Aiden's intuition proved correct.
When Tapu Koko emerged from the Ruins of Conflict to the lively Grand Trial Festival, its first focus landed squarely on him.
Yet the reason had little to do with Arceus.
Rather—it sensed an inexplicably subtle connection emanating from him.
As if this human possessed some quality mirroring its own. Tapu Koko found this perplexing.
What could a human possibly have in common with me?
But Tapu Koko wasn't one to obsess over minutiae. Far more captivating was the battle it had just witnessed.
How long had it been since a human sparked such curiosity?
With that thought—it abruptly transformed into lightning once more—vanishing before the crowd's eyes.
Simultaneously—a crackling telepathic voice echoed in Aiden's mind:
[Meet me at the Ruins of Conflict.]
No guesswork needed. Clearly Tapu Koko's invitation.
"Off it goes again——"
Nearby, the silver-haired Island Kahuna Hala sighed.
"It seems this year's festival still failed to satisfy it…"
The Grand Trial Festival—Melemele Island's cherished tradition—aimed to convey human gratitude to Tapu Koko, inviting it to share joyful moments with islanders.
Legends claimed Tapu Koko once danced around bonfires alongside humans, displaying warmer camaraderie.
But since Hala's birth? He'd never witnessed such a scene.
As current Island Kahuna—his greatest wish was to host a festival that truly pleased Lord Tapu Koko.
And this year… still fell short——
"I wouldn't be so sure."
As Hala's shoulders slumped, Aiden approached with a reassuring smile.
"Perhaps Tapu Koko simply preserves dignity—unwilling to lose composure before descendants of its old friends?"
"Its mere appearance proves this year's festival succeeded. Doesn't it?"
"Exactly!"
Professor Kukui joined them, clapping Hala's shoulder.
"For Tapu Koko—perhaps sensing our sincere gratitude was enough."
"——True."
Hala nodded—visibly uplifted.
But then Aiden casually added: "By the way—I just received telepathic contact from Tapu Koko. It's waiting for me at the Ruins of Conflict."
"???"
Both Hala and Kukui stared in shock.
Ancient records did mention Tapu Koko's tendency to challenge worthy Trainers or Pokémon—this guardian deity was a true battle fanatic.
But—when had that last happened?
Kukui's gaze fixed on Aiden.
He suddenly recalled rumors Lillie once shared about "Teacher Azure":
Aiden apparently possessed absurd "Legendary magnetism"—either stumbling upon Legendaries during travels… or deliberately seeking them out—
So the intel was actually true?!?
Kukui—utterly stunned.
But my performance just now was solid! Even if I lost—I showcased spirit!—
Why can't I hear Tapu Koko's voice?!
That's precious Legendary data!
—
Reaching the Ruins of Conflict from Iki Town required traversing the ancient "Mahalo Trail."
Yes—the very path from Sun/Moon's opening CG where Lillie's Nebby got ambushed.
Aiden never quite understood: Why would Lillie—living at the foot of the mountain in Kukui's lab—venture to this summit path?
This route led only to the Ruins of Conflict.
And——it was genuinely dangerous.
Rope-and-plank bridges swayed precariously over bottomless rapids. Aiden decided this death trap wasn't mandatory.
He simply summoned his beloved "Dummy" Salamence—opting for aerial transit.
Tapu Koko, of course, had long awaited his arrival.
Thus—the moment Aiden landed—he immediately received its telepathic query:
[Outsider—why do I sense something familiar about you?]
Tapu Koko was blunt. Its nature—like the lightning it embodied—direct yet enigmatic.
Aiden scratched his head—then countered with a question:
"Is it related to Arceus?"
At the Creator's name—Tapu Koko visibly stiffened—attention sharpening.
Indeed—it previously hadn't noticed… this human does carry that Lord's aura.
Strictly speaking—Tapu Koko and the other Island Guardians weren't directly created by the Creator. Thus they lacked power rivaling true deities.
Yet calling them the Creator's "creations" wasn't inaccurate—after all, humans and all Pokémon were inevitable results of cosmic rules.
But this wasn't the answer it sought. Tapu Koko shook its head.
[Even as that Lord's emissary—you couldn't feel this familiar.]
[Still—such a revered identity deserves a name. Speak it—I shall remember.]
"I'm Aiden."
Aiden nodded—unbothered by Tapu Koko's bluntness.
Efficient communication—no wasted words.
But if not Arceus-related——
This universal "Legendary playbook" had failed for the first time. Aiden—habituated to this path—found himself momentarily lost.
Could the similarity… not be about me?
Following this thread—he pondered deeply—then his expression turned peculiar. He shot Tapu Koko a strangely amused glance.
Tapu Koko: ?
For some reason—this youth's gaze suddenly felt… insulting.
"I think I've found the answer."
Aiden's words instantly recaptured Tapu Koko's attention.
He retrieved a custom Poké Ball from his pocket—pressed the release button.
Click.
A crimson flash—and a metallic, tech-infused purple lizard materialized before Tapu Koko.
Simultaneously—electric energy seeped from its feet—rapidly spreading across the ruins until the entire area hummed with Electric Terrain.
Tapu Koko: ???
Isn't this my signature ability?! Other Pokémon can freely generate Electric Terrain now?!
Watching its utterly bewildered expression, Aiden nearly blurted: "Sir—times have changed!"
