Chapter 22 - Who gave me this?

📓 Evan's Journal 📓

Month 1, Day 27

Location: Near Professor Kukui's Home, Melemele Island

Time: 6:35 AM

What the hell? A wild Z-Ring appeared.

(Evan's POV)

I brushed the dirt aside and held it up.

A Z-Ring.

I gently touched it, half in shock, half in awe. The body was matte black, outlined in crimson-red. The crystal socket gleamed clean white, like a blank page waiting for a story.

"A… Z-Ring," I whispered. My voice barely carried through the early morning air.

I had only read about them before—on forums, in books, in Kukui's many tangents. He could go on and on about how Z-Moves were the pinnacle of trainer-bond combat. But seeing one in person… feeling one…

It was different.

I slid it onto my wrist.

It fit perfectly.

"Z-Rings are special," I muttered aloud, recalling Kukui's words. "They channel the connection between a Trainer and their Pokémon… and transform it into pure power. A Z-Move—one overwhelming strike."

I looked down at the empty socket.

"To use it… I'll need a Z-Crystal."

Each crystal resonates with a type—Buginium Z for Bug-types, Firium Z for Fire-types, and so on. The Z-Ring unlocks a hidden potential. A one-time, full-force attack that could change everything.

But this wasn't just about strength.

Z-Moves are earned—not just through raw power, but through trials. Totem Pokémon. Island Guardians. Proving yourself.

My fingers curled into a fist.

"Looks like someone left this here for a reason," I murmured, scanning the treeline. Whoever—or whatever—had dropped it, was long gone. But I didn't believe for a second this was random.

This was a message.

I looked down at my team—tired, but still buzzing with energy after training.

"Guess our training's about to level up."

I tightened the strap.

Grinned.

"Let's find ourselves a Z-Crystal."

[Later that morning, at breakfast]

"Hmm." Kukui raised an eyebrow, eyes locked on my wrist. "Say, Evan—where'd you get that?"

Mr. Bramble followed his gaze.

"What is it, Evan?"

"I found it while training," I replied, offering my hand so they could see. The Z-Ring gleamed in the light.

Kukui's brows shot up. "That's a Z-Ring," he said, still clearly baffled. "I can't believe you just found one lying around."

Mr. Bramble squinted.

"Z-Ring? That's the thing that lets a Pokémon use a super powerful move, right? Once per battle?"

"Exactly," Kukui nodded, still staring. "It channels a kind of harmony between trainer and Pokémon. But it's not something just anyone can use."

"While I was training, I felt like someone was watching me," I explained. "I followed the feeling—and found this. Just… lying there."

"You've got an awful lot of luck," Kukui muttered, not quite hiding his amazement.

Mr. Bramble glanced at him.

"It's safe, right?"

"Yeah," Kukui nodded slowly. "Perfectly safe."

"But to use it," he added, "you'll need Z-Crystals. They aren't just handed out, you know."

"I'll find them," I said. Quiet. Certain.

(Exploration time)

I crouched near a patch of tall grass. The rustling got louder. A second later, a small brown Pokémon with a pink nose hopped into view—round eyes blinking at me.

Yungoos.Aggressive. Territorial. Not a huge fan of other Pokémon encroaching on their turf.

It bared its little fangs before bolting off. I didn't give chase. I'd already battled one earlier—this one just seemed annoyed we were sharing its air.

"Let it go," Kukui said. "Route 2's full of them."

Behind some rocks near the graveyard fence, a Makuhita was punching the air, shadowboxing with fierce intensity. Its movements were a little sluggish though—probably tired from the heat.

"Note to self," I muttered. "Makuhita live near the cemetery. Prefer shade."

And then, near the Hau'oli Cemetery itself, I saw a ghost-type float quietly among the tombstones.

Gastly.Its vapor swirled lazily in the morning mist. It didn't acknowledge me. It just made a funny face and drifted. Watching the graves.

I didn't disturb it.

"Not today," I whispered.

We hiked the incline that led toward the Berry fields. A few Drowsy had gathered there, lured in by the smell of ripe fruit. A Delibird waddled through the crops, likely delivering something to the nearby farmer.