The sun hung high in the sky, filtering through the dense canopy of Tapu Bulu’s forest. The air was warm, and the sound of rustling leaves and distant Pokémon calls created a serene atmosphere. Ilios, now accustomed to his new life with the guardian deities, laughed joyfully as he played with the Tapus, who had set aside their usual roles as protectors to enjoy the innocence of the child’s company.
Tapu Bulu watched over Ilios with a gentle, watchful gaze, its massive form resting comfortably beneath a large tree. Tapu Lele twirled through the air, her energy playful and light as she conjured small bursts of psychic power to amuse the boy. Tapu Koko darted around them, zipping through the air with bursts of electric energy, while Tapu Fini allowed gentle streams of water to float around Ilios, forming intricate shapes that delighted the child.
Litten, never far from Ilios, sat close by, occasionally pouncing at the small water shapes Tapu Fini created, much to Ilios’s delight. The atmosphere was calm, peaceful—a rare moment of tranquility in the lives of the powerful guardians.
As they played, none of them noticed the small, barely audible hum of a drone as it flew overhead, silently recording the strange and magical scene. The device’s camera lens focused on the Tapus and Ilios, capturing footage of the unlikely group with precision. Hidden far above the trees, the drone hovered for several minutes, transmitting its live feed to an unknown source before zipping away, vanishing as quickly as it had appeared.
The Tapus, oblivious to the drone’s presence, continued playing with Ilios. Tapu Lele’s laughter echoed through the trees as she used her psychic powers to gently lift Ilios into the air, twirling him around in a circle while Tapu Koko zapped nearby leaves to amuse the boy further. Tapu Fini’s water swirled gracefully around them, while Tapu Bulu remained close, its eyes never leaving Ilios for long.
However, the peaceful moment didn’t last. Hours later, just as the sun began its descent, the sound of heavy machinery echoed faintly in the distance.
Tapu Bulu’s ears twitched at the unfamiliar noise. It rose to its full height, alert. Tapu Koko halted its zipping and joined Tapu Bulu, sensing the same disturbance. The other two guardians followed suit, their playful energy replaced with caution. Litten growled lowly, its eyes narrowing as it pressed closer to Ilios protectively.
The noise grew louder—rumbling engines, the unmistakable sound of large vehicles moving through the underbrush. Tapu Bulu’s eyes narrowed. This was not the usual movement of wild Pokémon or forest life. It was something else entirely, something foreign to their domain.
Tapu Fini floated closer to Ilios, her calm demeanor masking her concern as she glanced toward the direction of the noise. Tapu Koko’s electric energy crackled with increased intensity, its wings twitching as it prepared for a potential confrontation.
Ilios, sensing the change in mood, clung to Tapu Bulu’s side, his small hands gripping the guardian’s sturdy form. His usual laughter was replaced by a curious, almost anxious silence as he looked around, clearly not understanding the source of the disturbance.
Tapu Lele, though still hovering lightly in the air, lowered herself closer to the ground. Her playful attitude had shifted into one of quiet caution. "Lele..." she murmured, her eyes narrowing as the first vehicle came into view, rumbling through the dense forest.
It was a large, armored truck, its wheels crushing the undergrowth beneath it. Behind it, several more vehicles followed, each one outfitted with what looked like advanced equipment. The Tapus could see people inside, humans wearing heavy-duty uniforms, their eyes focused on the forest ahead.
Tapu Bulu's eyes darkened. This was an intrusion, an invasion of their sacred land.
The guardians immediately took defensive positions around Ilios, forming a protective circle around the boy and Litten. Tapu Koko’s body buzzed with energy, sparks flying from its wings as it prepared to strike. Tapu Fini’s water swirled defensively, ready to form barriers if needed, while Tapu Lele’s psychic energy crackled ominously.
Ilios whimpered, sensing the danger, and Litten growled louder, arching its back as it pressed against the boy protectively.
The vehicles stopped just at the edge of the clearing where the Tapus stood. Doors opened, and several humans stepped out, their eyes wide as they took in the sight of the powerful guardians standing in their midst. They didn’t speak, but the devices they carried, scanning equipment and cameras, were clearly meant to document the phenomenon.
For a moment, the two sides stared at each other, neither making the first move. The humans seemed awestruck, but also calculating, as if they were here for more than just observation.
Tapu Bulu shifted slightly, preparing to charge if necessary. It knew the balance of this land, and it would not let these intruders upset it.
Suddenly, just as tensions reached their peak, a shadow moved in the corner of Tapu Bulu’s vision.
A small, almost imperceptible figure darted from the trees—a Gengar, its grin wide and sinister. Before any of the Tapus could react, the Gengar slipped past their defenses, its ghostly form moving with lightning speed. In an instant, it appeared beside Ilios and Litten.
Ilios let out a startled cry as the Gengar’s cold hands grabbed him. Litten hissed, trying to attack the ghost-type Pokémon, but it was too late. Gengar, cackling softly, vanished into the shadows, taking Ilios and Litten with it.
Tapu Bulu’s eyes widened in shock and rage as it realized what had happened. “Bulu!” it roared, charging forward, but the Gengar had already disappeared, leaving nothing but a wisp of shadow in its wake.
The humans, oblivious to the theft of Ilios, were still focused on the Tapus, unaware of the chaos that had just unfolded.
Tapu Koko and Tapu Fini exchanged quick, panicked glances, their usual composed expressions replaced with alarm. Tapu Lele, now furious, let out a shrill cry that echoed through the forest.
Ilios was gone, and the guardians’ precious charge had been stolen right from under their noses.
Tapu Bulu, furious and desperate, let out another roar, its anger shaking the trees around it. The forest, once peaceful, was now filled with the rage of the island’s protectors.
They had to find Ilios—and fast.
