Nighttime, after dinner.
The weather had been getting warmer lately, so for the past few days, Lucas hadn't asked Moltres to keep the fireplace burning. Surrounded by many Pokémon, he sat across from Kukui and asked, "When are you planning to go back?"
Kukui answered immediately, "Tomorrow. I'm leaving tomorrow."
Lucas' hand paused as he stroked Growlithe on his lap. He frowned, "That soon?"
Kukui's Incineroar and Lucario were both very handy helpers, and now that Kukui was leaving so quickly, Lucas felt a little reluctant.
Kukui looked at the Growlithe lying on Lucas' lap, enjoying its Trainer's petting. Although he was curious about what Growlithe's belly would feel like, he kept a straight face and said, "I can't wait to get back to developing the Alola region."
"But, have you thought about the thing I suggested this afternoon?"
Lucas picked up Growlithe and handed it to Moltres, then beckoned Luxray over. Luxray strolled over calmly and lay down beside him. Lucas began expertly petting Luxray's favorite spot and nodded, "You mean going to Alola to learn Grassy Terrain?"
Kukui nodded affirmatively. The lazy Serperior curled up nearby perked up ever so slightly, starting to eavesdrop.
Lucas paused and said, "Before I answer, I have a few questions I'd like to ask you."
"Go ahead."
"The one you said could teach Serperior and Eldegoss Grassy Terrain—are we talking about a Trainer, or a Pokémon?"
"The latter."
Lucas lowered his voice and asked, "Tapu Bulu?"
Kukui was shocked that Lucas even knew about Alola's island guardians. He nodded, "That's right. I want to take you to meet Ula'ula Island's guardian deity, Tapu Bulu. When it comes to Grassy Terrain, it's an absolute expert."
Having his suspicions confirmed, Lucas thought, "Just as expected." His hand paused on Luxray as he considered this. At that moment, Serperior slyly hooked Lucas' finger with the tip of its tail.
Lucas, deep in thought, didn't notice Serperior's little maneuver as he recalled what he knew of Tapu Bulu.
Tapu Bulu, the Land Spirit Pokémon, is the guardian deity of Ula'ula Island in the Alola region. It's Grass/Fairy-type, with the abilities Grassy Surge/Telepathy.
Lucas had once considered trying to lure Tapu Bulu to his own farm when developing it, since, just like Calyrex and Celebi, it's perfect for farming.
He remembered that Tapu Bulu's design was based on Lono, the god of agriculture and peace in Hawaiian mythology, and that its appearance was reminiscent of an ox. Both its abilities and lore are closely tied to agriculture.
Tapu Bulu can control the growth of plants, and this power is vastly superior to that of ordinary Grass-types. Lucas remembered that in the anime, Tapu Bulu made several Sitrus Berry trees sprout, grow, and bloom in just a few seconds—a true miracle.
Tapu Bulu is steady and lazy by nature; as long as you don't cross its bottom line, it's almost never aggressive.
There are probably few Pokémon in the entire world who surpass Tapu Bulu in mastery of Grassy Terrain. If Lucas wanted a teacher for Eldegoss and Serperior, considering Celebi's elusiveness and Calyrex's uncertain status, Tapu Bulu really was the best choice.
Kukui added, "In Alola, there's a ritual called the island challenge. You can think of it as similar to Gym battles. During my Ula'ula Island challenge, I met Tapu Bulu and know exactly where it likes to stay."
"I'm 100% sure I can take you to meet Tapu Bulu, but after that—"
Lucas, ignoring the sparks flying between Mimikyu (which had somehow jumped onto his shoulder) and Serperior, interrupted, "After that, getting Tapu Bulu to agree to teach Grassy Terrain will be up to me, right?"
Kukui nodded confidently, "Even I could pass Tapu Bulu's trial before, so you'll be fine."
There was a brief silence. Lucas peeled the Milcery off his face and held it up, saying to Kukui, "As you can see, I have a lot of Pokémon that need me here, not to mention the farm…"
Kukui lowered his head in disappointment, but Lucas continued, "But, since there's a problem, there must be a solution. Pokémon feeding and farm care—for just one week! With the ones I trust, I'm sure they can manage!"
"Since you've invited me so sincerely, how could I refuse? Let's conquer Tapu Bulu in a week and learn its special Grassy Terrain!"
Lucas' enthusiasm was infectious. Kukui nodded vigorously, clenching his fist, "I'll prepare a week's worth of Pokémon food and Pokéblocks!"
Lucas was only too happy to let someone else foot the bill, so he readily accepted Kukui's offer, but poured some cold water, "That's all well and good, but nothing's settled yet. I need to call Director Harrington and see if I can get a week off."
"Don't forget, I'm still a teacher."
Kukui: "..."
Stroking the fruit on Smoliv's head, Lucas hung up. Under Kukui's hopeful gaze, he said, "The director said he'd check if there's anyone to cover my classes and would call back soon."
Kukui nodded nervously, but before he could say anything, Lucas' phone rang.
"That was fast," Lucas muttered as he picked up, puzzled to see the caller ID, "Oh, Chairwoman?"
He answered, and Geeta's voice came through, "I've already heard everything from Director Harrington. Your leave is approved."
Lucas raised an eyebrow, "You found someone to cover my classes that quickly?"
Geeta laughed, "Of course. I've asked Larry to substitute for your next two classes. Don't worry."
Lucas: "…I'm sorry, Larry!"
"By the way, do you want me to book your ticket to Alola?"
Geeta tapped her desk, her tone cheerful—she sounded in a very good mood.
"Ah, then sorry to trouble you, Chairwoman."
Lucas had a strange expression, feeling Geeta was being a bit too proactive. Was it just his imagination?
As if reading his mind, Geeta smiled, "Don't overthink it. As the Chairwoman of the Paldea League, strengthening our members is my top priority. I fully support you going to Alola to train."
"When your strength improves, Paldea's overall strength increases too. Even though Kukui didn't accept my invitation, having you go to Alola to learn and bring back the best of their region can only help Paldea. In fact, if you find any promising talent, feel free to bring them back—"
Before she could finish, Lucas hung up. After all, the rest of her thoughts weren't suitable for a children's channel.
Glancing at the expectant Kukui, Lucas let out a sigh of relief. Good thing he hadn't put the call on speaker—otherwise, things would've been awkward.
Separating Mimikyu and Serperior, who were about to fight over who got his left and right hand, Lucas said to Kukui, "Everything's fine with the academy."
"That's great." Kukui nodded blankly, looking at Mimikyu and Serperior quietly competing behind Lucas with Shadow Claw and Frenzy Plant. "By the way, you've been really busy since earlier..."
"It's just daily life, don't mind it."
Kukui: "..."
What a terrifying battlefield of love. It's making my back break out in a cold sweat.