Chapter 699: Tonight's Expenses, All Paid by Prince Mosquito!

Chapter 699: Tonight’s Expenses, All Paid by Prince Mosquito! (Merged, Requesting Votes!)

The night was quiet.

Tapu Fini stared at Jing He, remaining silent for a long time.

Why does this feel so off?

Zap—

A sudden golden arc of light flickered from Tapu Fini’s body, standing out starkly in the quiet night.

"I can agree to help you, but the Fairy Tablet is of great importance. I can only speak for myself."

Initially, the four of them had borrowed the Fairy Tablet together, and Tapu Fini alone couldn’t decide its fate.

Moreover, the Fairy Tablet was tied to something very important.

Jing He understood this.

"Then, I have a request as well", Tapu Fini suddenly said.

"Hmm?"

The golden arcs of light around Tapu Fini grew more intense, and Jing He seemed to understand its meaning at that moment.

"Come and battle me!"

Without giving Jing He a chance to question or object, a terrifying current surged forth instantly.

Tapu Fini’s armor-like shell opened, and its body quickly descended to a level height with Jing He’s gaze, its eyes sharp and expression serious.

Intersecting lightning bolts formed an Electric Terrain beneath their feet in an instant!

What’s going on?

Seeing this, Hala and Dr. Kukui couldn’t help but step forward, but Jing He raised a hand to stop them.

"Professor Kukui, what’s happening?" Dr. Kukui couldn’t help but ask.

Jing He smirked, "Probably, Tapu Fini’s battle instinct has been triggered."

Battle instinct?

Hala and Dr. Kukui exchanged a puzzled look but quickly understood.

It made sense.

Jing He had already clashed with the Island Kahuna of Hala and Bewear. Tapu Fini, although it only appeared after the Ultra Wormhole opened, had likely been observing from the start of the celebration.

As a curious and battle-enthusiastic guardian, this decision was both unexpected and reasonable.

"Professor Jing He, this might be a test from Tapu Fini. Such situations are rare, but not unheard of", Hala, the Island Kahuna, explained.

"I understand", Jing He nodded.

In the original story, Tapu Fini had challenged Ash.

Even after the final Alola League, during the exhibition match between Ash and Royal Mask (Dr. Kukui), Tapu Fini temporarily joined Dr. Kukui’s team as his sixth Pokémon.

It was because of this exhibition match that Ash’s first championship had a bit more prestige.

Understanding is one thing, but Jing He had already anticipated such a scenario. Still, he couldn’t help but think sarcastically when Tapu Fini initiated a battle with just a glance—

Is Tapu Fini a card player too?

Seeing that Tapu Fini had taken its stance but wasn’t continuing, Jing He understood it was waiting for him to summon a Pokémon.

Although Tapu Fini is considered a "Tier 3 God" and might have lower base stats compared to the Legendary Birds or the Legendary Beasts, underestimating it would be a grave mistake.

On Melemele Island, if Tapu Fini wishes, it can harness the island’s power to unleash even greater abilities.

This is similar to how some "Tier 1 Gods" can tap into and use their "powers" or harness the forces of nature, except Tapu Fini’s abilities are limited to Alola and Melemele Island.

Therefore, Jing He took Tapu Fini very seriously.

But he was well-prepared, so he didn’t hesitate to send out his Pokémon.

"Ninetales!"

"Roar~"

Ninetales gracefully leaped onto the Electric Terrain, its sapphire eyes fixed on Tapu Fini, its nine tails spreading out.

"Snow?"

Having moved to a safe distance, they realized there was no immediate danger and that Professor Jing He, who had defeated the Island Kahuna, was about to battle the island guardian Tapu Fini. They cautiously moved closer.

Alola is known for its heat, especially during the summer, yet snow was falling?

But soon, the snowflakes grew more numerous and larger, and within a few breaths, a thin layer of snow had accumulated on the ground.

Snowfall!

Ninetales’ usual strength was slightly above that of a typical champion’s main Pokémon, but still a bit short of a champion’s ace Pokémon. Perhaps this would be a turning point!

Because after arriving on Melemele Island, Ninetales had told Jing He that it sensed a special aura on the island.

