Chapter 103: Land Spirit Pokémon
~Third POV~
[Alola Region, 2 Months Later, Melemele Island, Mahalo Trail]
2 Months later, Azure finally recovered from the Spiritomb incident, purifying it. His classmates came by during that time as he gradually recovered, even with the Viridian Force, healing took time.
During that time, he trained his Pokémon as he didn't want to waste time. While training, his Kanto Trio evolved into their second-stage evolution line. Without a second thought, he wanted to go into the second trial.
However, before he could though he wanted to see the site of the Ruins of Conflict. The supposed home of Tapu Koko.
But reaching there, he marched through the Mahalo Trail. A mountainous trail that leads to the sacred ruins. The cool air up here is very soothing on the skin.
The Mahalo Trail is a narrow trail that winds upward through mountainous terrain. The trail cuts through the terrain in a switchback fashion, forming steep walls to either side. The top of these walls often rises into more cliffs and hills or grows wild with a variety of trees and bushes.
In some places, stout statues dot the sides of the trail, with some statues positioned atop the walls of the trail as well. It leads to the Plank Bridge, a wooden bridge spanning a wide ravine with a river running through it.
Marching through with his trusted partner Pikachu over his shoulder and Eevee on top of his head, they decided to make a quick detour to see the Ruins of Conflict. Gengar also stayed around, more determined to protect Azure, hiding in his shadow.
However, before he reached the midway path, his eyes blinked in stunned surprise as he got a good look at a figure that had been eyeing him. It was a Pokémon.
Black body, orange mane and legs, arms wrapped in halves of a shell adorned with glowing golden patterns. The curved markings on its shell resembled a bird's beak as Azure's breath caught as he muttered in disbelief, "That's… Tapu Koko?!"
Both eyes finally met as Tapu Koko wasn't paying attention to anything else. It stared directly at Azure and his team.
Its eyes were locked on Azure, Pikachu, Eevee, and Gengar, hiding in Azure's shadow. Since the Spiritomb incident, Gengar refused to leave its Trainer's side, deciding to stick around at least till Azure was fully recovered.
The guardian deity could feel it. Azure and his Pokémon radiated a deep, powerful connection to nature. Tapu Koko narrowed its eyes.
No, this wasn't an ordinary trainer. It had never met this human before here on Melemele Island.
*Whooosh*
In a flash of golden lightning, Tapu Koko vanished from its position, leaving only the faint hum of electricity in its wake. In the blink of an eye, Tapu Koko zipped straight toward Azure and his Pokémon, hovering inches away and staring intently at them.
Azure, caught off guard by Tapu Koko's sudden approach, instinctively leaned back a little as he cautiously offered a greeting, "Uh… hello?"
Tapu Koko stepped back, eyes still fixed on them, now watching from a short distance with an unreadable expression. Azure was confused till a thought struck him, 'Wait… could Tapu Koko be sizing me up for battle?!'
Tapu Koko narrowed its eyes, its gaze sharp and assessing, "Koko…"
Making a clear gesture to follow it, Azure blinked, asking, "Wait… are you asking me to follow you?"
Tapu Koko nodded with an excited cry, "Koko!"
Azure grinned in understanding as he followed the Legendary in an excited tone, "Alright, let's see where this leads."
Azure followed Tapu Koko silently to the Ruins of Conflict. He had a gut feeling of what it wanted and prepared himself mentally.
/////
[Alola Region, Melemele Island, Ruins of Conflict]
The Ruins of Conflict are a location on Melemele Island in Alola, located north of the Plank Bridge on Mahalo Trail. The Ruins of Conflict are where the guardian deity of Melemele Island, Tapu Koko, can be found.
Ruins of Conflict are the ruins that enshrine Tapu Koko, one of the land spirits. It is said that life is tested here.
Azure and his Pokémon have been following Tapu Koko through the dense greenery of the forest and across the bridge. Eventually, Tapu Koko floated down into a broad, open clearing surrounded by ancient trees, and at the entrance, its supposed home.
There, it stopped. Without a word, its entire aura changed.
*Bzzzt*
Cracking bolts of electricity danced across its body as it spread its mask-like arms wide. The halves of its golden shell snapped open with a thunderous clack, revealing the sleek, avian form beneath.
Lightning flared around it, illuminating the entire clearing with flashes of yellow. Tapu Koko raised its arms in challenge, clearly issuing a battle invitation.
Azure instantly understood, smiling lightly, "So that's it, you want to battle me?"
Tapu Koko silently stared, electricity surging around it like a thunderstorm waiting to strike. Azure has heard stories that Tapu Koko was as intense and unpredictable as ever.
Despite being revered as a Guardian Deity, Tapu Koko was no peaceful Pokémon. Its temperament could shift on a dime, one moment guiding and protecting, the next testing or even punishing those it deemed unworthy.
Of course, Tapu Koko also had a rare habit of bestowing mysterious gifts on humans it liked, just like Hala. At the same time, Tapu Koko was famously curious and constantly intrigued by both humans and Pokémon.
