This chapter should make this fanfic visible in the rankings again.
Should I re-add the prior rewrite chapters as a single chapter in Vol 0? Like name it Ch0.5?
Don't forget to drop some power stones!
*****
"I don't have any questions at the moment.", Lillie responded, shaking her head.
"Neither do I.", Ricky also responded.
"Good. These two Z-Rings are yours now.", Professor Kukui said to the two. Reaching his hands out, he passed the two Z-Rings to Lillie and Ricky. They took a moment to put them on their left wrists. Ricky even held his Z-Ring up in the air, and marveled at it. This Z-Ring was definitely something he couldn't acquire in his past life.
Well, a cheap knock-off toy version of it, but never the real deal like this. He was already getting excited!
Lillie, on the other hand, frowned as she observed her new Z-Ring.
"Is it really okay for the two of us to receive these Z-Rings, Professor? We aren't even taking the island challenge...", Lillie replied, still worried.
"Don't sweat the small stuff, Lillie. I keep telling you times are changing. Look, trainers can now receive Z-Rings, even if they don't partake in the island challenge. All of the formalities were handled by the Leagues. Something to take out of this, though, is that you might come across other trainers with Z-Rings. Especially if you make it all the way to the Indigo League. You two probably won't be the only ones.", Professor Kukui explained.
"That makes sense. There will be lots of tough trainers to face when that happens, so it wouldn't be surprising to see them carrying a Z-Ring.", Ricky responded with a nod of his head.
As he said that, Ricky's gaze couldn't help but wander toward the bottom side of the Z-Ring. He saw a small rounded divot in the center of the bottom side. It was big enough to where it could hold a sphere-like object inside of it.
"Is there something for this here?", Ricky wondered.
"Sure is. You're looking at the new and improved Z-Rings! Pretty cool huh? With these beauties, you'll be able to use both Z-Moves and Mega Evolution with just one device!", Professor Kukui exclaimed, causing surprise to sweep the two's eyes.
"These new Z-Rings can use both Z-Moves and Mega Evolve Pokemon?", Ricky mused, not expecting to hear such a thing. At least in the anime and the games, it never worked out like this. Each device was solely tied to what it did, and it was just that. Looks like the Pokemon Leagues had a bit of fun?
"You got that right. This is the latest collaboration between us Professors and the Pokemon Leagues. It wasn't until just recently they started giving these out to trainers who begin their adventure. Unlike other battle mechanics, Z-Moves and Mega Evolution share quite a few similarities. They both require strong bonds with your Pokemon. This should let your battles be even more fluid."
"But do keep in mind, you can still only use one option per battle. If you decide to finish things with a Z-Move, you will not be able to Mega Evolve a Pokemon. It's one or the other. That's the single limitation these devices have."
"If you decide to use a Mega Ring on its own, on the other hand, you will still be capable of using both Z-Moves and Mega Evolution in battle, so do keep that in mind.", Professor Kukui explained.
"So there is a downside to this. If we use this combo device, we'll be limited to what we can use, but if trainers opt not to, they can use both. I think I get it.", Ricky responded, acknowledging Professor Kukui's explanation.
"It really comes down to personal preference then. I think I like this style better.", Lillie said, taking a moment to admire her Z-Ring. She could also see an empty socket that could hold a sphere-like object underneath her Z-Ring.
"That's about it. I know there are plenty of trainers who prefer to turn their Mega Rings into different kinds of accessories and knick-knacks, but this should give you a different option, depending on how you enjoy your battles. The Dynamax band is an entirely different issue though. Those are directly linked to Power Spots. It requires the band's full usage at this time, but the Leagues are presently researching to see if they can integrate these bands into the upgraded Z-Rings. I don't know how long that will take.", Professor Kukui continued, shaking his head in doubt.
"I didn't even consider that could be a possibility. The world's really changing eh?", Ricky mused again to Professor Kukui's words.
"It sure is. So I'm excited to see what types of battle strategies you'll come up with, 'Cuz.", Professor Kukui responded with a look of anticipation in his eyes.
"I think that's enough about the Z-Ring, though. Like I said, these rings are yours now. It'll be up to you to decide how it's used. I wish we could spend more time chatting about how moves are, but we still have a second matter to attend to before I send you two to the airport.", Professor Kukui said.
