Challenge Lillie: Part 1

Uncle Wall! I heard that you'll be hosting a New Year's event!

So, you're hosting a magnificent event to celebrate the upcoming year...

I can't wait to see what you've got planned!

If it's an event Uncle Wall is organizing...

it's bound to be wonderful, elegant, AND glorious!

Am I right, Uncle Wall?

Yes!

I'll make sure it's fun for everyone. I hope you look forward to it!

There's just...one thing I can't figure out.

But once I do, the day should be wonderful and perfect!

Are you talking about your partner Pokémon?

It's an Ultra Beast, right?

Oh, are you having problems dealing with your new partner?

Not at all! Blacephalon is a wonderful partner Pokémon!

What's actually on my mind is something Sabrina told me.

She said she had a premonition that something "large, white, and long" would lead to my success.

What could my key to success be?

Mountain climbing?

Exactly! I'd like you to challenge a mountain this time!

But why?

Well, the hint is a water Pokémon I love!

A Magikarp living for many years can leap a mountain using Splash...

It's a message from Pokémon! Traveling long roads on foot will lead to success!

We should follow Magikarp's example...

and climb a mountain to see the first sunrise of the year, in hopes that each of our New Year's resolutions will come true!

So, in the spirit of supporting this endeavor...

Blacephalon and I have prepared a fireworks display as a glorious treat!

Please enjoy it along with the marvelous scenery from the top of the mountain!

Yay! Fireworks!

I can't wait!

Let's do our best to climb to the top!

You're quite fond of children, aren't you?

Oh? That's a rare Pokémon you've got there, Clair.

Is she your new partner Pokémon?

Yes. Don't you think she's the perfect dragon Pokémon for me?

Well, we're not officially partners yet, though.

What do you mean?

I found her a couple of days ago playing with some children.

I thought it was strange because I couldn't see her Trainer. So I looked around but couldn't find anyone...

In the end, I decided to take care of her myself.

Oh, so you helped a Pokémon that was in trouble!

That's excellent. You've certainly grown, Clair.

I can't stay inexperienced forever!

Watch me! I'll succeed in climbing the mountain for New Year's!

And I'll gain the approval of my master in Blackthorn City...

by becoming a Gym Leader with impeccable skill and spirit!

With my pride on the line, I won't lose!

I-I don't think there's any winning or losing in climbing a mountain...

I reckon it'll take more time until our master accepts her...

Hehe...

Here's where the fireworks will be launched. This way, we won't have to worry about any fire spreading!

Now then, can you help me prepare?

Sure!

Blacephalon seems happy that you're here.

You totally get how Blacephalon feels, don't you, Uncle Wall?

You're a Water-type user, so I was surprised when I heard you became a sync pair with Blacephalon...

Why did that happen?

Hmm... Well, I suppose I should explain.

It all happened the other day...

This Pokémon... It's one of those Ultra Beasts I've been hearing about...

Return to the world you came from, you...

Ahaha! Wonderful!

I didn't just feel the enormous impact of your explosion, I also sensed the beauty of it!

What a glorious performance! I'd even call it the artistry of flames!

If that's the case, allow me to show you the artistry of water!

Milotic! Illusion time!

Did you like that?

I suppose you understand that there's no need for us to fight.

Oh! You need to go back now, or the Ultra Wormhole will...

Oh no! How could this happen?

We both came to a mutual understanding as fellow entertainers, but Blacephalon lost its way back home...

It's sad, but not entirely bad!

Blacephalon wants to display more of its flame artistry, and I'd like to help it!

I've been called an artist and lover of water. If we combine that with Blacephalon's flames...

I think we'd be able to put on an exceptional performance!

So THAT'S why you two became a sync pair! How wonderful!

Exactly! And it's elegant, blazingly so!

And yet!

Utterly glorious!

I-I see...

By the way, Uncle Wall...

Did you figure out what Sabrina meant by that "large, white, and long" thing she told you about?

Hmm... Actually, I have no idea what it could be.

I wonder what she saw?

Oh? Have you finished preparing the fireworks?

Yep! Uncle Wall and Blacephalon are ready!

This Pokémon came to play with us earlier, too!

Do you wanna be friends with us?

What a friendly Pokémon.

That Drampa must really like being around children...

And it looks like she's been protecting the children from the dangers of the mountain.

She's a kind Pokémon!

