Chapter 80
As for how to activate this power?
Trainers should first wear a bracelet inlaid with a "Z-Crystal" on their wrist, and then dance to a specific rhythm to create a resonance between the trainer, the Z-Crystal, and the Pokémon, allowing the Pokémon to use the corresponding Z-Move.
In Alola, this kind of dance is something that every trainer with a certain level of skill must master. Even Mei has mastered the dance for every type. When in doubt, dancing and battling is also Alola tradition.
However, with the Alola Incident, the power of Z suddenly disappeared from this land, which is why Mei had never used Z-Move before.
"In Alola's legends, the Island Guardian would bestow Z-Crystal upon chosen Trainer, granting them the power to use Z-Move. Perhaps... because the Island Guardian are no longer here, the power that has protected Alola throughout history has also vanished."
Mei also offered her own explanation: Alola's Z-Power doesn't seem to be innate. Furthermore, this peculiar power, defined as a "natural force," can only be used in Alola. No matter how much you dance around in other regions, it won't produce any reaction, which speaks volumes.
As for Qiao Ran, the player, he actually knew more inside information. The source of the Z-Power was actually related to a Pokémon, a transcendent being on the same level as the creator Arceus.
Even compared to Yveltal, it's only as different as a large tree compared to Forest.
That Pokémon be considered the creator god of Otherworld.
So... why would Z-Move that has disappeared from Alola appear in this place?
And it was controlled by such a strange guy??
Not only was Qiao Ran incredulous, but even Lillie, a resident of Alola, looked as if she had seen a ghost.
Why is that???
Could it be that Phoebe is also Alola?
Qiao Ran and Lillie racked their brains but couldn't figure out the connection, and Phoebe on the other side wouldn't give them time to think.
"I'll show you my power!"
As Phoebe performed her cat dance, a surge of crimson power erupted from her body and flowed into the Mimikyu's body in front of her at a visible speed.
"Um...?"
Phoebe's dance was undoubtedly the Z dance representing the "Ghost Type, but watching her movements, Lillie frowned slightly, as if she had noticed something very subtle.
Meanwhile, Qiao Ran on the other side had no time to pay attention to any of this. If that really was Z-Move, how would his Mimikyu counter it?
Could it be... that he'll lose?
"Come on, Ghost Type ultimate technique--"
"The Never-Ending Nightmare!!"
Phoebe's power was quickly injected into Mimikyu's body in front of her, and blood-red energy began to boil within Mimikyu's body. Not only that, Mimikyu's original moves also changed in an instant. The powerful force made the ground thud, and countless red and black shadows began to emerge from the ground, like endless vengeful spirits.
Dark shadows shrouded the earth, Darkest Day descended upon the world.
The Never-Ending Nightmare!
--In actual combat, the Z-Move is an incredibly terrifying move that can even alter the environment!
"What terrifying power... Is that Pokémon skill?"
"No... this is too amazing..."
The Assistant gasped and quickly retreated a distance to avoid being affected by the entire skill. The Ghost type watching, on the other hand, happily danced in the air. The energy did not seem to frighten them; instead, it excited them even more. In an instant, the ghosts danced wildly, like a hundred demons parading at night.
Looking at Phoebe, whose momentum was growing stronger and stronger, Qiao Ran couldn't help but sweat. The power of the Z-Move would be greatly increased on the level of the original move, roughly doubling. Moreover, because the Ghost Type Z-Move has a huge range, it comes with a "sure hit" effect, which will even damage opponents who have used defensive moves such as "Protect"!
There's nowhere to hide!
There's nowhere to hide!
"Oh no... if this continues, we're really going to be doomed...!"
Qiao Ran muttered to himself, feeling an immense pressure emanating from him.
He can't lose, not even for Mimikyu.
We finally got her onto the battlefield, we finally mustered her confidence. If she loses here, will she revert to her old self?
No... absolutely not...
Qiao Ran didn't want to see that kind of ending.
His only hope now rests on this next move—
That was his and Mimikyu's only hope.
Mimikyu, Shadow Sneak!!!!
Priority skills, they absolutely must hit first!!!
"Miiiiii!!"
Qiao Ran's Mimikyu seemed to Frisk something, and in an instant, it used all its strength, gathering all its power into its shadow, and quickly launched itself towards its opponent.
"No, that's not enough! This level of damage isn't enough to Defeat the opponent in one move! Even with the previous Burn..."
Qiao Ran gritted her teeth and made a decision she had never made before.
Previously, he hadn't used the Tokiwa Power too much in battle because he was afraid that this power would be a burden on his Pokémon.
But now, Qiao Ran couldn't afford to hesitate any longer.
With his opponent having already used the Z-Move, Qiao Ran extended his left hand and slightly closed his eyes.
He explored the subtle connection between himself and Mimikyu, and then—infused that power into her body.
--The Tokiwa Power is a power that can be used most of the time.
Most of the time, "naturally" can also include the present.
Mimikyu, you absolutely... you really have to win!!!
Section 152, Page 149 [The Ultimate Winner!]
The battle has reached its end, and both sides have unleashed their Final Gambit moves.