Different from Zygarde’s Fairy Aura, but perhaps it could help.

"Ninetales, Misty Terrain!"

"Roar!!"

A pink aura, infused with Fairy energy, rapidly enveloped and replaced Tapu Fini’s Electric Terrain.

The Electric Terrain prevented Pokémon from falling asleep, while Misty Terrain prevented Pokémon from entering any abnormal status, thus avoiding the Paralysis effect from Tapu Fini’s Electric-type moves.

Additionally, without the Electric Terrain, Electric-type moves lost their boost.

"Tapu?"

Tapu Fini gave Ninetales a deep look.

Its Electric Terrain was so easily covered by Misty Terrain?

The biting cold of the snowstorm affected it as well.

"Tapu!"

Realizing that the Nine-Tails before it was no easy opponent, Tapu Fini's demeanor became even more serious as it began to move.

Bang!

Tapu Fini's arm guards closed, completely enveloping its body and revealing the totem form of a Totem Pokémon for the first time.

Golden electricity instantly enveloped it, then it shot toward the Nine-Tails at an incredible speed.

Wild Charge!

It launched a fierce attack from the start.

This clearly showed Tapu Fini's strong fighting spirit.

"Defend!" Jing He calmly commanded.

"Roar~"

A transparent barrier appeared out of nowhere, layer upon layer forming, along with an incredibly sturdy ice wall that intercepted Tapu Fini's offensive path.

Bang!

The electricity and ice wall, along with the Aurora Veil, collided head-on.

In an instant, ice shards and arcs of light scattered, and the layers of Aurora Veil shattered one by one.

Boom!

Amidst countless collisions, Tapu Fini's impact gradually weakened until it finally came to a stop before an Aurora Veil, the electricity completely dissipated.

"When did so many 'Aurora Veils' appear?"

Hala was somewhat taken aback by the sight.

Dr. Kukui, who had some understanding of Jing He's Pokémon, especially the cautious nature of this Nine-Tails, had a somewhat peculiar expression.

"That's probably because there are even more 'Aurora Veils' that haven't been discovered yet", he said.

Hala: "??"

Dr. Kukui's words were quickly proven true.

Tapu Fini, unsurprised and undaunted by its failed attack, didn't feel disappointed. If it could defeat Jing He's Pokémon so easily, it would be the one feeling disappointed.

So it gathered more electricity and, with incredible speed, darted through the snowstorm, leaving only a golden arc visible to the naked eye as it leaped across the battlefield.

However.

No matter how fast Tapu Fini moved or how sharp its angles were, its attacks were always blocked by some Aurora Veil.

It was one thing for a single Aurora Veil, but there were so many of them!

Even after breaking through the Aurora Veils, there would be an extremely sturdy ice wall waiting.

This was a battle, not a game of breaking fortresses!

Actually, if one were familiar enough with Jing He's Nine-Tails, breaking through its defenses, though difficult, would be possible.

But Tapu Fini knew very little about Jing He and his Nine-Tails.

Sometimes, an information gap can compensate for a disparity in strength to some extent.

Bang!

Tapu Fini's attack hit a wall again.

A literal wall.

"Tapu!"

At this point, Tapu Fini was somewhat angry.

Why was a nine-tailed fox fighting like a turtle?

This wasn't the kind of battle it wanted.

It felt frustrated!

Very frustrated!

The key was that it couldn't stop, because if it did, Nine-Tails would take advantage of the pause to create more Aurora Veils.

"Tapu!!"

With frustration and anger building up, Tapu Fini let out a scream. The Thunderbolt around its body seemed to dissipate completely, but in the next moment, a pinkish current emerged from its body.

Then.

Tapu Fini landed on the ground and struck it forcefully.

In an instant.

A shockwave accompanied by pinkish electricity, centered on the spot where Tapu Fini struck the ground, spread out wildly.

Boom!

The ground trembled, and earthen walls rose up as if the earth itself were venting Tapu Fini's anger.

Nature's Wrath!

This was a special move of the Island Guardians, representing their control and use of the island's power.

In the wake of the island's fury, both the ice walls and Aurora Veils created by Nine-Tails shattered under the impact.

After all, this was the wrath of a god, far exceeding the capabilities of ordinary Pokémon.

