Alola. Mount Hokulani. Afternoon.
Tobias had shown up before Twilight Sparkle and Applejack. During their search for Z-Crystals, they had come across this mysterious trainer who had once battled Ash years ago. Certainly a surprise, especially for Applejack, who has now had two surprises today. One with Tapu Fini and now Tobias.
"Hm...You're a lot shorter than I expected..." Tobias observed the ponies, seeing that they only barely got past his knee. It blew him back a bit.
"Your world just has bigger species, that's all." Twilight shrugged. "Besides, I'm slightly taller since I'm an alicorn."
"Are you sure about that?" Applejack had high doubts as she stood side-by-side with Twilight. Applejack was surprised as Twilight was indeed one inch taller. "Woah Nelly, you're right..."
"I'll be taller than Shining Armor soon!" Twilight grinned while also having a smug expression. She could see herself towering over Shining Armor one day and she couldn't wait to rub it in. "I guess I do have to thank the Empress for showing me my future height. So, Tobias, is it? The lady back at Malie Garden mentioned you in descriptive words only. Do you actually have a Darkrai?"
"Darkrai? Darkrai?!" Applejack gasped. Darkrai was a fairly big name as it was already a popular Pokemon back at Equestria since Luna owns one.
"That's right. But don't worry about that. It's not too big of a deal, is it?"
"Well, uh, we've only ever seen one Darkrai. But I guess we've seen him around to get used to it." Twilight laughed. Seeing Luna's Darkrai as the only Darkrai made it so that the Pitch Black Pokemon was a regular sight. But there was certainly a rarity to the Darkrai species even still. "Wait...if you went for the Darkium Z, you probably gave it to your Darkrai."
"And soon the others. I came here to Alola to live Z-Crystals to all of my Pokemon. Not just one. I currently have three at my disposal. Did you all come here for just one?"
"Ah, we've been here before." Applejack spoke."It's our first time getting Z-Crystals. But I wasn't thinking of getting two..."
"I was. I already have one for my Espeon and I think I'd like another for some of my Pokemon."
"Are you sure you don't want more for your hundreds of Pokemon?" Tobias asked.
"Oh. You know about my PokePark?"
"I told you. You have become legends somewhat in this world. At least, in my eyes. Your popularity definitely leads to some exposure to certain things. You own hundreds of Pokemon over at PokePark. All eligible for battle."
"That's right. But um...I haven't battled with any of them." Twilight chuckled. "Just Bisharp a few times and only once with Dewott. There are just so many of them."
"Can't bring yourself to leave anyone of them behind, huh?" Applejack nodded.
"Mhm. For all I know, I'm missing out on some battling prodigies. But giving them all Z-Crystals though...Sounds overwhelming. And a lot of posing needed for that, don't you think, Tobias?"
"Perhaps you're right. I just find Z-Crystals so important." Tobias suddenly took out the Darkium Z, holding it out in Twilight and Applejack's faces. "Moreso than even Mega Stones.2
"Really? How come?" Twilight asked.
"You're also a new Pokemon Professor and an avid researcher on all things Pokemon, right? Well, here's something new for you to look into. Z-Crystals are connected to Arceus."
"They are?! Arceus?!" This blew Twilight, Applejack and their Pokemon back. Anything involving Arceus was already something to pay attention to. But the connection of Z-Crystals and Arceus was a concept that would've never come to them.
"Some would think that should be obvious. Everything comes from Arceus. Well, at least those who believe in Arceus as more than just a myth. But during my travels, I discovered that these Z-Crystals are similar to how the fabled plates of Arceus work. They react differently to how they would with a normal Pokemon."
"So..." Twilight held her hoof out, looking at the Psychium Z while Applejack looked at the Groundium Z. "These crystals are just like Arceus' plates."
"What plates?" This was new to Applejack. She had never heard about any plates involving Arceus.
"Ah, that's right. You and many others don't know. Well, when I was learning about the Pokemon World, got little information about Arceus. There isn't that much information about him anyway, but I did learn about his plates. 17 of them. Each of them corresponds to all of the Pokemon-Types, minus the Normal-Type. With those plates, I believe that Arceus can become any type he wants."
"Any?!" Now that Applejack was made aware of the plates and what they could do to Arceus, her amazement had been elevated.
