Chapter 94: Kapu-Moo

The takeoff’s wind pressure scattered sand in all directions; Dragonite lifted Luo Mu on its back and ascended to the cliff’s peak in an instant.

Stretching before him were vast, layered flatlands covered in green vegetation Luo Mu couldn’t name, and at the center lay a small pond.

As Dragonite descended slowly, Kukui, riding on his Brave Eagle, also flew up.

“Bōwū!”

After Luo Mu set his feet firmly on the ground, Dragonite’s deep voice suddenly sounded—it gazed toward a wall near the pond, where a Pokémon lay peacefully asleep.

This Pokémon’s form immediately evoked a cow: a massive black body, two thick horns rising from its red shell, two arms like hooves, and a golden bell hanging from its tail.

The island guardian of Ula’ula Island—Kapu-Moo!

Unlike the elusive Kapu-Meow, Kapu-Butterfree, and Kapu-Fini, Kapu-Moo often spent entire days lounging in one spot, napping—making it the easiest guardian to find.

Kukui came beside Luo Mu and whispered, “That’s the guardian Kapu-Moo. It dislikes being disturbed while resting, so we must wait until it’s fully slept before it might acknowledge us.”

“I once waited three full days and nights just for Kapu-Moo to wake up!”

Recalling his past hardships, Kukui felt a flood of emotions.

Just as he was about to speak, Luo Mu suddenly pointed at Kapu-Moo and said flatly, “Ah, it’s awake.”

Kukui: “!!!”

Seeing Kapu-Moo awake, Luo Mu seized this rare chance and walked straight toward it.

Dragonite patted Kukui’s back gently, soothing the man whose entire demeanor had turned pale from shock.

Dragonite: Saving Face.jpg.

“Moo?”

Kapu-Moo opened its half-closed eyes toward Luo Mu; its eyes were an unusual blue, with a thin orange-yellow line cutting through the iris, radiating a fairy-like aura.

Unlike its cartoon portrayal of indifference toward Ash, Kapu-Moo’s gaze at Luo Mu, though still slightly lazy, carried weight and seriousness.

Luo Mu knew that with most Pokémon, there was no need for flashy tricks or cunning—just state his purpose plainly to Kapu-Moo.

Luo Mu bowed slightly and said, “Respected Island Guardian Kapu-Moo, I have come to ask that my partner learn the moves ‘Grassy Terrain’ and ‘Tilling’ from you.”

Upon hearing this, Kapu-Moo rose from its side-lying position and floated slowly into the air; though classified as a Land Spirit Pokémon, the entire Kapu family were legendary Pokémon capable of free flight.

It regarded Luo Mu with a steady gaze, as if assessing him—Kapu-Moo could easily distinguish between native Alola residents and outsiders, and Luo Mu bore none of the traits of one long bathed in the Radiant God’s light.

Unlike Kapu-Butterfree, who enjoyed pranks, seemed open-minded, yet was inwardly the most conservative, Kapu-Moo would not trouble Luo Mu for being an outsider. In its eyes, all humans were children—whether the island king it had chosen for his similar nature, or the brash young man behind Luo Mu, whom Kapu-Moo vaguely remembered.

Luo Mu was among the more polite of these children, and since it had nearly finished sleeping, it decided to stretch its body.

Only when Kapu-Moo noticed the Z-Ring on Luo Mu’s right wrist did it make its decision.

In a flash, Kapu-Moo dashed toward Luo Mu; Dragonite’s pupils shrank, its gaze instantly sharpening.

Just as Dragonite prepared to leap and block the way, Luo Mu halted its motion.

It became clear Kapu-Moo had no intention to attack; standing nearly face-to-face with Luo Mu, it pointed with its cracked hoof at Luo Mu’s right wrist, then at itself.

“Moomoo~ Moo.”

As with the strange sensation from the Firebird, Luo Mu could not understand Kapu-Moo’s words—but their meaning appeared in his mind in an uncanny way, allowing him to grasp its intent precisely.

It could teach the moves “Grassy Terrain” and “Tilling,” but Luo Mu must perform a move so moving that it would stir Kapu-Moo.

With that, Kapu-Moo casually found a spot and lay down again, clearly giving Luo Mu time to prepare.

Not far from where Kapu-Moo had lain, Luo Mu and Kukui sat together discussing strategy.

The surrounding environment was pleasant; a bit farther away bloomed a beautiful field of flowers, and Kapu-Moo showed no territorial awareness.

Luo Mu released all his Pokémon from their Poké Balls, letting them stretch their legs.

Cutiefly and Fluffy ran off toward the flower field to play; Luo Mu felt at ease knowing Monferno followed them.

Perhaps because the grass near Kapu-Moo grew more lush, Mudbray’s courage surprised even him—it trudged slowly over and began grazing near Kapu-Moo.

Meanwhile, Dragonite wore a blissful expression as it hugged Luo Mu tightly, while Mimikyu was held in Luo Mu’s arms.

“To show Kapu-Moo a move that moves it?” Kukui stroked his chin, then said with certainty, “When Kapu-Moo sees a Trainer with a Z-Ring, it often gives this challenge.”

Kukui looked at Luo Mu: “Do you know how Z-Moves are released? The usual solution to Kapu-Moo’s challenge is to use a Z-Move that satisfies it.”

Luo Mu thought for a moment, then nodded: “I recall it’s a decisive, all-out strike that draws on natural power, placing great strain on both Trainer and Pokémon. Is that correct?”

“Indeed, you know.”

Kukui nodded; though Z-Moves are powerful, opponents aware of their use often have ways to dodge or defend—how to wield this Wangpai effectively tests a Trainer’s skill.

“But you’ve missed one thing.”

Kukui’s sudden words froze Luo Mu’s hand as he petted Mimikyu’s plush; a sense of dread—or rather, the answer he didn’t want to face—rose in his heart.

“To use a Z-Move, Trainer and Pokémon must perform the ‘Full Power Pose.’ Mimikyu’s Z-Move ‘Intimate Chaos Smash’ requires not only extremely high bond between you and Mimikyu, but also that you both assume this Full Power Pose.”

Kukui extended both hands, thumbs touching thumbs, index fingers touching index fingers.

Forming a heart.

There should be two more chapters—I’m still writing.

(End of Chapter)