It would appear unexpectedly, often playing or sparring with them just for fun. But to Azure, it was his chance, as his eyes gleamed.
According to local tradition, if one could defeat Tapu Koko in battle and earn its approval, the island guardian might even reward them with a Z-Crystal. And as a Guardian Deity of Alola, Tapu Koko had access to all kinds of Z-Crystals.
Azure stepped forward, his eyes fixed on the guardian deity. He said, his voice clear and steady, "Tapu Koko. I accept your challenge. Let's battle!"
Tapu Koko let out a cry, a sound that echoed through the ruins. It crackled with electricity, signaling the start of the battle.
Azure took a deep breath, his mind focused. He knew this wouldn't be an ordinary battle. Tapu Koko was a legendary Pokémon, a force of nature.
He needed to use every ounce of his skill and experience to stand a chance. To him, this was a practice run of what's to come.
Azure thrust his hand forward decisively, calling out, "Pikachu, I choose you!"
Pikachu landed on the ground, its cheeks sparking with energy. It cried, ready for battle, "Pi! Pika-chu!"
Tapu Koko responded with a burst of electricity, its entire body lit up with a golden surge of electricity. Yellow currents crackled and spread rapidly across the grass at their feet, enveloping the battlefield in a dazzling field of energy.
Azure eyes sharpened as he muttered, "Electric Surge…"
Noticing this, he smirked as Tapu Koko unleashed a powerful Thunderbolt attack. The golden lightning bolt was intended to damage.
*Zzzzz*
However, Azure's Pikachu had the Lightning Rod ability, easily absorbing the electricity. This startled Tapu Koko attack was absorbed as Azure countered slyly, "Pikachu, use Quick Attack!"
*Zooom*
Pikachu moved with incredible speed, slamming into Tapu Koko. But the guardian barely flinched.
It retaliated with Steel Wing, its body crackling with electric and steel-type energy as it charged at Pikachu. Azure yelled, "Pikachu, use Iron Tail!"
*CLING*
Pikachu's tail glowed with a metallic sheen, and it swung it with all its might, colliding with Tapu Koko's Steel Wing. The impact sent shockwaves through the clearing, creating a cloud of dust and debris.
As the dust settled, both Pikachu and Tapu Koko were slightly weakened. Azure knew he couldn't rely on Pikachu alone.
He needed a strategy, something unexpected. He called out to his next Pokémon, "Eevee, it's your turn!"
Eevee leaped from his head, landing gracefully on the ground. Its brown eyes were filled with determination.
Pikachu turned back, switching in as Tapu Koko allowed this. It wanted to see all of Azure's Pokémon abilities in action. Azure commanded, "Eevee, use Baby-Doll Eyes to lower its attack, then Swift!"
*Shiii*
Eevee's eyes shimmered with an otherworldly glow, weakening Tapu Koko before multiple stars were launched at the guardian. Tapu Koko didn't even seem to notice the attack, focusing only on Azure.
*Zzzz*
Turning into a stream of electricity, it effortlessly avoided Swift and destroyed it. It seemed to grow bored with the warm-up as it thought boredly, 'Is that all? Was I perhaps mistaken on how strong this human and his Pokémon are?'
Azure frowned as he grabbed from his Sub-Space the Gengarite. Azure declared, hurling the Mega Stone to Gengar, "I can see you getting bored. How about I step things up? Gengar, I choose you and grab this!"
*Swooosh*
Gengar emerged from its hiding place and hovered above the ground. It knew what was coming as it grabbed the Mega Stone, resonating well with it.
But holding the Mega Stone for it, Gengar lightly frowned as it thought, 'Argh… can't believe we're doing that. I don't like my Mega Form coloration, but for Master… I'll bear with it. Not after I failed to protect him last time. Never again.'
Tapu Koko then sensed a sudden shift as Azure shouted, activating his Key Stone with an eager grin, "Gengar, use Shadow Ball, and then… Mega Evolve!"
*SHIIII*
Shooting a few Shadow Balls to distract Tapu Koko, the Mega Stone in Gengar's hand resonated. Tapu Koko avoided them, but eyes widened, sensing a new mass of power forming between the two.
The Key Stone resonated with the Gengarite held by Gengar, unleashing a surge of energy that engulfed the Ghost-type Pokémon. In a blinding flash of light, Gengar transformed into Mega Gengar, its appearance becoming more sinister and imposing, "GEN-GAR!!! (You're screwed now!)"
*Swooosh*
Avoiding the Shadow Balls produced by base Gengar, Tapu Koko watched in fascination, its eyes widening slightly. It had sensed the immense power within Azure, but it had not anticipated this.
Mega Gengar grinned, its silver eyes and third red eye gleaming with mischievous intent. Tapu Koko became more alert as it tried to turn into lightning to escape, but…
*THUD*
Tapu Koko felt a foreign force halt its escape drastically. Its eyes darted towards Mega Gengar as it wagged its finger, explaining to it like a shonen villain antagonist, "Gengar! Gen-gar~ (Nuh uh. When I'm Mega Gengar, I have the ability Shadow Tag. All Pokémon can't escape from me! Now… fight me!)"