"And these crystals act in the same way?" Twilight raised the Psychium Z with her magic. "Oooh..." Twilight's eyes immediately sparkled. After taking some time to process all of this thanks to what Tobias had shared, her curiosity had reached an intense state that only she could contain. "I need to know more..."
"Not much else to know." Tobias turned around. "At least, there isn't much we know about these crystals. Even me. I still can't figure out who made them. It could be Arceus or some other force related to Arceus. You never know."
"All the more reason to know!" Twilight exclaimed. "This means we're channelling the power of Arceus into this. And Arceus has to have made these. If these are connected to Arceus' plates, then these are probably pieces of them."
"Like seeds from an apple." Applejack made the best analogy she could think of for these crystals.
"Right on, AJ. You had a great idea in suggesting that we go for more crystals to Tobias. I'm going to grab as many as I can. And once I take all of them home, I can get to understand these crystals some more."
"You might be too late for that," Tobias smirked before pointing his thumb over his shoulder. Twilight and Applejack poked their heads to the side, seeing where Tobias was pointing to. Their eyes widened as Applejack's hat flew off.
Thanks to Mount Hokulani having some Z-Crystals, many of the ponies here had managed to grab the crystals for themselves. And if their Pokemon couldn't use that crystal for typing or move reasons, they would simply trade with their fellow students for an easier time.
"Apologies. Our conversation seems to have drawn out for a while." Tobias said.
"All those Z-Crystals." Twilight lowered her head in disappointment. Her interest in the crystals led to the other crystals being taken already.
"You'll get another chance, Twilight." Applejack patted her on the back, comforting her friend.
"And that chance can come sooner than you think." But Tobias managed to spark some hope in Twilight. "Don't give up now. You have another chance to find some more Z-Crystals. During my search, Mount Hokulani wasn't the only place I learned about a few Z-Crystals lying about. There is another."
"Really?! Where?!" Twilight bellowed, standing upright and tall.
"You're on Ula'Ula Island right now. Another location on this island is Blush Mountain. That is where a few more Z-Crystals are said to be found. I'll pass this information to you alone so as to not alert the others."
"Blush Mountain. Got it. Are you coming Applejack?"
"Sure am, Twilight. Might have to get Apple Bloom first."
"I know the way. Follow me." Tobias would be the one to lead them, albeit with some discreet movements in case someone chose to follow them. It was off to Blush Mountain for a few more Z-Crystals.
Hau'Oli City. Afternoon.
Back at Hau'oli, while everyone else was off searching for Z-Crystals, the teachers chose to relax. Mainly Roxanne who still felt the effects of the Cosmos event after her body had been possessed.
Brawly enjoyed his time by surfing the waves over at this city's Beachfront. Roxanne sat on a chair, staring at the vast expanse of the sea while Brawly was having the time of his life. She looked less ecstatic than Brawly with an exhausted expression. She even felt like falling asleep. However, some of the water that Brawly managed to kick up got on her face, waking the Rock-Type specialist up.
Fantina meanwhile, had come out of the city's Gracidea shop, holding some Gracidea Flowers which she had already used on herself, turning them into an accessory for hair. She went over to Roxanne, placing one on her head for some flair.
"Enjoying yourself?" Fantina asked.
"Not really. I mean...the sea is nice to look at. And these flowers are nice as well but...I feel as if there's something in me that's making me feel so drab." Roxanne lowered her head. "She couldn't quite figure out why she was acting like this.
"Hmm...It could be that a part of Cosmos is still affecting, you, non?"
"Gah! Are you serious?!" Roxanne gasped as she was fully awake from that. That was the most energy she showed today at all.
"Kidding." Fantina chuckled, playing it off as a joke. Roxanne slumped on her chair as her heart had skipped a few beats from that. "But, it still might have something to do with her. "You should've truly stayed home today, Roxanne. And even tomorrow and the day before that, don't you think?"
"My duty as a Pokemon Teacher though...I've never wasted it not once, nor never."
"Oh, forget about that. Your health matters more than some role. Even as a Gym Leader. I understand you're dedicated to what you do. But there is no shame in skipping out. When I was young, I used to skip out on some contests myself."
"You did? You?" Roxanne gasped. "But you're such an expert at them. A real Top Coordinator."
