After the battle, the dilapidated Moonlight Altar was silent.
The scattered sunlight had faded, and Cyclizar, having used Koraidon's power, collapsed from exhaustion, while Lunala, who had been sent flying, was also silent.
Hoshino was still a bit confused, but Lillie had already left with the others, so there was nothing more to worry about; he walked forward.
"Cycli…"
Cyclizar was sound asleep, and Sprigatito nudged him, but he didn't stir. Gengar also reached out and patted him, a situation exactly like last time.
Hoshino squatted beside him, stroking his head, and mused, "Not just Miraidon, but even Koraidon's power…"
Miraidon is aloof, Koraidon is foolishly naive, and Cyclizar's usual personality is somewhat balanced, but after using the power, his personality is also somewhat affected.
When Cyclizar was chasing Silvally before, Hoshino initially thought that his behavior was just instinctive, disobedient fighting, hitting anyone he saw.
But in the recent battle, he clearly followed commands, which indicates that using the power had no negative impact; it was just Miraidon's aloof personality that gave him that illusion. Cyclizar is still Cyclizar!
"I can't figure it out. Anyway, you'll probably forget when you wake up. Your past… maybe we'll only understand it when we go to the Paldea region."
Hoshino stood up, still having some guesses in his mind: why did he get weak after only ten seconds during the second use of power, compared to the first time?
It might be related to power consumption; once Koraidon's and Miraidon's powers are completely depleted, he will just be a very strong Cyclizar.
Of course, this guess still has some contradictions and is most likely wrong, but there is too little relevant information at present. We will only know for sure after going to Paldea next month and looking for clues.
Helping Cyclizar regain his memories and clarifying his identity are also things he must do…
After giving Cyclizar a Full Restore to help him recover and ensuring he rested well, Hoshino continued walking forward with Gengar. Although the road was damaged, it didn't hinder them.
Soon, he arrived at the spot where Lunala had fallen after being knocked away, but strangely, there were only impact marks, and Lunala was nowhere to be seen.
"Hmm? Strange…"
Hoshino furrowed his brows slightly, scanning around. He couldn't figure out how the other party could have left in that state, and he didn't see anything fly into the Ultra Wormhole in the night sky either.
Just as he was wondering, Gengar was also observing the surroundings and then seemed to spot something.
"Gengar!"
"Hmm?"
Hoshino looked over and saw a gigantic, drained Vikavolt lying on the ground. It must have been brought up when the Moonlight Altar rose from underwater.
The shiny spot on the map was very bright, but there was only one, belonging to Vikavolt, which meant that Lunala had probably really escaped, and the Shiny Buzzwole likely had too.
"Troublesome. Two guys who escaped from the Ultra Wormhole. I just hope they don't run into my home…"
Hoshino shook his head, then reluctantly took out a can of Full Restore—that stuff was really expensive… Then he went over and helped Vikavolt recover a bit.
He could tell it was Buzzwole's doing; it was just drained of stamina, not a major injury. Replenishing stamina and eating some food would restore it.
A moment later, Vikavolt finally woke up. Its four-meter giant body stood on the ground, and Hoshino, standing in front, could feel a strong sense of pressure.
Seeing that it had recovered, Hoshino smiled and said, "It's alright now. That Ultra Beast has been defeated, though I don't know where it ran off to…"
"…"
"What are you looking at? I'm the one who saved you!"
"…"
Vikavolt didn't respond and flapped its wings, flying towards Mount Hokulani. Seeing that it showed no gratitude and didn't even bother to acknowledge him, Hoshino's mouth twitched.
However, in the next moment, the panel popped up, and the reward effect appeared…
[Obtained the friendship of Totem Vikavolt: Zap Cannon (Throw a coin to fire it, transforming into an enhanced version of Zap Cannon, with increased power and faster firing speed, making it easier to hit the target. Only usable by Pokémon that know Electric-type moves)]
"Good heavens!"
Seeing this sudden reward, Hoshino was startled. He had thought this Vikavolt was so aloof, but it was just pretending to be cool again.