"Roar!"

Nine-Tails had defended against Tapu Fini's attacks multiple times, each time leaving it fruitless, but this didn't mean Tapu Fini hadn't put pressure on Nine-Tails.

It was just that the pressure was still within Nine-Tails' tolerance.

But this time.

With the consecutive shattering of the ice walls and Aurora Veils, the overwhelming force of Nature's Wrath brought even greater pressure and threat to Nine-Tails!

Nine-Tails, always cautious and steady, rarely placed itself in a "high-pressure environment" it didn't like.

But in battle, anything could happen.

"Did you see it?" Jing He's voice echoed in Nine-Tails' mind.

"Roar!"

Nine-Tails lowered its gaze and nodded seriously.

Jing He smiled, but quickly composed himself and commanded, "Fairy Aura, Earth Control!"

Tapu Fini's Nature's Wrath, a Fairy-type move, also utilized the aura covering Melemele Island, much like the Gnome Field of the Mythical Pokémon Zygarde.

Nine-Tails raised its paw, mimicking Tapu Fini, and struck the ground three times!

Boom!

In an instant, a surge of Life Force accompanied by the Gnome Field spread out from Nine-Tails.

Thud! Thud thud—

The aura's veins within the earth seemed to be captured by Nine-Tails, and a field similar to Tapu Fini's Nature's Wrath, but fundamentally different, surged forth.

Huh?

Seeing this scene and feeling the change in the aura on Melemele Island, Tapu Fini was stunned.

What is this?

Copying?

"That’s..." Dr. Kukui, not far away, was also taken aback.

Hala, who was quite familiar with this feeling, quickly responded after a brief moment of shock: "Dynamax Aura?"

At that moment, as the island's king, he sensed the Dynamax Aura, which only Dynamax Pokémon possess, emanating from Nine-Tails.

Boom!!

Nature's Wrath swept through, the shockwave brutally engulfing Nine-Tails, ultimately submerging it completely.

But.

When the fierce impact dissipated, Nine-Tails, though clearly in a much worse state and looking rather disheveled, had an even brighter and more determined gaze.

"Awooo~~"

Nine-Tails raised its head and let out a long howl, its tails swaying gently like leaves, each movement stirring the aura. Nine-Tails’ aura began to surge wildly.

Earth Control granted Nine-Tails significant boosts in Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed.

More importantly.

Nine-Tails' overall strength had clearly improved, as if it had crossed an important threshold.

At that moment, Hala's expression was somewhat dazed.

He felt...

It seemed that in front of him, there were not one but two guardian Pokémon?

The only difference was that one had a bit more control, and the other had a bit less.

What's going on?

Tapu Fini suddenly stopped its movements, staring at Jing He and Nine-Tails with an indescribable expression.

[This isn't fair!]

Jing He and Nine-Tails exchanged glances, and he laughed.

"Zygarde taught us, don't worry about it."

Tapu Fini: "..."

"Want to keep fighting?" Jing He asked.

Tapu Fini opened its mouth, glanced at Nine-Tails, then at Gengar, who was cautiously peeking out from behind Jing He, and its aura immediately weakened. It said irritably:

[No more fighting! What's there to fight!]

It couldn't help but grumble inwardly. Why does Zygarde teach them everything?

Feeling somewhat unconvinced, Tapu Fini added:

[So what if you know how to fight? You need ability, background, and influence.]

But halfway through, it stopped, its expression becoming somewhat complicated.

Ability?

Hasn't Nine-Tails and Thicklipuku already shown enough ability?

Background?

Think about the pile of "credentials" Jing He just pulled out.

Influence?

Looking around at its own Pokémon...

No more talking.

[Alright, here you go.] Tapu Fini said irritably.

Jing He's expression was strange, as if he could sense Tapu Fini's "dissatisfaction."

As he spoke, a bundle of energy floated over, bringing a Z-Crystal and a Z-Ring toward Jing He.

Z-Ring?

Speaking of which.

Jing He only now realized that when he used a Z-Move earlier, he didn’t need a Z-Ring, nor did he perform the awkward dance. He simply grabbed the Z-Crystal and injected it into the Waveguide, which activated it directly.