"Oui. But I didn't become that way without overcoming a few things. As a child, I was so terribly nervous to stand in front of a large crowd. Stage fright is what I had. I would always practice contest moves back at my home and when the time came for me to take part in my first contest, I was nowhere to be seen. But, later on, I managed to overcome it and grow into the éblouissant coordinator you see today."
"Oooh..."
"And if I happened to be sick, I was not present. Not every great trainer, coordinator or any other status is flawless, Roxanne. Everyone has had some slip-ups in their life. It happens to the best of us and that is perfectly fine. Unless you're Leon then there is no off-day." Fantina laughed.
"Wow. Thank you, Fantina. I guess I needed that. Taking some days off wouldn't hurt at all...It's a new concept to me. But I guess it isn't to Roxie."
"Enjoy your days off!" Fantina patted Roxanne on the back. "We will handle things from here on out!"
"Ow, my back..." Roxanne twitched from the back pat as she was even feeling the effects there.
"Oooh. Désolé."
Blush Mountain.
Blush Mountain. The mountain where the Geothermal Power Plant is situated. Also known for the output that covers almost all of Ula'ula Island's electric needs. But slightly away from that spot were some hills that were flowing with electricity.
Tobias, Twilight, Applejack and now Apple Bloom had shown up to these hills that were just near the outskirts of the mountain. The Z-Crystals were now out in the open. Instead, their trip led them to a cave within the mountains, away from the power plant.
Entering the cave within the mountains, they had the chance to see all the sparks that permeated this specific part of Alola. Most likely, the power plant was influencing this sudden flare of electricity running through the walls. Thankfully, they didn't touch the ground as that would be a struggle to walk through.
The Pokemon here all either thrived off of the electricity or were immune. A bunch of Geodude were asleep while the electricity covered their bodies. Charjabug and Elekid felt themselves being refreshed by lounging around this electrical frenzy. The Mudbray casually walked around, passing through the volts.
However, there was something else that neither of these Pokemon could face. When moving deeper into the cave and passing by the Pokemon that lived here, they could feel a rising heat. This wasn't the Alola Sun and the heat that it brings along. It was something else.
"Hoh...Is it getting hotter all of a sudden?" Applejack took off her hat, using it to fan herself.
"It is...Maybe it's the fact that we're getting deeper into this cave." Twilight sighed as she was starting to feel the heat as well.
"It's something else. The electricity here over the years has made one unique transformation." Tobias replied. "They say that lightning is hotter than the surface of the Sun and that heat is starting to show itself. Which means, we're close to the Z-Crystal."
"How are you so sure, mister?" Apple Bloom asked as she was slowing down from this heat.
"I have been here before. Just two years ago. But it was before I learned of the importance of Z-Crystals. Fittingly, Rift Energy is responsible for this."
"Because of course it is." Twilight sighed as Tobias revealed that Rift Energy was responsible for this sudden heat. The electricity within the cave was a victim of this cosmic energy, no doubt.
"Stand back." Tobias suddenly stopped walking as everyone stopped behind him. Right on time too as they reached seemingly the end f this pathway. Right in front of them, raging fires could be seen moving in haphazardous directions. These flames also had cosmic sparkles within them, confirming that Rift energy did indeed mess with the electricity here.
Not only that but a unique type of lightning had been discovered. Flame lightning. It exploded with the speed of lightning and the ferocity of fire, hitting the walls while also having a thundering sound to boot.
"Flame Lightning?!" Twilight was blown back as this was something to know about. "Oooh, I'm so glad I started studying this kind of magic!"
"Wait! The Z-Crystals are in there?!" Apple Bloom gasped, believing that they had to go through that fire hazard to find some of them.
"They are. But fear not. I have a Pokemon that can help us through this." Tobias held out this Poke Ball, ready to unleash one of them out. They were expecting his Darkrai, but a different Pokemon had shown up. "I need your assistance! Entei!"
Entei had arrived.
One of the Legendary Beasts. Upon emerging from Tobias' Poke Ball, Entei stood tall, not even letting out a cry or a bark. And that was for a good reason as the Pokedex would reveal it soon in the stunned eyes of Twilight, Applejack and Apple Bloom.
"What is that?!" Applejack shouted before quickly going for her Pokedex.