Everyone present was on tenterhooks. At this moment, no one could stand up and say they saw the ending, not even Mei, a well-informed Trainer.
She could only pray silently in her heart, hoping that Qiao Ran could win in the end. No matter what, she was on Qiao Ran's side.
On one side, endless shadows emanated boundless energy; on the other, only utter loneliness remained.
A thin, solitary shadow.
Finally--
"Boom!!!"
A wave of shadows surged across the Battle Court, and as the energies began to collide, everyone's vision was completely overwhelmed by those shadows.
"..."
Qiao Ran squinted. He didn't speak, but instead held his trembling left hand and started breathing heavily.
Meanwhile, Phoebe held her head high, looking at the disheveled Qiao Ran with a smug gaze. No one could withstand this move, not even this young man who might be able to challenge her; he couldn't break through this power.
Her confidence has withstood the test of countless years.
--The endless shadows dissipated, and as expected, only one Mimikyu remained standing on the Battle Court. The other one had already fallen to the Battle Court, seemingly unconscious.
Lillie, acting as the Referee, stared wide-eyed at the Mimikyu that was still standing. However, the moment she saw its appearance clearly, her body trembled slightly.
--On the Mimikyu's outer garment, there was no familiar cherry-red flower.
"...!"
"... The... final victor was... the Western-style Mansion's..."
Despite her reluctance to admit it, Lillie suppressed her resentment and sadness in order to fulfill her duty as Referee and announce the final result immediately.
However—just as she was halfway through her sentence, another unexpected event occurred in front of everyone.
The Mimikyu that was still standing suddenly moved. She dragged her heavy body forward a short distance, then two shadowy "claws" emerged from under the doll, picked something up from the ground, and finally put it on her head.
After doing all this, her body finally came to a quiet stop, and she lay limply on the ground, breathing softly.
"That is..."
It wasn't until this moment that Lillie finally realized that her preconceived notion was wrong from the start. This standing Mimikyu... had actually picked up the little flower from the ground and skillfully put it on its head.
The only person who can do this is...
Lillie covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes.
"Impossible..."
On the other side, Phoebe, seeing this scene before her, also showed an expression of utter astonishment.
To distinguish the difference between two Mimikyu, observation from a distance is indeed not enough; even she needs further confirmation. However—sometimes, some extremely subtle movements can tell the whole story.
"No... it's impossible... this... how could this be... I..."
I... lost...?
Phoebe simply couldn't understand why her finishing move hadn't Defeat her opponent outright.
And... how exactly did the opponent defeat my Mimikyu?
Not only was Phoebe confused, but Qiao Ran also felt a bit dazed. Perhaps... the Tokiwa Power that he had temporarily transferred had taken effect, or perhaps it was the power bursting from Mimikyu's own body that allowed her to use a skill beyond reason, taking down her opponent with a preemptive move. Or perhaps, it was Mimikyu had high health and withstood the opponent's skill.
There may be countless possibilities, but Qiao Ran understood one thing clearly—his Mimikyu stood until the end, and she did it.
She is the ultimate victor!
"Slap, slap..."
Qiao Ran clapped first, followed by the stunned audience. Even the Ghost type started clapping excitedly, making strange noises as they praised the final winner.
"I... declare the final winner to be... contestant Qiao Ran, and his Mimikyu!"
Amidst enthusiastic applause, Lillie announced the final result. Seeing this scene, tears welled up in her eyes—tears of excitement.
Qiao Ran stepped forward and picked up Mimikyu, who had collapsed to the ground and was completely powerless. Her body was already very light, and now it was as soft as cotton.
"See? I told you you could win, right?" Qiao Ran ruffled her hair and smiled.
"Mi..." Mimikyu nestled in Qiao Ran's arms, responding softly.
"I... really... won..."
Everyone was watching her, praising her, and applauding her.
Even the Ghost type who had previously ignored her seemed to have changed their attitude, emitting benevolent, eerie laughs in her presence...
Mimikyu closed her eyes slightly; at this moment, she seemed to truly feel something.
This world... seems to be starting to change in some way.
On the other side of the battlefield, Phoebe was immersed in the silence of defeat.
No... impossible...
She hadn't experienced failure in far too long, and it had never happened since she became Elite Four.
Could it be... that she's become too far removed from real combat?
She is a true genius, an absolute chosen one; she was born with...
They possess strength beyond that of ordinary people.
Moreover, she possesses extraordinary wisdom, enabling her to command Pokémon to make the most correct decisions. Although she may not have many unique battle tactics, how could she, who has reached the pinnacle of wisdom and strength, possibly lose?
Even now, she still feels a sense of disbelief, but what is happening in front of her undoubtedly proves it.
What exactly did this man do?
How did he... manage to do that?
Phoebe, panting heavily, raised her head and looked in the direction where Qiao Ran was.
She gazed at everything about him, starting from his toes, his ankles, and moving upwards, ever upwards—
"?"
Etc...
Suddenly, as if struck by lightning, she noticed something that was not easily noticed.
Something was radiating light in the man's left hand.
What is that...?