Chapter 56: The Power of a Legendary Pokémon, Tapu's Entrustment
"Charizard, Mega Evolution!" Ryan called out. The Key Stone on his left wrist reacted with the Charizardite X on Charizard's chest, enveloping Charizard in a brilliant aura that then shattered. A Mega Charizard X spread its wings and soared out, staring intensely at Tapu Bulu.
"Bulu bulu!" Tapu Bulu chuckled melodiously. Ryan responded, "Don't underestimate my Mega Charizard X! Shadow Claw!"
Charizard swiftly charged at Tapu Bulu, its massive dark claws radiating a fierce aura as it executed the Eight Maidens technique with relentless fury.
"Bulu bulu bulu!" Tapu Bulu hummed cheerfully, effortlessly dodging every one of Mega Charizard X's claw strikes. Then, with lightning speed, it delivered a devastating Wood Hammer directly to Mega Charizard X's midsection.
Mega Charizard X doubled over from the powerful blow, clutching its stomach momentarily before recovering. It raised its head, glaring fiercely at Tapu Bulu, and roared as it launched a Flamethrower attack.
"Bulu!" Tapu Bulu casually waved its hand, and the flames reversed direction, striking Mega Charizard X with its own attack. Ryan watched in silence as Mega Charizard X's health dropped to half.
"Is the gap really this enormous?!" Ryan said, somewhat dejected.
"Bulu bulu!" Tapu Bulu beckoned to Mega Charizard X with a finger, calling out with obvious amusement.
"Even if we lose, we have to lose with dignity! Mega Charizard X, Flare Blitz!" Ryan shouted.
"Roar!" Mega Charizard X bellowed, its tail flame blazing with intense blue fire that instantly enveloped its entire body with power far greater than usual.
Tapu Bulu slammed one hand against the ground, creating a pink shockwave that knocked Mega Charizard X backward. Multiple energy fields appeared across the battlefield's surface. As Mega Charizard X hit the ground, it was bombarded by countless bursts of pink, blue, and yellow energy.
"Nature's Madness," Ryan said helplessly. "This is completely unfair—I can't even get close."
Charizard stood panting before Ryan. It knew it was no match for Tapu Bulu, but it refused to give up! What was the point of striving to become stronger if not for moments like this?
"Final move—Giga Impact!" Ryan shouted desperately.
Mega Charizard X roared, charging at Tapu Bulu with absolute determination.
"Bulu bulu," Tapu Bulu chuckled softly. A powerful psychic wave instantly held Mega Charizard X suspended in midair, rendering it unable to battle and forcing it to revert from its Mega Evolution.
Tapu Bulu laughed gently and sprinkled a shower of healing scales, instantly restoring Charizard's health. Ryan stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and said, "I accept the terms of our wager. For the next month, I'll train with you."
Tapu Bulu chuckled and nodded in agreement.
Olivia observed the now-settled Ryan and said, "Well, now you understand Tapu Bulu's true power."
Ryan sat down on the ground, looked at Tapu Bulu, and declared, "The power of Legendary Pokémon is indeed beyond my current reach, but I have my own methods. One day, I'll lead my Pokémon into the realm of Legendary status, and then we'll defeat Tapu Bulu."
Olivia smacked Ryan on the back of the head in exasperation and said, "I told you this for good reason! You think it's easy to reach Legendary status? Without the right opportunity or a Legendary Pokémon's guidance, forget about it. Though you are right about one thing: only a Legendary Pokémon can truly defeat another Legendary Pokémon."
Ryan smirked, thinking: What about Ash defeating Tobias's Darkrai? Was Sceptile a Legendary Pokémon?
Ryan then thought of his own Mewtwo. In its current state, if it fought Tapu Bulu, its chances of winning would be no more than 10%! But wasn't Mewtwo a Legendary Pokémon? Or was this simply the result of experience and time?
"System, what exactly defines a Legendary Pokémon? Don't try to fool me with those base stat totals from the games. Nearly every one of my Pokémon exceeds 600."
"Ding. The definition of a Legendary Pokémon is more about harnessing the essence of the world itself. To put it in terms easier for the host to understand: one utilizes type energy, while the other utilizes the world's most fundamental forces. One represents low-level energy, the other high-level energy. From a qualitative perspective, the difference is immense," the system explained.
"So the path forward is for Pokémon to comprehend the world's essence?" Ryan pondered. "How can that be achieved?"
"Ding. No information is currently available. If the host can locate one of Arceus's Plates and allow the system to analyze it, we might discover a solution."
"Where am I supposed to find an Arceus Plate for you?" Ryan was equally frustrated.
Understanding the power of origin was the first step toward achieving Legendary status, but even this initial step stumped Ryan completely.
"Never mind. I'll spend this month training with Tapu Bulu to familiarize myself with battling Legendary Pokémon." Ryan was remarkably optimistic, perhaps even carefree.
He understood that Legendary Pokémon were still far beyond his reach. Even Mewtwo had been an accidental resurrection by the system. Ryan had zero genuine experience dealing with true Legendary encounters.
Without dwelling on it further, a new round of battles began. Ryan also released Dragonite and the others to observe. Even if they didn't participate, the experience of witnessing Legendary battles was invaluable. He retrieved a video recorder from his backpack, ready to document this training session with Tapu Bulu. Even if he kept losing, it was still precious experience.
Olivia watched Charizard fight and lose repeatedly, yet continue fighting. Fortunately, Tapu Bulu's healing scales provided instant recovery, allowing Charizard to engage in continuous intense battles.
After observing for a while, Olivia departed. After all, Island Kahunas were busy people. Knowing that Ryan was no match for Tapu Bulu, what was there to worry about?
Ryan didn't want to return to Konikoni City immediately. He asked Olivia to send supplies when needed. He established camp at the Ruins of Abundance, preparing for an extended training period.
A month later, Charizard wasn't the only one battling Tapu Bulu. Dragonite, Gyarados, and Larvitar all attacked Tapu Bulu with everything they had, but Tapu Bulu danced through their attacks, defeating them one by one with graceful ease.
"Well, the month is up. Tapu Bulu, I'm leaving now," Ryan said, recalling the four Pokémon that Tapu Bulu had just healed.
"Bulu bulu," Tapu Bulu nodded and called out.
"Hmm? You want to entrust me with a Pokémon? What Pokémon?" Ryan asked curiously.
"Koko!" "Lele!" "Fini!" Three distinct cries echoed through the ruins. All four Guardian Deities had come to Ryan.
As Ryan looked at the four Tapu before him, a realization struck him: When Ash first arrived in Alola, it seemed that Tapu Koko had taken interest in him and entrusted him with that special Pokémon. Could it be...?
As Ryan had suspected, a small, nebula-shaped creature was gently presented to him, protected by all four Tapu. Ryan looked down at Cosmog in his arms and frowned. "I'm not originally from Alola, though. Can I really take care of it? I have to travel to other regions and might not return here for a year or more."
"Bulu bulu bulu," Tapu Bulu responded. Its meaning was clear: Take it with you. We'll handle everything else.
Ryan hesitated for a moment, then said, "Alright, see you in a year. If you need anything, come find me in Pallet Town, Kanto. If I'm not there, you can contact my Pokémon—they'll reach me."
The four Tapu nodded, chirped softly in farewell, and departed from the Ruins of Abundance.
Ryan carefully carried Cosmog back to Konikoni City, ready to say goodbye to Olivia. He also planned to use his remaining time in Alola to collect a few more Z-Crystals for the upcoming battles ahead.
(End of Chapter)
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