"Entei. The Volcano Pokemon. Entei embodies the passion of magma. This Pokémon is thought to have been born in the eruption of a volcano. It sends up massive bursts of fire that utterly consume all that they touch. It is said that when it roars, a volcano erupts somewhere around the globe."
"Entei. Clear out those flames." Tobias ordered as Entei jumped into the hazardous area. This mighty beast casually passed through the destructive fire as if it was nothing. The heat didn't even phase it once. Entei then used fire against fire, using Flamethrower.
"Wait. Won't that make it worse?" Apple Bloom questioned, seeing that this action was only prone to cause more danger.
"Sometimes, fire can be used to put out another fire. Albeit with a certain amount of risk." Twilight explained to the filly. "Crazy how nature works like that. But how do you have such a powerful Pokemon with you, Tobias? And you have a Darkrai as well?"
"I get around." Tobias smiled. "The Pokemon World is massive. Any Pokemon can be found in so many places. The possibilities are endless in what you can find. It's that reason why going on an adventure is so romanticised in our world."
"No arguments there. But it's still overwhelming for you to have two Pokemon of such rarity..." Twilight chuckled, still finding Tobias' Pokemon to be extra special.
"You have no idea, my little pony. Entei. Have you found anything yet?" Tobias asked as Entei managed to push away all of the flames, making the area clear for a moment. However, the moment they tried stepping forward, new flames had sparked up. But this time, with extra ferocity. The heat had risen as the power of the Flame Lightning had increased.
Entei looked to the size as the Flame Lightning touched it once more. However, instead of just shrugging it off, even Entei flinched from this as it moved to the side a bit. It was mainly the lightning that did the most. Entei was hit with another Flame Lightning as the abundance of flames had suddenly increased.
"Hm?! Entei!" Tobias roared, realizing something was amiss. Entei was still able to power through them and push the flames back, but they were seemingly getting more and more violent each time Entei did so. "What's this all about?"
"I think I know!" Twilight stepped forward. "It must be the Rift Energy! A common thing this kind of energy does is that it responds to whatever it's facing. Each time Entei gets rid of those flames, it comes back with a greater force than before."
Twilight was correct. The more flames Entei got rid of, the stronger the Flame Lightning became. Entei was still the superior force, but this rising intensity did not spell anything good as the Volcano Pokemon kept trying to find some stones.
"Maybe the best way to stop it is to bring all the flames onto one target. And I know just the Pokemon to help out." Twilight took out a Poke Ball with her magic, throwing it into the air. "Go, Ninetales!"
"Ninetales!"
"Ninetales! Head in there and absorb that Flame Lightning and see if you can find some Z-Crystals! Be careful of the lightning though!"
"Ninetales!" Ninetales nodded in response before rushing in, joining its fellow Fire-Type in the volatile area full of electrifying flames. The second Ninetales had entered it, his body reacted to the flames. His ability Flash Fire kicked in, pulling in the flames once they threatened to attack him.
The Fox Pokemon pulled it all into him so casually. He had once absorbed the hateful flames of an enraged draconequus. So this wasn't so bad to him. Sensing Ninetales absorbing the flames, the amount of Flame Lightning had increased, focusing on one spot as a loud burst of fire went off. Everyone squinted as Ninetales took dozens of flames that had surrounded him from all sides.
This amount of fire was enough to obliterate a building or even more. Possibly an entire time as Twilight, Applejack, Tobias and Apple Bloom's jaws dropped. Twilight trembled a bit, fearing that Ninetales had taken too much from that overwhelming amount of flames.
But, seconds later, he emerged out of them, completely fine and in one piece. Untouched and healthier from before. Ninetales panted before then running to Entei's side.
"Impressive...Usually, abilities such as Flash Fire have a limit to how many flames they can absorb."
"Wait. There's a limit?!" Twilight gasped as this was new to even her. She had no idea that abilities similar to Flash Fire that absorb certain elements had limits.
"Of course. Absorbing that much fire will eventually break the ability of Flash Fire unless a Pokemon similar to Entei possessed that ability. But it seems your Ninetales can handle it with no problem. Seems to me like you have a special Ninetales on your hooves."
"Nine! Ninetales!" Just then, Ninetales shouted out once he was close to Entei. Entei let out a head nudge as they both ended up finding Z-Crystals.
"Oh! You did it!" Twilight cheered.
