Chapter 55: Tapu Bulu Appears
"Now I'm getting serious! Go, Golem!" Olivia declared.
A massive Rock-type Pokémon, roughly the same size as Mega Charizard X, emerged onto the battlefield. Its Sand Stream ability immediately activated, whipping up an intense sandstorm that began wearing down Mega Charizard X. Ryan took one look and knew this would be a challenging opponent. This Golem was clearly an elite-level Pokémon, around level 80, matching Mega Charizard X's power.
"Golem, Stone Edge!" Olivia commanded, launching into her signature move without hesitation.
"Take flight! Sunny Day!" Ryan called out, preparing to seize control of the weather.
Golem stomped its massive foot into the ground, sending countless razor-sharp stone projectiles erupting from the earth toward Mega Charizard X, dealing significant damage. Meanwhile, Mega Charizard X launched an energy orb into the sky, successfully claiming weather control as the sandstorm gradually dissipated under the bright sunlight.
"SolarBeam!" Olivia commanded.
"You think you're the only one who can use that? Mega Charizard X, SolarBeam!" Ryan countered.
Thanks to the intense sunny weather, both SolarBeams charged instantly. The two massive energy beams collided mid-air, with Mega Charizard X's beam overpowering Golem's attack. The remaining energy struck Golem directly, leaving it struggling to maintain its footing.
Golem possessed incredible Attack and Defense stats, but its Special Attack and Speed were abysmal. Getting into a special attack exchange with Mega Charizard X was essentially suicide. Olivia, undeterred, called out, "Rock Blast!"
"Mega Charizard X, dodge!" Ryan commanded.
Ryan had customized each of his Pokémon's movesets differently. The training regimen had provided three specialized techniques for Charizard, primarily enhancing its claws and wings, with secondary improvements to its overall durability.
After extensive practice, Charizard's claw attack power, flight speed, and endurance had dramatically increased. Now it could easily weave through Golem's Rock Blast barrage. Then, with lightning speed, it closed the distance and unleashed a devastating Dragon Claw assault.
Forbidden Technique: Orochi Style - Eight Maidens
When it came to claw-based attacks, Ryan immediately thought of Iori Yagami from The King of Fighters. The training system had thoughtfully incorporated Iori's signature claw techniques. While not exactly identical, they perfectly complemented Mega Charizard X's fighting style.
Charizard delivered a relentless series of Dragon Claw strikes, culminating in what would normally be a headbutt—replaced instead by a point-blank Flamethrower. The devastating combo left Golem's health critically low, and even Olivia was impressed. "What an incredible combination! You must have undergone intensive training. Did you develop this technique yourself?"
Ryan shamelessly nodded in agreement, then commanded, "Mega Charizard X, finish it with Flamethrower!"
"Not yet! Stone Edge!" Olivia shouted desperately.
Golem used its remaining strength to launch one final Stone Edge attack at Mega Charizard X. Both attacks connected simultaneously—Golem collapsed to the ground while Mega Charizard X was knocked backward, still retaining about half its health. No match for Olivia's expertise.
"Return, Golem." Olivia recalled her Pokémon. "What an impressive Mega Charizard X! Tapu Bulu will be thrilled to face it. Ryan, for this final battle, I'll go all out and show you the true power of Alola's Z-Moves. Lycanroc, take the stage!"
Ryan observed Lycanroc in its Midday Form and knew this would be his toughest challenge yet. This Lycanroc was clearly an elite-tier Pokémon, probably exceeding level 90—most likely Olivia's starter and ace partner.
"Lycanroc, Stone Edge!" Olivia commanded.
Lycanroc slammed its right paw into the ground, causing massive stone pillars to erupt and crash toward Mega Charizard X.
"Mega Charizard X, fly to avoid it, then SolarBeam!" Ryan called out. The sunny weather was still active—why not take advantage?
Mega Charizard X spread its wings and soared skyward. Clasping its claws together, it unleashed what looked almost like a Kamehameha wave—er, SolarBeam—aimed directly at Lycanroc.
"Dodge it, then Continental Crush!" Olivia shouted, assuming the Rock-type Z-Move stance.
Lycanroc instantly accelerated, evading the SolarBeam. Then, with a thunderous howl, it leaped high into the air. Countless boulders materialized from thin air, rapidly converging around Lycanroc and forming a massive mountain of stone that plummeted toward Mega Charizard X.
"Mega Charizard X, counter with Flare Blitz!" Ryan watched the stone mountain form in the sky, sweat beading on his forehead. This was absolutely terrifying!
Mega Charizard X roared defiantly, its tail flame blazing intensely as swirling fire enveloped its entire body. It rocketed toward the descending mountain. However, the mountain was simply too massive, and despite its fierce resistance, Charizard was overwhelmed and crushed beneath the stone. Ryan's eye twitched—he couldn't help but think of Sun Wukong being trapped under Buddha's Five Elements Mountain.
When the dust finally settled, Mega Charizard X stood panting heavily on the battlefield, still conscious but barely hanging on—it had narrowly avoided a one-hit knockout. Lycanroc wasn't feeling great either, having taken some recoil damage from the Z-Move.
"Mega Charizard X, Dragon Claw!" Ryan commanded.
"Lycanroc, Rock Tomb!" Olivia countered. She wasn't about to let Charizard use that Eight Maidens technique again.
Lycanroc howled, causing countless massive rocks to rain from the sky, threatening to trap Charizard completely. But Olivia had underestimated Charizard's enhanced speed. Charizard weaved through the air, sprinting toward Lycanroc, successfully executing the Eight Maidens combo and finishing with a final Flamethrower blast.
Looking at her fallen Lycanroc, Charizard finally released its Mega Evolution and stumbled to the ground, breathing heavily as it slowly recovered its strength.
"I have to admit defeat," Olivia said, helping Lycanroc to its feet. "You're now qualified to challenge Tapu Bulu. And as your reward for defeating me, this Rockium Z is yours."
Olivia handed Ryan an ochre-colored Z-Crystal. Ryan retrieved his Z-Power Ring from his backpack and carefully placed the Rockium Z onto it. Switching the Z-Power Ring to his right wrist, Ryan smiled—he finally had another trump card.
"Bulu bulu!" a clear, melodious voice rang out, showering the area with glittering scales. Both Charizard and Lycanroc instantly regained their strength. Olivia also released Probopass and Golem so they could recover as well.
A verdant, bull-like guardian spirit descended from the sky, appearing before Ryan and Olivia. Its large, expressive eyes radiated pure joy and excitement.
Ryan recognized it immediately—this was exactly what he'd come for: Tapu Bulu, the Guardian Deity of Ula'ula Island. Without hesitation, Charizard roared challengingly at Tapu Bulu.
Tapu Bulu paused momentarily, then nodded enthusiastically—it truly lived for battle.
Ryan looked at his determined Charizard and addressed Tapu Bulu directly: "We're here to challenge you. If we win, you have to agree to one condition."
"Ryan!" Olivia interrupted, clearly concerned.
"Don't worry, Olivia. I'm not going to ask to capture Tapu Bulu or anything crazy like that. My request is simple: serve as Charizard's training partner. If we lose, we'll stay here and train with you for a month. How's that sound?" Ryan explained.
Win or lose, Ryan's goal was to give Charizard more experience battling legendary Pokémon, gaining invaluable experience against such powerful opponents. Even if he couldn't capture Tapu Bulu, this would be excellent preparation for future encounters. Either way, Ryan would come out ahead.
Tapu Bulu showed no objection—after all, it was overjoyed to have worthy opponents to battle with.
(End of Chapter)
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