Come on... Drampa...

I know you want to play games with children, but we need to get going...

Ahaha! What a pathetic Trainer!

You can't let a Pokémon control you like that...

That's why dragon masters aren't beautiful!

Excuse me?! Who the heck are you?

I'm Katherine! A Gym Trainer in Laverre City, and a furisode girl, too!

Which means I'm not only a disciple of Valerie... the world-renowned clothing designer...

but I'm also an amazing Fairy-type user!

So what?!

What opponents are fairies good against? I think you know the answer...

Dragon Pokémon are no match for beautiful and cute fairy Pokémon!

What did you just say?!

I won't allow you to talk bad about us dragon masters or dragon Pokémon!

As the Gym Leader of Blackthorn City, I won't lose to you!

Oooh?

Well, at least you're a worthy opponent! OK then, let's battle!

Oh...they both started battling...

Hahaha! Seems like things are sparking up!

They're both doing what they want to do, I suppose...

*sigh*

After a while...

*pant* *pant* Urgh!

Look at the time! This is all your fault, you picked a fight with me!

Now I won't be able to reach the top of the mountain by sunrise because of you!

What?! You're blaming me?

What's the matter, Slurpuff?

Ugh?! It's the smell of rain...

What?! Is it going to rain?

That means the event might get canceled!

D-don't get angry with me!

Ugh!

Whether we battle here or keep climbing the mountain, the result is the same...

We won't make it to the top of the mountain...and we won't see the sunrise or fireworks...

What a horrible way to start the new year...

... ... ...

Don't whine like that, you're being pathetic.

What?

I won't let the rain ruin my future!

Or anyone else's, for that matter!

Everyone is looking forward to the sunrise and fireworks, especially the children!

Ah, !

If we adults gave up, what would they think?

Those kids have a longer future ahead of them... and far more potential!

I won't ever give up! There must be a way...

I know!

Drampa! Can you fly to Wallace and Blacephalon?

Wh-what're you planning on doing?

We'll beat the rain clouds!

Huh?!

You go ahead and tell everyone to wait a little longer!

W-wait?!

I'm counting on you!

Let's go, Drampa!

Unfortunately, we'll need to cancel the event...

Wait!

*pant* *pant* It's too early to make that decision!

If we have Blacephalon ride Drampa, they could cause an explosion to clear the rain clouds!

Hahaha!

Wonderful! That's an elegant plan... infuriatingly so!

The weather's getting bad, huh...

Can't we see the sunrise or the fireworks?

Er...erm...

D-don't get sad! OK?

The rain clouds are getting bigger...

Yeah, we should probably start climbing down the mountain before it gets worse...

Wait...

What's the matter?

Someone's coming to change the dark future...

E-everyone!

The rain will stop! I think...? So, um, please don't leave just yet!

Huh? What do you mean by that?

*KABOOM!* *BOOM!*

That's...

Hey, look! It's Blacephalon and Drampa!

Wow! The clouds are getting smaller!

Did you enjoy the artistry of flames decorating the sky?

Yup! It was so cool!

It went "BOOM BOOM!" So powerful!

So, you were able to launch all the fireworks we prepared!

All thanks to Drampa and Blacephalon.

The two of them using their moves together cleared the skies...

and we were able to perform the finale of the event!

I'm glad that you were able to protect the children's smiles.

I never expected the large, white, and long something that Sabrina told me about to mean Drampa!

I suppose you deserve to be called a dragon master...

I didn't think you'd actually beat the rain clouds.

Of course I would!

I'm surprised you were able to reach the top of the mountain in such a short time. I've changed my mind about you, only slightly, though.

Oh, and...

thanks for believing in me.

Just like a Magikarp that leaps over a mountain...

they, too, have grown.

Still, though...

In the end, you got to the top of the mountain by riding Drampa, didn't you?

So, I'm better than you because I didn't cheat, I climbed the mountain with my own feet!

Wha, ?!

Who do you think made the event a success?!

That's a TOTALLY separate thing!

Ugh! It was stupid of me to give you ANY credit for this!

Let's settle once and for all who's better!

You're on! I'll never EVER lose to a dragon master.

There they go again...

*sigh* They've still got a lot to learn...

They're both similar to each other. Maybe neither one of them wants to give in.

But such relationships can also shine beautifully...

Don't you agree, Blacephalon?