"Oh, right. I was so distracted by the Z-Ring that I almost forgot about my mother's gift!", Lillie replied.
"You know it. Before I bring out the big kahuna, I brought in a little guest.", Professor Kukui said, drawing Ricky's and Lillie's attention again.
"A guest?", Ricky wondered who it was that Professor Kukui was talking about.
From God knows where, Professor Kukui did a twist of his body, and pulled out his own Pokedex. It currently had its screen lit up, and it was engaged in a video call. Ricky's eyes raised up while shock appeared in Lillie's eyes seeing who it was. It appeared to be an auburn-brown haired girl who was of the same age as them.
"Hey there you two. Long time no see!", The girl called out to the two.
"Well if it isn't Serena. Looks like you've been well.", Ricky said, happy to see the girl on the screen before him.
"Serena!", Lillie also called out to her, obviously happy. She didn't expect to see Serena so suddenly again. She thought she wouldn't reunite with her until they all returned to Kanto.
"It's nice to see you two again. Professor Kukui told me everything already. And those must be the Z-Rings he mentioned.", Serena replied, taking a moment to look at the two black wrist bracelets around Ricky's and Lillie's hand.
"They sure are. And you'll be getting one yourself in due time, Serena. I can leave that task to you, right 'Cuz?", Professor Kukui asked Ricky.
"I'll be getting one too? Now it makes sense as to why Professor Sycamore refused to give me a Mega Ring, hehe.", Serena giggled in excitement.
"You can leave delivering Serena her Z-Ring to me, Professor.", Ricky nodded with a firm nod.
"Excellent. Now let's take care of our second piece of business. As you can see, it clearly involves Serena, just as much as it involves you two. No matter what happens from here on, each one of you will get a little something out of it.", Professor Kukui started to explain, before he wandered off to a particular direction of the lab. He started rummaging through a pile of his belongings, only to bring out a slick metal briefcase.
"That's...", Ricky uttered. He was quick to recognize that briefcase. You'd see these particular briefcases a lot. Professors liked to use them to give out their starter Pokemon to new trainers!
Lillie also blinked at the sudden action, observing Professor Kukui place this briefcase onto the table they were standing at. It looks like she was quick to put two and two together.
"Did mother procure some Pokemon for us?", Lillie wondered.
"Eh? There really are Pokemon inside this case?", Serena also asked.
"There sure are! Your mother is giving you three of these Pokemon. Consider it a farewell gift from Lusamine, and the fact that she can't be here to send you off, Lillie. These three Pokemon will replace what I normally give to trainers who are just starting out. Do keep in mind that what you receive here, it will not count against you for the starting Pokemon you will receive when you all start your adventure in Kanto. This is just a little added bonus.", Professor Kukui explained.
"Mother...", Lillie uttered in amazement. It was a shame they didn't have a lot of time now. Thankfully she did have Lusamine's contact on her Pokedex, so she would have to call her later to thank her.
"People don't normally start out with two starting Pokemon. Wouldn't this be an unfair advantage?", Serena asked with a frown.
"It might feel like that, yes, but don't forget. Starting Pokemon aren't exclusive to labs. They can be found and caught in the wild, just like any other Pokemon. It'll still all depend on a trainer's luck. You're just having a bigger advantage at the start. It's nothing to fret about.", Professor Kukui explained, easing Serena's doubt.
"I'd trust Professor Kukui on this, Serena. Trainers can fill up their roster of Pokemon pretty quickly. Down the road, it shouldn't be a problem. Apart from that though, is there anything special about the Pokemon Lusamine is going to give us?", Ricky wondered.
"There is. These Pokemon were raised at the Aether Foundation. They aren't the usual ones you'd find here in the lab. As such, they're much stronger than their given counterparts, and they're also shiny Pokemon!", Professor Kukui explained.
"Shiny Pokemon, really?", Ricky uttered, not expecting to hear that. He thought his shiny Alolan Ninetales was as rare as it can get. Considering it's Lusamine, on the other hand, it wasn't that surprising. She probably used some methods of acquiring them, or raising them.
At the end of the day, they were still shiny Pokemon. Ricky couldn't help but get excited!
"But here's the big question for you three. Who gets which Pokemon?", Professor Kukui asked Ricky, Lillie and Serena, expecting an answer.