*Wooosh*
In a pale white blur, it charged after Tapu Koko. Understanding this, its eyes narrowed as the Guardian Pokémon raised its hand, electricity arching violently from its fingertips as it aimed a Thunderbolt, muttering, "Koko… (I see. If fleeing isn't an option, then come face me!)"
*BZZZZZ*
But just before it could land, Mega Gengar snatched Tapu Koko's wrist mid-strike. Tapu Koko's pupils contracted in surprise as it thought, 'Nani?!! It's even faster than me?!'
*SMASH*
Landing a Shadow Ball to the face, Tapu Koko was thrown to the ground, clearly recoiling from the damage. Azure calmly analyzed the scene, sensing its shock as he thought, 'I guess when you're used to being fast and avoiding attacks, it's second nature for you. But… now you're facing someone who has the same speed stats as you.'
*RMBL*
Tapu Koko tumbled through the air before slamming into the ground, crashing hard enough to leave a wide crater in the earth. Dirt and debris erupted from the impact point, blanketing the surrounding area in a cloud of dust.
Yet Azure didn't allow it the time to recover as he ordered, "Gengar! Agile Style! Shadow Balls!"
*SHIII*
Mega Gengar unleashed a barrage of Shadow Balls, each one crackling with dark energy. It grinned as thanks to Mega Evolution, Gengar's Sp. Atk skyrocketed to 170.
*PEW*
*PEW*
*PEW*
However, Tapu Koko was a Legendary Pokémon for a reason. While startled, it knew it was in a battle and being shaken during a match was risking its opponent to attack it again.
From above, the light of the sun was suddenly blocked out by a volley of shadow balls heading its way. Tapu Koko's eyes widened in alarm, but it began to move.
*Zzzz*
*BOOOM*
Tapu Koko dodged most of the Shadow Balls, but a few managed to strike it, causing significant damage as it was forced to charge in thanks to Mega Gengar's Shadow Tag ability. The guardian recoiled, its electric aura flickering.
Azure commanded in a serious tone, "Now, Gengar, use Shadow Punch!"
*Swooosh*
Mega Gengar vanished into the shadows, reappearing behind Tapu Koko and slamming its fist into the guardian's back. Tapu Koko cried out in pain, its body convulsing with electricity prepared for battle.
*SMASH*
The tide of the battle had turned. Mega Gengar's overwhelming power was proving too much for Tapu Koko.
*ZZZZZ*
But the guardian was not defeated yet. It unleashed a powerful Discharge as in a flash, the entire battlefield was flooded with blinding yellow light. A brilliant dome of crackling electricity swept out from Tapu Koko's core, engulfing everything in sight.
Azure instinctively shielded his eyes with one arm, squinting through the burst. Azure called out, "Gengar!"
He called out, trying to locate his Pokémon in the sea of light. But he couldn't see him anywhere.
Tapu Koko scanned the scorched battlefield with extreme focus. Craters, smoke, splintered ground, but no sign of the Pokémon it had just been fighting, as it thought, 'Gone. Where did it go? How did it just vanish?!'
It hovered in place, tense and alert, scanning for the faintest sign of movement. Then a subtle ripple was heard.
*Drip*
Tapu Koko's eyes became alarmed as it turned. The rippling came from an open portal from Mega Gengar using Phantom Force, slamming its fist onto its face, announcing, "GENGAR!! (They never see me coming!!)"
*SMASH*
Mega Gengar's sudden ambush cut off Tapu Koko's electrical burst instantly. It couldn't run and take the hit as the sheer force of the impact sent the Guardian Deity flying, crashing into the ground with a heavy thud.
*THUD*
It skidded across the dirt before finally coming to a stop, slumped in a shallow crater. The battle was over as Mega Gengar returned to his side, puffing its chest out, "Gengar! Gen! (Oh yeah! Who's the best? Who's the best? I am! I am!)!"
*Shiii*
As Mega Gengar reverted, Tapu Koko collapsed as well, its body shimmering with fading electricity. A hush fell over the Ruins of Conflict. The battle was over till…
*Swooosh*
… Azure tossed the Luxury Ball at Tapu Koko. A beam of red light coated at the tired Tapu Koko as it was sucked inside. It began to wiggle, once, twice…
*BON*
The clicking sound signaled its capture. Then a pop-up screen showed as Azure's Pokémon looked at him, baffled.
[Alright, you caught a Tapu Koko!]
[Where do you want to send Tapu Koko?
>Add to your Party
>See Tapu Koko's summary
>Check summaries on your Party Pokémon
>Send to your Boxes]
His Pokémon were all staring at him as he shrugged his shoulders, saying bluntly, "What? Wouldn't it be easier for Tapu Koko to give us the Z-Crystals if he were caught? I figured his down so…"
Gengar chuckled at this. Pikachu sighed, and Eevee giggled at Azure's reaction.
/////
A/N: Next goal 100 PS for Bonus Chapter!