It's been a few days since everyone left Akala Island after the students extracurricular activities and Niku's Grand Trial. And after Ash faced Olivia, his Rockruff evolved into a rare form of Lycanroc.
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This form of Lycanroc is known as a Dusk Form, the typing is different, in other words a Rock/Fighting. When Niku heard of his succession of defeating Olivia and earning the Z Crystal, he was impressed with his progress. During the time when they were heading back to Melemele, they wanted to hear what Niku did and so he explained what he did and earned on his time in Akala. He left out the details of what he caught and who he used for good reason.
When they arrived back at the island, Niku went back to his mansion and added his new crystals to his collection and seeing what he got, he is now getting more stronger and is more determined to face other challenges. The next day, he decided to make a few trades and return some of his Pokemon back home. But first he wanted to see if his Vulpix wanted to evolve. It didn't so Niku decided to cover the Fire Stone in a cloth and wrapped it around its neck so it can evolve when it wants to.
He returned some Pokemon but only kept a couple. His Eevee stays and Feebas and Shelgon decided to leave and head to there new home in Paldea. Like with Feebas he gave wrapped the scale around Feebas and it will decided when it wants to evolve. The mansion is quiet and less populated with most of his Pokemon sent back to home. He wanted them to rest after everything they went through and so now things are new now.
Time Skip
The next day is now, Niku and Mallow were at Lana's house, as Popplio, Steene and Eevee are eating some Pokemon food Mallow has made. Lana asked Niku because she needs someone who already knows how to use the Waterium Z Crystal.
Mallow: I'm so glad Popplio seems to be doing fine.
Lana: Thanks for coming to check on it.
Mallow: No worries, I couldn't help but worry about it after yesterday.
Lana: Thanks for coming all this way.
Mallow: No worries, I couldn't help but worry about it after yesterday.
Niku: So you haven't mastered the Z move yet, huh?
Lana: Mmm. Popplio was woozy for a while.
Mallow: Also it got sick?
Niku: But you're still trying hard to get it.
Lana then looked down saddened.
Lana: Maybe the fact that I'm not used to battling... Makes it tough for me to picture the concept...
Niku: I don't think the battling concept is what's holding you back. You just need to practice. I'll help you with however I can until you get it down.
