Tapu Koko's words jolted Aiden into realization.
Unlike generic Type Z-Crystals, exclusive Z-Moves required a base move. Even with matching Z-Crystals, Pokémon lacking the prerequisite move couldn't harness their power.
Thus—the key was identifying the most distinctive, frequently used technique.
Aiden pondered—then retrieved another Poké Ball, summoning tonight's true protagonist: Sylveon.
"Sylveee?"
Sylveon landed gracefully, tilting its head at the faintly crackling Electric Terrain beneath its paws.
"Sylveon—remember the Z-Move you used before?"
Aiden crouched, ruffling its head.
Eevee's Z-Move "Extreme Evoboost" transformed Last Resort—not into raw power—but into a unique effect: borrowing strength from Eevee lineages worldwide to temporarily amplify itself.
To Aiden, it evoked Dragon Ball's "Spirit Bomb." A pity he'd only used it once—
"If given this power again… which move would you enhance?"
"Sylveon?"
Sylveon furrowed its brow—deep in thought.
Enhance my own move?
What do I use most often…?
Having slacked off in battles lately, Sylveon nearly forgot its "signature techniques."
Ah! Blood Moon?
A powerful move learned via Sketch from a Ursaluna in Kitakami—later refined by Sylveon itself.
If enhanced… it would be terrifyingly strong!
But—
Sylveon sensed something off.
Wait—shouldn't it be Sketch?!
Blood Moon, Electro Shot, and countless other "niche treasure troll moves" all stemmed from Sketch.
And beyond mimicking others' moves—enhanced Sketch might elevate its artistry to masterful heights!
"SYLVEON!"
Certain now, Sylveon's eyes lit up. It waved its tail eagerly at Aiden—frantic hinting.
Post-evolution, Sylveon's tail lost Eevee's fluffy fluffiness—most functions shifted to its ribbons. Yet that perky pink stub… always reminded Aiden of a quill pen.
Its meaning? Crystal clear.
Of course.
If you had to decide on Sylveon's most iconic move—it had to be Sketch!
Sketch birthed all its "illegal" techniques. A Sketch-capable Sylveon? Truly one-of-a-kind.
"Then it's settled."
Aiden nodded at Sylveon—then turned to Tapu Koko.
"Is Sketch acceptable?"
"A move requiring no elemental energy—yet adaptable to any type, with the highest ceiling for special techniques. Amplified by Ultra Aura… wouldn't that be fascinating?"
"..."
Tapu Koko blinked in confusion.
Isn't Sketch exclusive to Smeargle?
It almost asked outright—but Aiden's utter certainty suggested he might be the one lacking exposure to ordinary Pokémon.
After all—as the Creator's emissary… pulling out bizarre Pokémon/moves is expected.
[Naturally. But the enhancement direction?]
Tapu Koko countered.
"Hmm——let me think!"
Aiden fell silent again.
In this moment, he resembled a paying client ("Party A"), while the Island Guardian became the service provider ("Party B")—awaiting his specifications.
But what could Sketch do?
Mechanically, Sketch leveraged Smeargle's absurd learning ability: meticulously drawing a move, analyzing it, then internalizing it.
Smeargle's mind was sharp—but its frail body limited most offensive techniques.
Sylveon? Different story. Solid Special Attack—especially with Fairy Skin amplifying Fairy-type moves.
Thus—the answer was simple:
"Can exclusive Z-Moves grant variable effects based on the copied move—like Type Z-Crystals?"
Aiden asked curiously.
The moment he spoke—Tapu Koko already grasped his intent.
[Naturally. That's the most basic Z-Crystal application.]
[Though… enhancement potency would weaken slightly.]
It hadn't expected such a practical answer.
Originally imagined something impossible—like "Sketch the opponent's move and unleash it first with greater power."
Aiden's straightforward request felt… oddly refreshing.
"No issue. Versatility matters most."
Aiden nodded—unbothered.
One-trick ponies were strong—but predictable. For climbing global rankings and facing stronger opponents? Adaptability wins over raw power.
[Your request is understood.]
Tapu Koko's telepathy returned.
But just as Aiden assumed success—preparing to ride Salamence home——
[Yet… what benefit does aiding you bring me?]
Tapu Koko's next words made Aiden blink.
Too smooth earlier… I forgot—I'm the one asking the favor. Slightly "inverting heaven and earth" here.
The Four Island Guardians were never "reasonable" Legendaries. "Whimsical" fit them far better than "lawful."
Free help? Nearly impossible.
[To fulfill a wish—equivalent exchange is required.]
Tapu Koko's aura surged. Even Miraidon behind Aiden instinctively narrowed its eyes.
[Thus—let us trade!]
[I accept your commission. In return—you complete one trial for me.]
"State it."
Aiden remained neutral—awaiting details.
He'd guessed the gist… but specifics mattered.
[It is no great difficulty for you.]