In the end, a Z-Crystal is just a pure energy crystal. Using a Z-Ring and the Aura Dance is just one way to channel the Z-Crystal's power.

The Waveguide does the same, more or less.

The pink Z-Crystal, however, was a bit of a surprise for Jing He.

A Fairy Z-Crystal?

It wasn’t an Electric Z-Crystal.

Not far away, Hala rubbed his own body, looking helpless.

Well, it’s the Z-Ring I just made, alright.

[When you want to see them again, I’ll come back.]

With that, Tapu Fini transformed into a golden arc and disappeared into the night.

"Pretty reasonable", Jing He said, stroking Nine-Tails' fur as he watched Tapu Fini leave.

"Awooo~"

Nine-Tails nodded in agreement.

"How was it?" Jing He asked his Nine-Tails.

Nine-Tails’ eyes curved, revealing a gentle and confident smile.

"Good."

Although it was a bit troublesome, he was very satisfied with the outcome.

Not only because of Nine-Tails' increased strength, but also because some of his theories had been confirmed.

The Z-Crystals and Z-Moves of Alola ultimately come from the unique aura of Alola.

Even more than that, the unique Dynamax Pokémon of Alola, especially their "Dynamax Aura", are essentially applications of Alola's aura.

When a Pokémon is granted the aura's power by a guardian Pokémon, it becomes a Dynamax Pokémon with a "Dynamax Aura."

Tracing back to the source, Alola's unique aura, like the Galar Particles of the Galar region and the Terastal Energy of the Paldea region, ultimately stems from the light released by Necrozma, which is Necrozma's power.

Coincidentally.

With Zygarde's guidance, Nine-Tails had, to some extent, mastered the technique of using the aura.

This allowed Nine-Tails to learn a bit about using Alola's aura during the battle with Tapu Fini, turning it into its own power through Earth Control.

Although it didn’t become a Dynamax Pokémon, it had acquired abilities similar to those of a Dynamax Pokémon.

The difference was that the Dynamax Aura of Dynamax Pokémon is granted by a guardian Pokémon, while Nine-Tails had taken it on its own.

This was just one island, Melemele. If Nine-Tails were to visit the other three islands as well... Jing He rubbed his chin, thinking.

This trip to Alola wasn't for nothing.

Even if he couldn't obtain the "Fairy Tablet" in a short time, the power of these auras alone has greatly benefited Nine-Tails.

At this point, it probably already has the strength of a standard champion's ace Pokémon.

If it could absorb some of the auras from the other three islands, its power would undoubtedly increase even further.

"Gengar."

Gengar, who had poked his head out from behind Jinghe, pulled his head back in, feeling intimidated. He was only afraid of Jinghe and Nine-Tails, and with Nine-Tails' recent power boost, Gengar felt even more pressured.

"Teacher Jinghe, Male, due to the earlier emergency, this is the Fighting Z-Crystal." As the Island Kahuna, Hala's defeat by Jinghe, Male meant that he had completed the "Great Test" of the Island Challenge and could receive a Z-Crystal from the Island Kahuna.

Jinghe, Male didn't hesitate to accept it.

The Fighting Z-Crystal was something he didn't have, and it could be used with Thicklipuku.

Receiving both the Fairy Z-Crystal and the Fighting Z-Crystal in one go, he felt like he had struck gold.

"Island Kahuna Hala, Lili Town." Jinghe, Male looked somewhat embarrassed at the mess all around.

"It's fine." Hala laughed heartily, "Our people will quickly restore this place."

"I was thinking, if you need a construction team, I might be able to introduce you to one." Jinghe, Male said.

"Oh?"

The Rainbow Rocket Group's plan was already underway, and the collaboration with Devon, facilitated by the "Rainbow Rocket Entertainment", had a good start.

Meanwhile, the ruins-like town square did not dampen the residents' enthusiasm for the ongoing celebration.

To them, it was proof of the intensity and excitement of the celebratory battles.

Moreover, they had not only witnessed the battle between the Island Kahunas but also the battle between the island's guardian Pokémon, making it a day worth celebrating.

At the Melemele Island, Dr. Kukui had arranged a teacher's quarters for Jinghe, Male.

