Chapter 49: You Activate Cheats Right Before My Eyes?

Akala Island.

The Life Ruins; this is the ruins where the Land Spirit Pokémon Tapu Lele is worshipped, regarded by people as the birthplace of life.

It is also one of the oldest ruins on Akala Island.

"Deidei~"

A pink shell floats atop the hill above the Life Ruins; with a black upper body and deep pink, tentacle-like hair, this is none other than Akala Island's guardian, Tapu Lele.

Tapu Lele's sparkling eyes gaze into the distance; it had vaguely sensed earlier that Tapu Fini seemed to have wandered into Tapu Koko's territory?

How strange; Tapu Koko has a terrible temper. Isn't Tapu Fini afraid of being electrocuted by Tapu Koko?

Even Tapu Lele itself dares not provoke Tapu Koko; although they are both guardians of Alola, Tapu Koko's neurotic personality makes Tapu Lele keep its distance.

Tapu Lele feels tempted; if Tapu Fini can go to Melemele Island, then surely it can go play as well?

Tapu Lele, the most innocent and naive of the four guardians, ponders this possibility; compared to staying on Akala Island, it would much rather visit other islands to play with its 'colleagues'.

But compared to that, Tapu Lele turns its head to look downward.

There is a dirt path, dotted with yellow wildflowers and vines along its sides.

A young woman in a pale pink long dress walks steadily toward the Life Ruins, step by step, while a Metang floats silently behind her, following.

"Diedie?" Tapu Lele turns around, tilting its head in confusion as it gazes at this human girl.

It can sense that this human seems to be coming for it.

And likewise, it can sense the psychic power contained within this human girl; it is truly incredible.

Tapu Lele is very curious; its wariness toward humans is not as strong as Tapu Fini's, so Tapu Lele even flew down from above the Life Ruins, closing the distance with the girl.

Observing this human girl up close, it has now completely confirmed that the psychic power within this girl is even greater than that of most Psychic-type Pokémon.

"I am Caitlin; it is a pleasure to meet you, Tapu Lele, guardian of the Alola islands."

Caitlin wears an impeccable, faint smile, her eyes reflecting the adorable island guardian before her.

"Die?"

Tapu Lele emits a clear, questioning cry; perhaps due to its psychic abilities, its first impression of this human girl is not bad.

"I received news and learned just now that you appeared at the Life Ruins, so I hurried over."

Caitlin folds her hands before her lower abdomen, her tone very gentle and refined.

"I have a life goal that I must complete; for this, I need power, very strong power."

"Although it is presumptuous, may I ask Tapu Lele to become my partner? Your power is exactly what I need."

The blonde girl extends a sincere invitation to Tapu Lele.

"?" Tapu Lele responds with a question mark.

"Die~ Diedie~"

Although somewhat stunned by this sudden invitation, Tapu Lele very obediently shakes its head to refuse.

However, given the special nature of this human girl and her politeness, its attitude remains quite friendly.

"As expected, you won't agree," Caitlin sighs lightly.

"In that case, I suppose I must use a somewhat forceful method."

"?" Tapu Lele sticks most of its body out of its shell, tilting its head to look at this girl.

"Regardless, I need you very much, Tapu Lele. Let us battle; I will show you everything I have and my resolve."

Caitlin's determined gaze is so intense it feels blinding to Tapu Lele; it stares blankly at this human.

How long has it served as the guardian of Akala Island? It has forgotten even itself.

It has seen far too many humans of all kinds; even every Island King and Island Queen of Akala Island has been chosen and decided by it.

But such resolute, unbreakable conviction as this girl possesses, it has truly rarely seen.

Undoubtedly, this is an excellent girl among humans; if she were from Akala Island, Tapu Lele could even appoint her as the next Island Queen.

But the fact is, there is no 'if'.

"Diedie~ (Your Metang is strong, but it is no match for me; you should return)."

Tapu Lele floats up slightly, glances at the Metang behind Caitlin, shakes its head, and responds with a pleasant cry.

Its temper is not as cold as Tapu Fini's; although it has a cruel side, among the four island guardians, Tapu Lele is considered quite easy to get along with.

"Is that so? But I still wish to try; if I can defeat you, then you will become my partner."

Caitlin smiles faintly; she understands Tapu Lele's meaning, and of course she knows that her current power is inferior to Tapu Lele's.

But she still wants to try.

"... Die~"

Tapu Lele scratches its head, somewhat troubled, but ultimately, its impression of this girl is indeed good.

In that case, giving her a chance is fine; previously, it had not been without agreeing to accept challenges from humans.

"Diedie~"

Tapu Lele flies backward rapidly, ascending into the air; layers of psychic waves spread outward from Tapu Lele like ripples on water.

In the blink of an eye, the light of the psychic waves covers the ground, and the Psychic Terrain forms!

"Psychic Terrain, then?"

Caitlin watches the terrain change around her, her clear, clean eyes shimmering.

Tapu Lele's ability, Psychic Surge! It can set up Psychic Terrain.

Psychic Terrain: The power of Psychic-type moves used by Pokémon on the ground is increased, and all Pokémon on the ground are unaffected by the effects of opponents' priority moves.

These are the two most powerful functions of Psychic Terrain!

Increased power of Psychic-type moves, and the 'nullification' of priority moves!

As everyone knows, most Psychic-type Pokémon have high attack but low defense; typical examples are Alakazam and Gardevoir, whose physical defenses are each lower than the other.

Pokémon like Metagross, this kind of pseudo-hexagonal warrior, are a rare exception.

But for Psychic-type Pokémon with thin HP and low defense, a Psychic terrain is very important.

"Metagross!"

"mita!"

Metagross floated in front of Caitlin, then landed heavily, its heavy eyes fixed intently on Tapu Lele.

"This is… my trial!"

Defeating and capturing Tapu Lele — that is the first step!

A deep, rich blue light welled up in Caitlin's eyes, and her tremendous psychic power poured out like a storm, pouring into Metagross without a shred of reservation.

Metagross's aura began to rise visibly, and a deep blue light likewise lit up in its eyes.

"????"

Tapu Lele stared wide-eyed in astonishment at Metagross, whose strength was skyrocketing.

Hold on, girl — you're openly hacking your own Pokémon right in front of me? Is that even legal?

(End of chapter)