But to leave a good impression on this Island Guardian—he forcibly suppressed his laughter.
Honestly—it wasn't Tapu Koko's fault. Blame Arceus (Game Freak) for excessive favoritism!
In Sun/Moon—Tapu Koko and the other Island Guardians dominated teams with their innate terrain-setting abilities.
Back then—no other Pokémon possessed "Electric Surge" or its counterparts.
But by Sword/Shield—
With ability redistribution—even the common Pincurchin gained Tapu Koko's signature trait.
(Though Tapu Bulu arguably suffered worse—its relevance utterly erased by Rillaboom's Grassy Surge.)
And now? Miraidon stood face-to-face with Tapu Koko.
Miraidon's "Hadron Engine" ability? It had two effects:
First—it generated Electric Terrain upon entry (identical to "Electric Surge").
Second—while standing on Electric Terrain, its Special Attack received significant boosts.
This was the power of a new era—rivaled only by that shady "Pokémon" riding a horse on Crown Tundra!
If raw power mattered—Tapu Koko was the one using the bootleg ability!
"..."
For some reason—Tapu Koko felt profoundly disrespected by Aiden's gaze.
Yet it couldn't quite retaliate.
Originally—Tapu Koko had been itching for battle. Spotting such a skilled battler on Melemele Island sparked genuine interest.
But learning he was Arceus's emissary——
Instant deflation.
No help for it—the Creator's authority was absolute. Even humans bearing His recognition were, in a sense, extensions of His will.
Surely no fool would challenge Him after recognizing His identity?
So what now?!
Tapu Koko's gaze shifted from Aiden—to the utterly lethargic Miraidon he'd summoned.
This creature——undeniably extraordinary.
Power surpassing even Tapu Koko itself—yet radiating near-invisibility.
Without deliberate focus—you'd overlook its presence entirely.
Precisely why it felt so formidable.
If possible—I'd love to battle this thing!
"Gaaao?"
Miraidon remained clueless—unaware why Aiden deployed it.
But wherever it lazed was the same. No difference.
Under Tapu Koko's battle-hungry stare—Miraidon completely ignored it. Heavy steps carried it behind Aiden—then thud—
It plopped onto the ground—yawning directly at Tapu Koko.
"..."
Is it utterly disregarding me?!
Tapu Koko felt provoked—expression darkening.
"You see? Getting worked up again."
Aiden smoothly extended a hand—blocking its view with an open palm. He smiled.
"Set aside trivialities, Tapu Koko."
"I actually came to Alola… to meet you guardians."
[Why?]
Hearing Aiden speak—Tapu Koko seized the opening. Temporarily ignoring the infuriating iron lizard—it focused on him.
Aiden smiled enigmatically—then declared with resonant clarity:
"Tapu Koko—I'm here to negotiate terms!"
As Tapu Koko's confusion deepened—Aiden retrieved two Z-Crystals from his pocket—placing them in his palm.
"I want to know: Can a blank Z-Crystal base—devoid of elemental energy—combined with an Eevium Z-Crystal… forge a new Z-Crystal tailored for my Sylveon?"
Finally—the core agenda.
Tapu Koko neither accepted nor refused outright. It accepted the crystals—then noticed Aiden's Z-Power Ring.
And instantly recognized its anomaly.
Z-Moves were Alola-exclusive because only here did Ultra Aura saturate the environment—enabling Z-Move activation.
But Aiden's ring——
Perpetually brimmed with Ultra Aura.
Naturally—as the Creator's emissary—crafting incomprehensible artifacts was expected.
Tapu Koko examined the crystals.
As Aiden stated—one was a finalized Z-Crystal—usable only by designated Pokémon.
The other? A near-mythical base stone.
Flawless. Pure. No impurities or energy contamination.
Even base stones for exclusive Z-Moves carried clear elemental biases—hence their extreme rarity.
But with this stone——
Perhaps… it could be done.
Island Guardians had gained Z-Power after an ancient battle—granting them the ability to craft Z-Rings and Z-Crystals. Tapu Koko's interest visibly piqued.
[You wish to forge an exclusive Z-Crystal for your Sylveon?]
"Yes!"
Aiden nodded—scenting imminent success. Excitement flickered in his eyes.
Eevium Z's "Extreme Evoboost" grants +2 to all stats—if Sylveon got its own Z-Move… all stats +6?!
Ah—!
"..."
Tapu Koko glanced at Aiden's animated face—momentarily speechless.
Though unspoken—his expression screamed the fantasy.
[Regrettably—impossible.]
Tapu Koko shook its head.
If Z-Crystal creation faced no limits—the Four Island Guardians would've used brute force during their "Guardian of Alola" ritual—annihilating their foe in one strike.
But impossibility remained impossibility.
[Stronger moves burden Z-Crystals more severely.]
[And—you must have a base move. Exclusive Z-Moves transform existing techniques—they cannot be conjured from nothing.]
Tapu Koko added this reminder with faint impatience.
Dreaming of free power? Better beg the Creator Himself! Only He might achieve such feats!
"What a shame—"
Aiden sighed—then quickly rebounded.
True. If my Z-Moves became absurdly overpowered… who'd dare battle me afterward?
To lure—ahem, attract more strong opponents…I shouldn't be greedy.
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