Chapter 0782: Ultimate Aura and Lillie(Two-in-One)

Tomorrow is the first day of Pokémon School.

Tonight, the Full Power Festival is being held at the festival plaza in Iki Town.

Natsume returned to the villa on the eastern cliffs of Kala'e Bay, and invited Cynthia to join him for the small town festival.

Cynthia closed her book and accepted gladly. “It just so happens, I have some mythology questions I’d like to ask the village elders about.”

“Related to the island guardians?” In truth, compared to other regions’ lore, Natsume wasn’t too familiar with Alola’s mythology.

After all, the Sun and Moon storyline touched on multiverses, Different Dimension , aliens and ultra beasts; rather than Pokémon mythology, it was almost like an Ultraman plot.

Cynthia sat on the sofa, legs crossed in black wide-leg pants, chin propped on one hand, gray eyes flickering.

“Strictly speaking, my questions relate to the cosmic Pokémon.”

She glanced at the slightly surprised Natsume, explaining: “I found in ancient texts that, long before the island guardians arrived, there were already records in Alola of the Sun God, the Moon God, and Radiant Lord.”

“These deities brought light to the Alola Islands, and granted the islands their unique aura… Perhaps this aura is even the origin of the Z-Move,” Cynthia said with calm clarity.

Natsume: “……”

“Don’t look at me that way.” Cynthia smiled self-consciously, lowering her gaze. “It’s just a hypothesis.”

Natsume quietly gave Cynthia! a thumbs up.

Cynthia was herself a mythology scholar; this topic was in her specialty, and her deductions were pretty accurate.

The four islands of Alola are shrouded in a unique aura. These auras come from the “Radiant Lord,” Ultra Necrozma, while the island guardians are simply its agents.

So Professor Kukui’s theory, that Pokémon draw upon island aura to get Z energy, was on point.

The so-called “Z energy” is officially called “Ultimate Power,” akin to the G-Max energy originating from Eternatus.

Since “Ultimate Power” comes from space, its essence isn’t Aura, but the Ultimate Aura. The essence of Ultimate Aura is the “light” emitted by Necrozma.

In the Sun and Moon anime, in a time of crisis, Ash and friends gathered all the “light” of Alola, restoring Necrozma’s mind so it could become Ultra Necrozma, the Radiant Lord, and drive away Alola’s darkness.

After that, Ultra Necrozma returned to the World of Light (x) or to Ultra Megalopolis (✓).

Natsume’s mood was delicate.

The setup was all too familiar. Alien beasts, the light, Ultra Defense Team… an outright homage to Ultraman.

Even Ultra Necrozma had the silhouette of a shining Tiga.

All you could say is, in the Pokémon world, you can be a trainer… or you can even become the Light.

Well, there’s only one way to awaken Necrozma… and that’s Ash turning himself into soup! (crossed out)

Even though Alola’s story is deeply geared for children, Natsume found himself looking forward to it even more.

Seriously, what kid doesn’t want to become the Light?

Even though Ultra Beasts are quite dangerous, Natsume could always summon the “Ancient Pokémon Giant” Regigigas to lend a hand.

Or even call on Zygarde, and command Zygarde’s Gundam Form in a duel against Guzzlord!

“This is getting exciting,” Natsume’s eyes flickered.

“Speaking of, that Battle Festival,” Cynthia asked, eyes locked on Natsume, “you didn’t sign up to participate… did you?”

“Cynthia, you know me.”

Natsume replied sincerely, “I only ever fight by invitation. I never enter the Baby Cup on my own.”

Cynthia gave a soft sigh and an amused smile. “Let’s go—after all, to the trainers of Alola, this is a valuable learning opportunity.”

……

Melemele Island, Iki Town

The blue night was cool as water, palm trees murmured in the breeze.

Waves lapped at the beach in the eastern bay, and at the festival plaza, the campfire blazed high.

The drums thudded. Alolan Marowak twirled blue-flame bone clubs like fiery torches, dancing around the campfire like circus performers.

Beside the barn, berries were piled in a mountain. Stoutland, Rockruff, Mudbray and other Pokémon stuffed themselves contentedly.

Children clustered around the kindly old Drampa with peals of laughter. The old-timer, gentle and warm-eyed, lowered his head to nibble the grass.

The two Champions stood outside town, gazing over the small village with the orange glow of campfire flickering in their eyes.

