Islands." Hala said. "Tapu Koko...Please watch over my Grand Trial Battle with Hala." Rainbow Dash also prayed. They sat there for a while as the wind gently blew in their direction, responding to their prayers. Rainbow Dash wasn't sure if Tapu Koko was actually hearing them as of now. "Okay. We're done here." Hala sat up. "Wait. That's it?" Rainbow Dash looked up at the Kahuna. "Mhm. Short and simple, isn't it?" "I guess so...So we're gonna battle now?" "Most certainly. I can tell you don't prefer to waste any time, do you?" "Sure don't!" Rainbow Dash stood up. "Let's get this started!" "Hm. Follow me. I hope you've truly mastered the pose." Hala walked out of the altar and ruins with Rainbow Dash. "The whole thing. I've got it all down during practice so it'll be a cinch." "Mien." "By the way...do you think Tapu Koko actually heard us?" Rainbow asked. "Tapu Koko is a fickle Guardian Deity. But, it most certainly responded to our prayer and our upcoming battle. It'll be a momentous one." Hala nodded in agreement as he and Rainbow Dash had returned to the Meadows where everyone else was still there. "Ready to go?" Ash walked up to Rainbow Dash. "Pika?" "Ready." The pegasus replied. "You may only use two Pokemon for this battle, Rainbow Dash. Now, then let's not waste any time." Hala and Hariyama walked to the side, away from Rainbow Dash, standing to the left and opposite from her. There was a nice small battlefield here in the meadow. "Oh! Right! Let's go, Mienfoo!" Rainbow Dash quickly flew to the right side with Mienfoo following her. "Mienfoo!" Once both Trainers stood on opposite sides of the small battlefield, Brawly chose to be the referee of this whole trial, standing in between them. As for some of the students, they were already leaving. A shame they wouldn't have the chance to witness this battle. But a few would get to see it. Ash and Roxanne sat down to see this battle while the rest of the teachers and remaining students stayed by, sitting down as well on the grass. "The Island Challenger Rainbow Dash's Grand Trial battle with the Melemele Island Kahuna Hala will now begin!" Brawly declared. "Good luck!" Both Rainbow Dash and Hala said to each other. "I'll start small. Can you wait a bit, Mienfoo?" Rainbow Dash requested. "Foo!" Mienfoo crossed her arms as she could most certainly wait her turn. "Then in that case...Castform, I choose you!" "Castform!" The Weather Pokemon flew out of Rainbow Dash's saddlebag, ready to go. Once he came out, the beautiful and bright golden sun of Alola interacted with his cells, transforming the Normal-Type into his Fire-Type Sunny Form. "Cast!" "You seem highly experienced...so I won't need to hold back! Come on out, Crabominable!" Hala sent out his own Pokemon from its Poke Ball. "Crabominable!" "What is that?" Rainbow pulled her Pokedex out for this. "Crobominable. The Woolly Crab Pokemon. It aimed for the top but got lost and ended up on a snowy mountain. Being forced to endure the cold, this Pokémon evolved and grew fur. It just throws punches indiscriminately. In times of desperation, it can lop off its own pincers and fire them like rockets. It stores coldness in its pincers and pummels its foes. It can even smash thick walls of ice to bits! Before it stops to think, it just starts pummeling. There are records of its turning back avalanches with a flurry of punches." "Alright." She then put her Pokedex away while grinning at her opponent. "Just you watch! That Z-Crystal is mine!" The battle between Rainbow Dash and Hala was about to commence. And at the same time, everyone else is searching for the rest of the Z-Crystals across the beautiful region of Alola. 2 hours still remain before the lesson ends so time is of the essence as the journey continues. Chapter 418 End.