Shiranui entered the next cave and found a cavern where a large Alolan Raticate stood its ground with an Alolan Rattata at its side.  "Ashika, I choose you!"  He sent his Popplio out and the battle was on.  "Ashika, start with Icy Wind!"  Rattata opened with a Quick Attack, blindsiding Ashika and Raticate started with Focus Energy, improving its odds of a critical hit.  Ashika blew a gust of frigid air that dealt a lot of damage to Rattata and a decent amount to Raticate whilst slowing them down.  "Ashika, use Disarming Voice!"  The loss of speed was enough for Ashika to get her move in first.  The Popplio let out a charming cry that did emotional damage to her opponents.  Rattata was knocked out and Raticate suffered major damage.  Raticate charged at Ashika with its fangs ready for a Bite attack and bit down on Ashika's tail for a decent amount of damage.

Raticate called for help and a second Alolan Rattata showed up.  "Note to self: take out the Totem Pokémon first," said Shiranui to himself, "Ashika, Disarming Voice once more!"  Rattata used Pursuit and left Ashika on her last legs so to speak.  The Popplio got up and let off a bright glow, growing in size.  The glow subsided to reveal a Brionne and Shiranui scanned his new-look friend.  "[i]Brionne, the Pop Star Pokémon and the evolved form of Popplio.  It cares deeply for its companions.  When its Trainer is feeling down, it performs a cheery dance to try and help.[/i]"  Ashika let off a cry more dulcet than before and both opponents were knocked out.

Shiranui gave the three KO'd Pokémon a Sitrus Berry each and the first Rattata scampered off to rest up and the second Rattata and Totem Raticate both went off to get something.  After a while, the Alolan Rattata that joined the battle returned with a Lycanium Z and the Totem Alolan Raticate returned with a gunmetal grey Sparkling Stone.  Shiranui received these items and bode the two Dark types a parting Alola.

On his way back to the entrance, Shiranui pondered on why his new Z Crystal was shaped differently to the few others he had seen.