Moon Version, Part 21: Journey to the Altar
- Nintai3301
- Feb 5, 2017
- 5 min read
Nuztai hadn’t realized that Gladion didn’t stay for the battle. He had gone on ahead, anxious to get the altar. Nuztai buried Raphael alone behind some vines in a secluded spot beside the entrance to the canyon. Then it was time to enter the canyon and hopefully add a new friend to his team.
Shortly after entering, Nuztai tripped over some rocks that began moving, and his backpack spilled a little on the ground. He grabbed a pokeball, releasing Whirly to attack the wild Boldore. Whirly used Hydro Pump, and the Boldore’s Sturdy ability kept it up with a single hit point. This was his chance. Nuztai tossed an Ultra Ball and caught Boldore, who he nicknamed Alastair.
After making his way through most of the canyon and catching a couple new Pokémon for the living ‘dex, Nuztai came to a high bridge. As he began to cross a girl with long green hair, a colorful top, and backpack full of art supplies was trekking back. She stopped and introduced herself.
“I’m Mina, the captain. Well, sort of.” She said in a strange monotone. “I don’t, like, have a trial or anything. I haven’t settled on what it should be yet. Maybe something that involves painting pictures or picking flowers… Maybe that would be cool?”
“No.” Answered Nuztai. “No, that doesn’t sound cool at all. That sounds like the opposite of cool.”
“Oh, hahaha!” Laughed Mina. “You’re funny! Oh yeah! Oooh yeah! You should take this! It’s a fairium Z. Get your Z on!” Mina handed the gem to Nuztai, who held the gem up to the star light to examine it’s beauty. The two said their ‘alola’s and went their separate ways.
As Nuztai entered the cave, he was met by a stone monument with carving so worn and faint, he could barely read it:
“Ahead lies a sacred ground of trials. None who do not take part in its trials will be allowed to walk upon this soil. Those lacking the courage to defeat the totem guarding this land will be denied entry. But those who believe in their Pokémon and walk beside them shall gain great power!”
“Strange,” thought Nuztai, “The only region I know of with laws allowing trainers to walk beside their Pokémon was Johto. Kanto, if you get the joint regional challenge paperwork and start in Johto. And I can literally see the goal at the other end of the cavern. What kind of challenge is this?”
What Nuztai failed to notice was a an inscription at the bottom of the monument, both warn and covered in moss:
“Nuzlocke Challengers best not enter, lest they are willing to feed their partners to the Totem!”
It didn’t take long for Nuztai to feel the piercing gaze of something watching him as he began walk to the end of the cavern. A wild Jangmo-o appeared from the shadows and attacked, but Mary’s Hurricane attack made short work of it. The piercing stare didn’t go away, however, and Nuztai continued the short trek.
A little further in, a wild Hakamo-o attacked, and Nuztai sent Metatron to battle it, using its Dragon Claw to easily dispatch it. The hair on the back of Nuztai’s neck began to stand on end. It was as if his actions had angered a powerful presence. Could he have angered the Legendary Pokémon? Or one of the island guardians? As he approached the pedestal holding a Z-crystal, Nuztai hesitated to reach for it. Suddenly, a there was a loud crash as the earth shook. Nuztai spun around to see a massive Kommo-o with a flaring aura behind him. With a roar, it called a Hakamo-o to its side.
Nuztai sent in Metatron, who hit with a Dragon claw, but did alarmingly little damage. Kommo-o retaliated with a Sky Uppercut that sent Metatron reeling. Hakamo-o used Automtize and started dashing around the battle. Nuztai recalled Metatron and sent in Mary. Hakamo-o kept running, faster and faster, and Kommo-o landed a Sky Uppercut on Mary, to little effect but to anger her. She spun the air around them and used Hurricane on Kommo-o, but he used Protect to save himself from any effect. Kommo-o used Clanging Scales to blast Mary, who used the opening to hit with Hurricane. Hakamo-o continued dancing and running, presumably boosting its stats
Kommo-o dodged another Hurricane and belted Mary with another Clanging Scales blast. Mary was looking weak. Nuztai pulled a Max Potion from his bag and sprayed Mary, but she was quickly hit with another Scaly blast from Kommo-o. Hakamo-o stopped suddenly and began to Bide. Mary and Kommo-o traded blasts again, and this time, Kommo-o went down. But Mary was weak, and any one blast from her wouldn’t be enough to defeat Hakamo-o. It would, however, be enough to allow it to release a terrible blast from its bided energy.
Nuztai chose to swap Pokémon again, recalling Mary and sending in Bouncee. Hakamo-o attempted to unleash its energy, but it had built none up. Bouncee unleashed a dazzling display of Acrobatics, pummeling Hakamo-o and knocking it out. Nuztai had won.
“Well, that was fun to watch, but when the heck did you get ahead of me?” asked Gladion as he came walking up. “I assumed I’d beat you here since you spent time battling the Kahuna.”
“You sayin’ I slow people down, naw?” came a voice from behind him. Kahuna Hapu came riding up on her Mudsdale. “Come on now, the Altar of the Moone is just ahead.” The group stepped outside and stared up the enormous flight of stairs. 20 minutes and a break for air and water later, they made it to the top.
“I can feel the power of this place.” said an awed Gladion. “This is it, Nuztai. I can feel it. I’m going to summon the Legendary Pokémon, go to the beast’s world, drag my mother back and FORCE her to free Lillie!”
“Don’t forget about restoring Nebby in your bag, or rescuing Guzma.” replied Nuztai.
“Icing on the cake. Lillie is my main concern.” As Gladion approached a flute site, a ball from his belt burst open, and Type: Null appeared. It stood on the site, blocking Gladion’s way. “What’s this about, Null?”
“It would seem your partner didn’t like your answer!” hollered Hapu. Null stomped its foot in response.
“I don’t get it, Null.” Gladion spoke to Null, who glared back at him. “You don’t want me to save Lillie? Or you don’t want me to summon the Legendary Pokémon?” Null growled back at Gladion.
“You’re an idiot sometimes, mate.” Yelled Nuztai. “You saved Null at the risk of your family before. Now you’re saying you want to save your family at the risk of your Pokémon. Null wants to know what side you’re on!”
Gladion’s eyes opened wide at the realization of what Nintai was saying. He took a moment and Null and Gladion stared into each other. “You’re right, Null.” said Gladion as he tightened his fist. “We fight for Pokémon and people now. I won’t forget it.” Gladion recalled Null, who happily returned to its Pokéball. He then went to Hapu and handed her his backpack. “Keep Cosmog safe, and when the Legendary Pokémon appears, ask it to heal Cosmog.”
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