Moreover, this talent is so strong! Zap Cannon is an incredibly powerful Electric-type move that is guaranteed to paralyze the opponent upon hitting. However, due to its concerning wind-up, it's usually used with Lock-On to ensure a hit.
But this talent shortens the wind-up, increases power, and can even be used by just throwing a coin as long as the Pokémon knows an Electric-type move. It's strong! Very strong!
But the next moment, he couldn't be happy. His Gengar is a close-range fighter, not to mention Sprigatito, and Cyclizar is the same, unless he lets him use Miraidon's power, but wouldn't using Electro Drift be better?
"Well, if I can't use it, it's meaningless, but at least it's a rare talent."
Hoshino sighed softly, closed the panel, and then left with Gengar. There was nothing left here worth paying attention to.
But no sooner had he left than the Ultra Wormhole in the night sky suddenly flickered, then gradually disappeared, and the sky returned completely to normal.
…
In the morning, many people had already arrived at the Moonlight Altar, cordoning off the area and investigating the structure that had been hidden in Lake of the Moone for so long.
Given the gravity of the matter, the Kahuna also arrived at the scene, but all the students who had experienced last night's events were taken to other locations.
This was a rather secluded spot in Malie City, rarely frequented by people. Inside one of the buildings there, all the students were gathered.
Last night, because the four of them suddenly disappeared, Mallow immediately contacted Professor Kukui and informed him of the situation here. But not long after, the sound of explosions from within the mist startled them and made them retreat.
Fortunately, the school staff arrived quickly. Although clearing the thick fog was ineffective, by borrowing an Alakazam, they easily found everyone, including Lillie and the others who had come down from the Moonlight Altar.
After thoroughly questioning them about the events and reporting it to higher-ups, a group claiming to be the International Police soon arrived and brought them here…
Now, all the other students had been questioned, and only Hoshino and the three of them remained. In front of them stood a police officer in a black, tight-fitting uniform, silently observing them.
This person had long purple hair simply tied into a ponytail with a black headband, with the right side of their bangs barely covering their forehead. Their face was delicate, with a hint of heroism in their brows, and their expression was somewhat aloof.
Looking at the other person, Lillie was a little surprised and whispered, "This police officer has such a good aura."
"Indeed, as pathetic as you."
"???"
Hearing Hoshino's words, Lillie was a bit bewildered, unable to understand the meaning implied.
Their voices were very low, but in the quiet environment, they were still heard, and several police officers standing nearby almost couldn't hold back their laughter.
"Cough, cough…"
The person sitting in front cleared their throat twice. After the silence returned, they introduced themselves, "I am the head of the International Police's UB Countermeasures Headquarters. Don't worry too much about it; you can just call me Anabel."
But upon hearing this, Lillie tilted her head, her expression even more puzzled: "Anabel? That sounds like a girl's name, but it's a man."
Anabel: "…"
"Hahaha!"
The few police officers finally couldn't hold back their laughter, and even Hoshino turned his head and chuckled, making the atmosphere suddenly lighten.
Watching this scene, Lillie became even more confused, looking left and right, somewhat at a loss.
It was Moon, whose head was wrapped in bandages, who stifled a laugh and explained to her, "Miss Anabel is the Battle Tower's Frontier Brain of the Hoenn region and the strongest trainer in the Battle Frontier there!"
"Eh? Miss?"
Only then did Lillie finally realize. Because Anabel was wearing men's clothes, she truly hadn't recognized her and quickly bowed her head to apologize, "I'm sorry!"
"It's alright. I wouldn't hold it against you students anyway."
"Thank you!"
Relieved to be forgiven, Lillie then remembered what Hoshino had said earlier and finally understood what he meant.
Her face flushed slightly, and she pouted at Hoshino, showing an angry expression as she quietly cursed, "Pervert!"
"I told you last time, use a different word."
"…I don't know how to curse."
"Mm-hmm, that's good. Good child."
"…"
Watching them converse among themselves, Anabel shook her head, then asked with a serious expression, "You were all at the Moonlight Altar last night, weren't you?"
"And you fought against UB-02: Absorption and a strange Pokémon? I want to hear a detailed account of the entire incident from you!"
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