Although the Alola Pokémon School looked modest, it was indeed spacious.

The teacher's quarters were a single-story bamboo house, filled with a fragrant aroma, giving a sense of a southern resort.

And not just the bamboo house; there was also a large courtyard outside, where Jinghe, Male and his Pokémon could move freely.

At the moment, the little ones were playing in the courtyard, while Jinghe, Male sat on a bamboo recliner, sipping sweet pineapple juice, and making a call.

"Mosquito?"

On the other end of the call, Lila's voice sounded puzzled.

"It's one of the Ubs your 'UB Response Team' is investigating. I've already sent you the information."

"UB?!"

Lila's voice rose a few notches.

With the sounds of movement on the other end, it was clear that Lila was already flipping through the computer files.

Then, she quickly added:

"So, the spatial anomaly that occurred on Melemele Island today was encountered by you, Teacher Jinghe, Male?"

As the UB Response Team, which was specifically established to deal with Ultra Beasts, they were always monitoring the Ultra Wormholes in Alola.

However, the Ultra Wormhole that appeared above Lili Town existed for such a short time that the UB Response Team didn't have time to lock onto its location before it disappeared.

At the time, they thought it was just a regular spatial fluctuation, but they didn't expect an actual Ultra Beast to appear?

Then, she flipped through the files and saw the photo of Bewear.

It was indeed a mosquito!

"Right now—" Lila asked, somewhat anxiously.

"Correct, it's with me for now."

Jinghe, Male glanced at Bewear, who was posing with a "Bewear! Bewear!" while Blastoise, Thicklipuku, Dratini, and the others were learning new moves.

"Ah, it's quite well-behaved."

Well-behaved?

Lila had never heard anyone describe an Ultra Beast as "well-behaved."

But then she thought about it.

As a top Pokémon psychologist, known as the "Master of Pokémon Minds", it wasn't impossible for Teacher Jinghe, Male to calm an Ultra Beast.

"Phew—"

Lila let out a sigh of relief.

It's good that there wasn't too much destruction.

At the same time, she realized something.

Perhaps she could ask Teacher Jinghe, Male to help deal with these Ultra Beasts?

After all, this mosquito-like Ultra Beast, combined with muscle lumps, is the only known Ultra Beast that is currently under human supervision and is very calm.

"I plan to return it when the next Ultra Wormhole opens", Jinghe, Male said.

"Sure. I'll inform you, Teacher Jinghe, Male, as soon as I get the information about the Ultra Wormhole opening."

Lila paused, then added:

"As for the cost of feeding this UB, I'll report to headquarters, and we'll cover it with the special funds of the 'UB Response Team.'"

As a Chief of the International Police, Jinghe, Male was a consultant, partially on leave, but he could use his authority to mobilize resources when necessary.

Lila, on the other hand, was a Chief with real power, overseeing the highly valued "UB Response Team" and a large special fund.

She was a typical example of someone who could write and approve her own requests.

With the UB Response Team covering the costs, Jinghe, Male felt no pressure about temporarily feeding Bewear.

"Alright, thank you", Jinghe, Male smiled.

"Teacher Jinghe, Male, if possible, could our experts have a closer look at this UB and conduct a more detailed investigation?" Lila asked.

It's rare to have a cooperative Ultra Beast, so we should take advantage of this opportunity.

The Poké Ball specifically designed to combat Ultra Beasts is currently stuck at a critical stage. Perhaps this Ultra Beast can help us break through this obstacle.

Jing He thought for a moment before saying, "It should be possible."

After a brief pause, he added, "By the way, Lila, it told me its name is Bewear."

Bewear?

"Alright."

He hung up the phone.

Jing He clapped his hands and called out, "Come on, it's time for a midnight snack!"

The little ones, including Bewear, all rushed over immediately.

As Jing He took out the food, he said, "Tonight's feast is on 'Prince Mosquito'!"

Bewear froze.

He scratched his head.

Me?

Then he saw everyone's friendly gazes, and Bewear immediately struck a pose to show off his muscles.

"Be-jii! (‵‵)"

Meanwhile.

