While Peter and Whitney were eating at Aina Kitchen, preparations were already quietly beginning back at Aether Paradise.
Over the years, Faba's influence and reputation within the foundation had continued to rise steadily.
Originally, he had planned to complete the Type: Null project independently, then personally capture an Ultra Beast and claim a massive achievement for himself.
But instead of success, everything had spiraled out of control.
Not only had the situation backfired spectacularly, but he had even caused Lillie to lose her memories.
And now Peter had suddenly inserted himself into the equation as well...
Faba was exhausted.
Because the moment the truth about Type: Null was exposed, forget promotions and raises—he would probably lose his current position entirely.
"It absolutely cannot be discovered!"
Muttering to himself, Faba opened the hidden entrance beneath the laboratory.
Inside, three restrained experimental subjects floated silently within nutrient-filled capsules.
"What perfect Pokémon…"
"…Such a shame they ruined my plans."
His fingers danced across the keyboard as a syringe slowly injected a mysterious serum into one of the chambers...
…
Back at Aina Kitchen—
"Milo~"
Lopunny held up her juice cup with sparkling eyes, looking longingly at Peter.
Behind her, the rest of the team collectively raised their heads too.
"…You all still want more?"
Peter laughed helplessly.
"Fine then~ Boss, twenty more pineapple juices please!"
"No problem~ Mallow, give them a hand!"
"Coming!"
Mallow walked out carrying a huge pitcher of juice, accompanied by a tiny Pokémon that resembled a mangosteen.
Green leaves sprouted from its head while its red-and-white body looked exactly like peeled fruit flesh.
[Bounsweet Lv.15 (Novice)]
As cup after cup of pineapple juice was poured, the Pokémon eagerly bit onto their straws.
By now the restaurant had emptied out, leaving only Peter and Whitney.
Mallow finally had some free time and crouched nearby, curiously observing the out-of-region Pokémon.
"By the way, Mallow," Peter suddenly asked, "are you free this afternoon?"
"Hm?" Mallow blinked. "I'll probably head into the forest later to gather ingredients. Did you need something?"
"That works perfectly then. Why not come with us to Verdant Cavern?"
"…The trial?"
Mallow froze for a second.
"But I only have Bounsweet with me. I probably won't be much help…"
Peter smiled slightly.
"But your Bounsweet should already know Sweet Scent, right?"
The moment he said that, realization dawned on her face.
"You mean… use Sweet Scent to lure out the bird Pokémon?"
"Exactly~"
Peter nodded.
"If the target really is a bird Pokémon, this should work extremely well."
According to the anime timeline, Mallow's Bounsweet had incredible talent with Sweet Scent.
Its naturally fruity aroma was practically irresistible to bird Pokémon.
For example, Ash's Rowlet.
Or the time Mallow used Sweet Scent to attract Oricorio while searching for nectar.
"Don't worry," Whitney said confidently while patting her chest. "As long as you stay beside us, nothing dangerous will happen~"
"Alright!"
Mallow's eyes lit up immediately.
"I'd love to help too! Bounsweet will definitely be happy if it can contribute, right?"
…
And just like that, the three set out together.
Having a local guide like Mallow made the trip significantly easier.
Along the way, Peter and Whitney encountered many Pokémon unique to Alola.
The regional bird Toucannon line, Charjabug, the blue Alolan Meowth, rainbow-colored Alolan Grimer…
"It's seriously amazing…"
Whitney stared wide-eyed at an Alolan Grimer.
"Who would've thought Grimer could be colorful like this… and it doesn't even smell bad…"
"Right?" Peter chuckled.
"Alolan Grimer store toxins inside their bodies, so you don't smell anything unpleasant when getting close. Different environments naturally create different regional forms."
"It's basically like how humans adapt differently depending on where they live~"
As he spoke, Mallow suddenly halted.
"Shh… we're approaching Verdant Cavern now."
"There are usually Yungoos patrols nearby."
Following her gaze, Peter and Whitney spotted several mongoose-like Pokémon prowling through the forest while searching for food.