"Now, return quickly," Tobias commanded. Entei ran through the destructive flames, still having the durability to take them all while Ninetales simply strolled along, taking in all of these flames with no limit to what he could absorb.
Ninetales then pounced onto Twilight, loving a good praise from her. Twilight laughed as Ninetales playfully licked her face, still showing some of those electrifying flames around his body. It even frizzed up his fur. "Ninetales! Nine!"
"Okay, Ninetales! Cut it out!"
"A job well done, Entei." Tobias held his hand out as Entei dropped the crystals into his hand. Tobias could feel the heat coming from the once they touched his palm it made him twitch a bit. He then turned to the ponies, holding it out to them. "These belong to you."
The crystals were revealed to be the Ghostium Z, Normalium and the Fairium Z. Twilight and Applejack took the stones that correlated best with their specific Pokemon. Twilight chose the Normalium and Fairium Z while Applejack went for the Ghostium Z.
"Thank you so much for this, Tobias." Twilight and Applejack paid their respects, thanking the mysterious trainer with surprising Pokemon.
"The least I can do to help new trainers. After all, everyone in your world are newer to Pokemon than even the children here. There is still a lot left for you to know. Right, professor."
"Mhm." Twilight nodded in agreement. After all, learning that these crystals were greatly connected to Arceus was another new thing that they've learned.
"Well, I have other stones I want to look for. And then, I'll be on my way from this region to the next. It was a pleasure finally meeting you. Princess Twilight Sparkle. Applejack. And you too, little one. "Say Hi to Ash for me when that chance comes."
"We sure will. But are ya gonna come to our world someday?" Applejack asked.
"I'm already planning it." Tobias walked away, looking back with a smile before then returning his Entei. "I'll be seeing you sooner than you think. Farewell."
"Sooner than we think?" Twilight repeated, wondering what Tobias meant by that. He was obviously to pointing to how they would have another encounter but the girls couldn't help but wonder under what circumstances and where it would be.
But, they quickly pushed it aside to immediately start leaving this area as the heat from this cave was still relevant. They rushed off, still being close to Tobias. But the moment they went ahead, Tobias was gone. It threw them for a loop as one second, he was walking off at a standard pace and the next he suddenly vanished.
"Strange guy..." said the Princess of Friendship. He was indeed a mysterious trainer that still left a lot to wonder about.
Hau'oli City. Late Afternoon.
"Welcome back! How did you all do?!" Fantina greeted her students once they had returned from their Z-Crystal Search. The students showed up with their fair share of crystals. And this time, unlike the first time, a lot of them managed to get some crystals.
All thanks to the people of Alola giving pointers on where to go. Some students were still missing some, unfortunately, but they had other chances in the future and even visiting the region without needing to go through a school activity. Rarity was one of those students to have not found one.
"Oh well." But she wasn't beat up by it. Mainly because she managed to obtain something of greater value in her eyes. Fashion. Rarity, her Pheromosa and her Leavanny were all carrying bags as Rarity went on a massive shopping spree over at the Shopping District and the mal as well. "Better luck next time for me. But today was not a total loss."
"I can see that." Fantina giggled as Rarity's fame as a PokeStar Studios actor allowed her to shop big with so many PokeDollars. "Now, I believe it's time we leave. But I can already predict some of you will be back soon. After all, summer is close, isn't it?"
"I'll be back here for summer too!" Apple Bloom raised her hooves. "What about you, Sweetie Belle?"
"I didn't get a crystal..." Sweetie Belle pouted until Rarity dropped a bag of goodies in front of her. "But this might cut it."
"We saw a lot today. No complaints here." Applejack said with her eyes closed. This has been the most eventful day for her. Tapu Fini. An Entei and a special cave to boot. She was a satisfied pony.
Once everyone was about to leave, Tapu Fini watched on once more from the sea, fixating on Applejack and Apple Bloom. The Land Spirit Pokemon let out a faint cry that only Applejack and Apple Bloom were allowed to hear. It was a cry of joy. Applejack's Aura went off, detecting some words from the Island Guardian. While she couldn't understand the words, she knew the feeling behind them.
"See ya later, Tapu Fini." Applejack spoke, looking at the beach. It looked like she was speaking to herself, but to the Alola Region, someone was always speaking to something. No matter what.
As the journey continues.
Chapter 804 End.