Lila looked at the information on the screen about Bewear. After a brief hesitation, she titled the file:

Codename: UB02: Inflation, Name: Bewear

At that moment, in a deep, quiet forest, inside a wide, hollowed-out tree trunk.

"Misty, hurry up, move faster!" Musa whispered, pushing a crouched Koga from behind, urging him on.

"Don't push me, I need to check the situation first."

Koga looked around, making sure that the terrifying Oranguru had really left.

"I told you we shouldn't have taken the shortcut."

They hadn't earned any money, and instead, Koga had lost his freedom.

"Soo~ nanuun—"

Marowak was halfway through his cry when Musa, Koga, and Meowth simultaneously covered his mouth.

"Quiet, Marowak!" Musa whispered sternly.

"Exactly, we finally—"

"Marowak, why are you sweating so much?" Meowth asked, puzzled.

Marowak, with his mouth still covered, pointed towards the entrance of the tree trunk.

The trio finally realized something and slowly, stiffly turned their heads.

They saw the "demon" with a cute pink head, the Oranguru, standing there.

Immediately, the trio, including Marowak, broke out in a cold sweat.

"Ruu~"

Oranguru waved and picked up Musa and Marowak with one hand, and Koga and Meowth with the other, then crawled into the tree trunk and lay down, gently stroking their heads as if they were dolls.

Time to sleep!

Musa: "What do we do? (Whisper)"

Meowth: "Request backup! (Whisper)"

Koga: "But, why is this so soft and comfortable?"

Marowak: (≧ω≦)ゞ

"Maybe we should just sleep for now? (Whisper)" ×3

Before long, the tree trunk was filled with the sound of even breathing.

The next morning.

The lawn was dotted with dew, and the sun playfully peeked out from the eastern sea, casting its first rays over the land.

Knock knock—

The door was knocked on.

"Gengar~"

Gengar immediately left his empty plate and floated towards the door.

There stood a woman with pure white hair, wearing goggles, a white lab coat, and a tight black bodysuit, looking to be around twenty-five years old. She smiled warmly.

"Aloha~"

Seeing Gengar, the woman was not afraid but instead greeted him warmly.

"Aloha~" Gengar also waved, his eyes twinkling as they lingered on her goggles.

"Gengar, who is it?" Jing He, wearing a floral shirt and holding a frying pan and spatula, walked to the door.

"Aloha, Professor Jing He, I'm Barnet. Inspector Lila said there's a living Ultra Beast here for research."

Barnet?

Jing He was slightly taken aback.

Kukui's childhood friend?

Looking at Barnet's competent appearance, and thinking of Kukui's Royal Mask persona, Jing He wanted to ask, "Why?"

Oh, I have my own little cabbage, so it's fine.

"Aloha, Dr. Barnet, please come in." Jing He invited her in.

"Have you had breakfast? I'm just preparing it now."

Barnet, entering the bamboo house, smiled and said, "Can I? I've heard about Professor Jing He's excellent cooking, and now I get to try it. Thank you."

Barnet was outgoing and unreserved.

Jing He enjoyed interacting with people who had such an open personality.

"Of course, please wait a moment."

He turned and walked back into the kitchen.

"Professor Jing He, can I go see UB02: Inflation first? Oh, that's Bewear."

Barnet was about to enter the kitchen when she noticed a note on the door that read, "No girls or Gengar allowed." She couldn't help but laugh.

"Gengar, show Dr. Barnet the way." Jing He said without turning around.

"Gengar~"

Gengar made a welcoming gesture and led Dr. Barnet to the backyard, where Bewear was exercising.

Yes, one hand holding Bastiodon and the other holding Dragonite as he worked out.

Seeing this, Dr. Barnet's mouth opened wide.

"Be-jii!"

Bewear, seeing Gengar, put down the two heavyweights and struck a muscle-flexing pose to greet him.

"Gengar!"

Gengar's face remained serious as black fog swirled around him, mimicking inflated biceps, and he struck a similar pose to Bewear.

Bewear was delighted.

"Be-jii! Be-jii! Be-jii!"

He continuously changed poses.

Then Bewear and Gengar both looked at Dr. Barnet.

A bead of sweat rolled down Dr. Barnet's forehead. After a moment's hesitation, she raised her arms.

"Be-jii?"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end