“Drampa are incredibly gentle Pokémon, happiest when playing with kids.” Cynthia mused. “But if good children are mistreated or hurt, Drampa gets very angry.”

Natsume gazed up at the sky.

So maybe I should keep my distance from Drampa…

Under nightfall, the towering trees were none other than the necks of Alolan Exeggutor.

Alolan Exeggutor reached up to 11 meters tall, even taller than a straightened Onix, and are even Dragon-type… Strange new Dragon-types indeed.

The Champions had changed to casual clothes—Alola shirts and sky-blue blouses, wearing brown sunglasses.

While they paused to take in the local sights, a hearty laugh and a call rang out from behind:

“Alola!”

Natsume turned to see Professor Kukui waving from a distance, a white-hatted girl at his side.

“Alola!” is the local greeting in Alola. Rooted in the Hawaiian “Aloha,” it means good morning, good evening, goodbye… almost anything, really. “Aloha” is itself synonymous with Hawaii.

“Alola~” Natsume smiled. “I guess the battle hasn’t started yet?”

“Haha, not yet—before battle, Old Man Hala gives a speech,” laughed Kukui.

Then he introduced, “This is my assistant, Lillie. These are Champion Natsume, and Champion Cynthia. Lillie, you should recognize them.”

Lillie removed her white sunhat. Golden-haired and blue-eyed, she offered a shy smile, her single ponytail fluttering. She placed her hands in front of her and bowed.

“Champion Natsume, Champion Cynthia—it’s an honor to meet you both.”

“Hello, Lillie.” Cynthia replied kindly.

Natsume just nodded, pondering quietly.

Lillie is the key figure in Sun & Moon. As of now, it seems she hasn’t met Nebby.

It’s worth adding, Lillie bears a hidden darkness from her mother Lusamine, and is afraid of touching Pokémon. Hatching her own Alolan Vulpix is what sparked her transformation.

Despite her fear, Lillie is an excellent assistant—thanks largely to her cultured upbringing. The Aether Foundation owns over half of Alola’s wealth, and Lillie is its heiress, a true young lady in every sense.

“Oh, Lillie,” Professor Kukui added, “starting tomorrow, Natsume-sensei will serve as the Pokémon School principal, teaching you the basics of trainer battles.”

“You haven’t caught a Pokémon yet, but you can start learning—someday, you’ll use it,” Professor Kukui smiled.

“Yes…” Lillie’s blue eyes shone. She lifted her chin and replied sincerely, “Champion Natsume, I’ll work hard.”

“Just call me Natsume-sensei,” Natsume smiled. “I know your brother, Gladion. He’s an exceptionally gifted trainer. I think you could easily match him.”

“Oh?” Lillie gasped softly.

So, the Champion my brother mentioned in his letters must have been Natsume-sensei…

The group made their way to the festival plaza as Professor Kukui explained its origins.

“Alola has no leagues or gyms. Instead, trials known as the ‘Island Challenge’ replace the gyms. Challengers travel across all four islands, facing Totem Pokémon and junior captains who have completed the pilgrimage. The Iki Town Full Power Festival is one of Melemele Island’s trials.”

Professor Kukui smiled. “Legend has it the guardian deity, Tapu Koko, is very curious—he often watches the festival, and appears before challengers he favors.”

Natsume: “So, if I want a meeting with Tapu Koko…”

“Well, you’ll probably have to win at the Full Power Festival,” Professor Kukui nodded.

Natsume stroked his chin.

Just the aura of Melemele Island alone won’t be enough for Sylveon to break through.

Looks like I’ll need to meet all four island guardians—challenge the full Island Challenge.

He had zero self-awareness.

Everyone else comes for the Z-Crystal; Natsume comes for the entire Melemele Island.

Still, having a Battle Legend mitigate Alola’s risks was surely a win-win.

The campfire roared, a wooden battle arena stood center stage, ringed with white boundaries—Natsume-sensei couldn’t help worrying about the build quality.

People crowded towards the arena, and Professor Kukui, arms folded, smiled.

“The festival’s about to start!”

After the Marowaks’ memorial and ancestral dance, an elderly man with white hair and a yellow shirt stepped up and gave a prayer for the harvest.

“That’s Hala, the Melemele Island Kahuna,” Kukui explained. “Alola doesn’t have an Elite Four; the kahunas serve in their place.”

“And that guy beside him who looks almost identical? That’s Hala’s grandson, Hau,” Kukui folded his arms, grinning, “and also a challenger in tonight’s festival.”