Tapu Koko swept its shell-arms—pointing toward Akala Island.
[Lately, abnormal spatial fluctuations ripple above Akala Island. Likely a powerful entity preparing to cross dimensions into our world.]
[Given Tapu Lele's temperament——I fear it may ignore the threat. Will you investigate… and resolve it?]
"Sure."
Aiden agreed instantly.
Though Tapu Koko phrased it delicately—Aiden instantly decoded the meaning:
Ultra Beast incoming. Save us!
Ultra Beasts—mysterious interdimensional monsters emerging via Ultra Wormholes. Some rivaled Island Guardians in power.
True "extraterrestrial visitors."
Most followed destructive instincts—natural enemies of both humans and Pokémon.
Having come to Alola, Aiden had wondered if he'd "coincidentally" encounter one.
Proof: His "Legendary magnetism" still worked.
He was staying at Akala Island's resort anyway—helping was convenient.
Might even meet Tapu Lele.
[Per our agreement—I shall craft your Z-Crystal promptly.]
[Return to Melemele Island in half a month.]
Satisfied with Aiden's assent, Tapu Koko nodded—then vanished in lightning, just as before.
"Why leave so soon?"
Aiden watched its departure—curiosity stirring.
Per lore: Ultra Aura's power originates from Necrozma—a unique light acting as an energy conduit.
Long ago, the Radiant One and Sun/Moon deities visited Alola—bestowing this power.
As local deities, the Four Tapu once battled Solgaleo and Lunala.
The result? They were defeated.
Solgaleo and Lunala—true box-art Legendaries born of light—wielded fragments of the world's primordial essence.
Yet after submitting… the Four Tapu gained freedom to wield Ultra Aura.
That's why they can "handcraft" Z-Crystals. The power stems from the Sun/Moon deities—not innate to them.
Thus——
Cosmog (Nebby) periodically descends to Alola—absorbing energy until evolution, then departs.
Does this mean the Sun/Moon deities treat the Four Tapu as… babysitters?
Aiden buried this question deep.
If he asked it aloud? The Four Tapu might team up to silence him!
——
After the Grand Trial Festival ended—and a deep night fell.
Aiden returned to his temporary lodging: Hano Grand Resort Resort, Alola's most luxurious hotel. Rumor claimed a celebrity rivaling the Masked Royal resided here long-term:
A Pokémon star named Chuuster.
In-game, it taught the player's Pikachu Volt Tackle—undeniably adorable.
So you monopolized Volt Tackle—denying other Electric physical attackers?!
Joke aside—Aiden held zero interest.
Back in his room, it would normally be time to rest.
But armed with Tapu Koko's Ultra Beast intel—he decided to prepare early.
"Marshadow—open a passage to the Distortion World."
Aiden smiled at his shadow.
"Marsha!"
Marshadow—lurking within his shadow—acted instantly. Ripples spread from the shadow's core.
No Ghost-type on his team? No problem. Marshadow—the "external member"—could link the Distortion World via dimensional rifts. Perfect for summoning help.
A ruby-red eye gleamed within the shadows. A familiar growl echoed:
[Business?]
Giratina's telepathy arrived so swiftly Aiden almost wondered: Could Giratina be monitoring me via bubbles in the Distortion World?
…Nah. Legendaries wouldn't be that idle.
"Are Palkia and Dialga still with you? I need a small favor."
Aiden cut straight to the point.
Knowing many Legendaries had tangible benefits. When local resources fell short—borrowing their power saved immense time.
Ultra Wormholes barely disturbed space pre-formation. Even the Four Tapu couldn't pinpoint exact locations—only general directions.
Enter Palkia: spatial specialist.
If it failed? Dialga's temporal sight could preview the Ultra Beast's emergence point.
Extremely convenient~
"Roooah..."
Giratina's reply sounded oddly lethargic.
Did it feel slighted I didn't mention its name?
Aiden shook his head. No—Giratina's too dignified for human pettiness.
Giratina swiftly summoned the Temporal-Spatial duo.
They'd been locked in fierce battle within the Distortion World—initially furious at the interruption.
But recognizing "Big Bro" Giratina—and that the Creator's human emissary specifically requested them—their attitudes flipped 180°. Suddenly they became "brotherly harmony" incarnate.
Upon hearing Aiden's query—the two exchanged glances.
Translation: "That's it?"
Such a trivial matter… warrants summoning us two?
Truly overqualified——yet deeply honored!
No choice—they were tools too useful to refuse.
Through the temporary rift linking reality and Distortion World, Dialga and Palkia swiftly scanned—and pinpointed an anomalous coordinate.
"Near Paniola Ranch… the day after tomorrow, in the afternoon?"
Receiving precise intel, Aiden nodded—then smiled, bidding farewell to the three Legendaries.
So——
Before commentating… I'll first greet an interdimensional Ultra Beast!
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