After reprimanding the Wishiwashi in the lake, Tapu Fini's stern expression faded. It then flew to Summer with Rillaboom.
"You've got a promising child here. Its aura reminds me of an old friend," Tapu Fini communicated telepathically to Summer.
"Thank you for the compliment?"
"Oh, by the way," Tapu Fini turned to the lake and waved its arm. A water-blue crystal emerged from the lake and flew into its hand.
"Since you defeated the Totem Pokémon, this is your reward, child."
Summer received the Waterium Z from Tapu Fini, who seemed satisfied and closed its light blue eyes in a gesture of gratitude.
"Thank you, kind child. I knew I wasn't wrong about you."
"It was nothing. Besides, it was you who took those dangerous Pokémon back to their original space. I should be the one thanking you," Summer replied.
"That's our duty. But tell me, why are you collecting so many Z-Crystals?" Tapu Fini's tone was curious.
Summer then explained what he had seen and learned in the town and that he was collecting Z-Crystals to awaken Tapu Lele.
"Indeed, Lele's power can heal the injured, but your method is incorrect, as you might have already suspected," Tapu Fini explained.
Summer nodded, realizing that if Z-Crystals could awaken Tapu Lele, they should also work for Tapu Fini, who had just absorbed the lake's water energy to recover. This indicated that natural energy was the real way to restore the Tapus.
"We were born from nature, so the energy to sustain us must also come from nature. I am water, Bulu is grass, Koko is electricity, and for Lele, the fragrance of blooming flowers is needed. And not just any flowers, but those in full bloom. Do you understand?"
Summer nodded, responding, "I understand. I will share this vital information with everyone."
"Go ahead, then. It seems we must part ways here, child from another world."
"You know where I came from?" Summer was surprised.
"That's one of the island guardians' abilities, and we've dealt with visitors from other dimensions many times," Tapu Fini replied calmly.
"I see. Until we meet again in the future." Summer patted Corviknight, and Rillaboom, who was already seated, pulled him up. With a caw, Corviknight flew into the sky. He needed to relay this information quickly.
"The future... It seems Alola will still be filled with light. Our efforts weren't in vain," Tapu Fini murmured, feeling content that their protected realm had a bright future.
In the morning, Corviknight gently landed in the town, and Summer jumped down.
"Summer, it looks like you completed the trial of the Lush Jungle. There seemed to be a lot of commotion yesterday. Are you hurt?" Silver Birch, who had been worried since yesterday, quickly approached upon seeing Corviknight.
"I'm fine, but I have important information to tell you, from the island guardian," Summer said.
"Important information from the island guardian? Please, tell me everything!"
"I met Tapu Fini, the guardian of Poni Island. It told me that to awaken Tapu Lele, we need not Z-Crystals but the fragrance of blooming flowers," Summer explained.
"So, we need to collect flowers instead of Z-Crystals? But how can we cover the Life Ruins with blooming flowers in time?" Silver Birch's enthusiasm waned as he considered the daunting task.
Summer was also perplexed. He had been pondering this issue on his way back. Even if he nurtured flowers every day, it was unclear how long it would take to awaken Tapu Lele.
"I'll figure something out. Thank you for the information, Summer. It's my fault for making you undergo the trial. It seems Z-Crystals were useless after all..." Silver Birch expressed his regret.
"No, Z-Crystals are useful, Island Master Silver Birch!" Summer said suddenly, recalling an idea. Z-Crystals enabled Pokémon to perform powerful Z-Moves, and the Grass-type Z-Move was called Bloom Doom!
Bloom Doom harnessed the energy of plants to create a blooming field, which was exactly what they needed.
"How many Sparkling Stones does Akala Island have left?"
"Sparkling Stones? What are those?" Silver looked puzzled.
Summer took out the Sparkling Stone Silver had given him, showing it to the island master.
"This is a Sparkling Stone."
"A gift from the guardian... So it's called a Sparkling Stone..."
"Yes. The information was provided by Tapu Fini. When combined with Z-Crystals, they can unleash great power. Remember the documents we saw? Warriors used Z-Crystals to command Pokémon to perform powerful moves!" Summer explained excitedly.
He held up a finger, continuing, "These powerful moves are called Z-Moves. By using the Grass-type Z-Crystal, we can make flowers bloom all around."
"So if a group of people uses Z-Moves, we could awaken the guardian!" Silver exclaimed, "The guardian of Poni Island is indeed knowledgeable!"
"Exactly. That's why I asked about the Radiant Stones. But the key is having people with strong bonds with their Grass-type Pokémon, as the move relies on their synergy."
"Using such a powerful move drains both the Pokémon and the trainer's energy, so it can only be done once a day. In theory, if enough people meet the criteria, we can awaken the guardian."
Summer then spoke solemnly, "Our daily bonds will become our saving grace. And in Alola, I believe we don't lack those bonds!"
"Look, Island Master Silver, at the scene behind you," Summer pointed.
Silver turned to see the harmonious coexistence of people and Pokémon in the town, repairing their homes and expressing gratitude, forming bonds through their interactions.
"I see. Bonds... What a wonderful word!" Silver laughed heartily, seeing hope for healing the wounded. "Thank you, Summer. You're our greatest benefactor. Alola will always welcome others with kindness, now and in the future, as part of my duty as an island master!"
(End of chapter)