Natsume: “……”

Alola’s Baby Cup… I’m almost embarrassed to take the field.

But… Natsume eyed Island Kahuna Hala on the arena.

A kahuna’s strength is generally equivalent to a league Elite Four; there’s still some prestige in beating one.

“For this Full Power Festival, the trainer favored by the island guardians will also receive a Fighting Z-Crystal!”

Hala laughed. “Do not worry about winning or losing! Show your style and earn the attention of the island guardians!”

“I declare the Full Power Festival open!!”

The opening battle began—Hau versus the bare-chested, red-haired youth Kiawe.

The villagers’ enthusiasm was electric.

“Kiawe passed the Island Trial and mastered Firium Z—he’s sure to become a junior captain!”

“Hau is the grandson of Kahuna Hala—this one’s a real close duel!”

Cynthia left to consult the village’s blind granny about the legendary Altar of the Sunne.

Natsume spectated the rookie battle, Dartrix versus Turtonator, thoroughly entertained.

An Alolan junior captain’s strength is on par with a Gym Leader, which is already impressive for Alola.

Come to think of it, despite Alola’s “beginner village” difficulty, it’s brimming with unique auras, the invention of Z-moves, and ways to train—a little wonder Alola’s called Ash’s “second home.”

Flames roared, villagers cheered—Lillie turned away, a hint of sadness in her eyes.

“Not a fan of Pokémon battles?” Natsume asked, glancing down.

Lillie hesitated, then whispered, “I just… I think it hurts the Pokémon, so…”

Very much like me—and N—when I first started out.

Natsume felt a twinge of emotion, then smiled: “Kiawe and Turtonator aren’t afraid of getting hurt—they’re enjoying the battle.”

“Enjoy… the battle?” Lillie looked puzzled.

“Trainers and Pokémon become more alike over time—a courageous trainer makes for a strong Pokémon.”

Natsume paused. “Anyway, you don’t have to force yourself to battle, but try opening your heart to Pokémon.”

Lillie stared down, memories of being attacked as a child flickering, hugging her white sunhat closer.

“Don’t mind me, I’m just rambling,” Natsume smiled, then looked at the arena, “Looks like it’s my turn…”

I wonder if Tapu Koko will make an appearance… If not, I’ll have to go to the Ancient Ruins myself and search for good ol’ Tapu Koko.

After Hau and Kiawe’s match ended, a commotion rose among the villagers.

“What’s going on?” Hau exclaimed. “Grandpa’s walking onto the battle arena himself!”

Kiawe eyed Kahuna Hala’s grave expression, rubbing his chin and murmuring,

“Kahuna’s taking this opponent really seriously…”

Kahuna Hala stood at the edge of the arena, raising a mic and announcing:

“For this round, I will personally take the stage and battle Melemele Island’s esteemed guest…”

“From the Touran League—a Champion.” Hala paused. “A Battle Legend, Mr. Natsume.”

The audience chattered; Kiawe’s eyes shone.

“Natsume-sensei!?”

“Is he famous?” Hau scratched his head. “Never seen him on any Alola poster.”

Kiawe glared at Hau, saying, “That’s just because Alola’s so remote. News from other leagues rarely reaches here.”

“You just need to know, there are only four Battle Legends in the leagues today—and Natsume-sensei is one of them!”

“Whoa…” Hau whistled. “How was I supposed to know? Grandpa won’t even give me a Rotom phone.”

“I don’t have one either…” Kiawe drooped, then barked, “Enough blabbing—keep your eyes open!”

“Huh?”

“Watch for the island guardians—see if they appear!”

The moon hung high, the surf crashed.

A Pokémon, stripes black and yellow, armored arms, crest like a mohawk, floated above the suspension bridge, gazing down at the village.

Natsume and Kahuna Hala now stood on opposite sides of the wooden arena, nodding to one another.

“I’ve been a trainer for decades.” Hala smiled. “To be able to challenge a legend as my swan song is an honor.”

“To be honest,” Natsume said seriously, “I mainly want Tapu Koko to show up—there’s something I’d like to discuss with him.”

“Oh?” Hala’s gaze sharpened, mouth curling into a grin, “In that case, let’s use battle to draw the attention of the guardian!”

Hala tossed a Poké Ball.

“Go, Crabominable!”

Natsume decided that while in Alola, he would train up the younger members of his team, and threw a Dusk Ball:

“I’m counting on you—Tyranitar!”