"Yungoos—the Loitering Pokémon. Most of its long body is actually stomach, which gives it an enormous appetite. It patrols fixed routes while searching for fresh food, Rotom~"
Whitney blinked.
"So those are called Yungoos…"
Peter nodded while looking toward the massive cavern ahead, mostly concealed by dense greenery.
"Mallow, this should be far enough. Go ahead and use Sweet Scent here."
If they entered too deeply into the cavern, things could easily become troublesome.
"Got it! Bounsweet, full-power Sweet Scent!"
Visible waves of sugary fragrance spread outward like ripples.
At the same time, Peter released Arboliva to activate Grassy Terrain and sustain Bounsweet's stamina.
Soon, wild Pokémon from all around began gathering.
Pikipek, Meowth, Diglett, Spearow, Oricorio…
But the largest groups by far were the Yungoos family emerging from Verdant Cavern and the Raticate family arriving from farther away.
Unlike Kanto Raticate, Alolan Raticate had black fur, crimson eyes, and an additional Dark typing, making them appear far more vicious.
"RATTAAA—!"
"DEKAAA—!"
Two furious roars erupted simultaneously—one from deep inside the cavern, another from the distant forest.
The gathered Pokémon instantly scattered in panic.
Then—
Two gigantic Totem Pokémon emerged.
One was a yellow-furred Gumshoos standing upright with its paws behind its back.
The other was a massive Alolan Raticate baring enormous incisors while whipping its tail violently.
[Gumshoos Lv.58 (Gym-tier Advanced, Totem Form)]
Description: A Gumshoos guarding the Normalium Z. Possesses a special Totem aura that raises all stats by one stage and allows it to command nearby Gumshoos and Yungoos in coordinated battle.
————
[Raticate Lv.59 (Gym-tier Advanced, Totem Form, Alolan Form)]
Description: A Raticate guarding the Darkinium Z. Possesses a special Totem aura that raises all stats by one stage and allows it to command nearby Raticate and Rattata in coordinated battle.
————
"Those levels are pretty high…"
Excitement flashed across Peter's eyes.
Wild battles always stirred his blood.
Just as the two predator factions were about to clash—and Peter was preparing to throw a Poké Ball—
A gray streak suddenly burst out of Verdant Cavern at blinding speed, charging directly toward Bounsweet in front of Mallow.
"Hm?!"
"Arboliva, use Dazzling Gleam!"
"Lii… va!"
A burst of dazzling fairy light exploded outward, forcing the gray blur to halt mid-charge.
Only then did Peter finally get a clear look at it.
The Pokémon's body was primarily silver-gray.
It possessed long wings, razor-sharp talons, and intensely focused bird eyes.
Three elegant silver feathers extended from the top of its head, while its tail carried layered silver, black, and gray plumage.
It looked unbelievably cool.
[Pidgeotto ♂ Lv.29 (Intermediate, Shiny)]
Ability: Unburden (Doubles Speed after losing held item)
Talent: 340 (Species max: 349)
HP: 40
Attack: 40
Defense: 40
Sp. Atk: 80
Sp. Def: 40
Speed: 100
Held Item: None
Moves:
Tackle, Gust, Quick Attack, Twister, Fly, Aerial Ace, Uproar (Inherited), Air Slash (Inherited), Brave Bird (Inherited), Pursuit (Inherited)
Support & Evasion:
Feather Dance, Agility, Foresight (Inherited)
Debuff & Restriction:
Sand Attack
Special:
Whirlwind
Description:
A Pidgeotto ostracized by its flock due to its unusual coloration. Since its Pidgey days, it crossed oceans alone searching for companions. After surviving storms and tidal waves, it successfully evolved into Pidgeotto and gained exceptional control over Flying-type energy.
To escape predators, it developed extraordinary speed and a unique Ability. Strong-willed and longing deeply for companionship.
————
[Veteran Reader Gathering Spot]
Who still remembers the silver-gray giant bird hidden in the mist? (doge)