It was Early morning at Professsor Kukui's place as he took twilight to some tall grass.
"So ya see, y'cant just have one pokemon." Kukui said. "Relying on just one pokemon is not gonna be a good thing. No, you need variety. And I think I see some perfect catches."
At a nearby tree, two small woodpecker pokemon were stood pecking at a tree.
"Hmm… here they are. Pikipek, the Woodpecker Pokemon. It can peck at a rate of 16 times a second to drill holes in trees. It uses the holes for food storage and for nesting." Twilight said.
"Yeah. Pikipek is a normal and flying type and would make a good second choice. Better watch me first." Kukui said approaching one as it attacked. "Go, Rockruff!" Kukui shouted calling out a small dog with rocks in its collar fur.
"Oooh…" Twilight said. "Rockruff, the Puppy Pokemon. It's considered to be a good Pokémon for beginners because of its friendliness, but its disposition grows rougher as it grows up."
"Good. Rockruff, attack with tackle!" Kukui said as it ran right at the Pikipek. "And now...the catch!"
The pokeball flew as it hit Pikipek, pulling it inside as it shook before it dinged. "And that's...how you catch a pokemon." Kukui said.
"Best follow by example. Rowlet, youre up." Twilight said as rowlet flew down as well as the second Pikipeck. "I'll try and use a single move to end it as well. Use Tackle!"
Rowlet flew at Pikipek who quickly dodged. It then hit a rock with its beak sending debris flying at Rowlet.
"Whoa. That was Rock Smash." Kukui said.
"It's a clever little birdie. Rowlet, keeping firing Leafage at it!" Twilight said as Rowlet did so, not giving Pikipek a chance to fight back.
"There's your chance! USe the ball!" Kukui said.
"Go, Pokeball!" Twilight said snatching it up as it dinged. "WHy did I just say that? It seems like someone uses that a lot. But, the thing is...I caught Pikipek!" she said picking up the ball and tossing it as Pikipek came out and looked at Twilight.
"You see now? It isnt just about one guy. Capture lots of Pokemon, breed and evolve them to get stronger, and make your own team!" Kukui said. "And now, I'm going to show you what the secret of that pokedex is. Come with me to my lab."
When they arrived, Twilight was surprised to see it was a wreck. "This is a lab?" Twilight asked.
"Yep. Its where I study pokemon moves. So it gets broken a lot." Kukui said.
"What youre studying...it wouldnt happen to be Z-moves?"
"Nope. Not those. I mean actual pokemon moves. Been studying them here and in Kanto." Kukui said.
Twilight took out her pokedex. "I know about this. The personal Pokemon encyclopedia. But this one looks different. What is the main centerpiece."
"Oh, it should be on its way shortly." Kukui said as the lights dimmed. "Right on time."
A familiar electric atom pokemon with a smile came in.
"A Rotom?" Twilight asked.
"You've noticed the design of the Pokedex so far. It's for a Rotom to enter." Kukui said as Rotom flew right into the pokedex. Its eyes opened as its mouth appeared on a screen as it got arms and legs and floated around Twilight.
"The Rotomdex is complete. Bzzt." Rotom said.
"This is actually a body made for Rotom that also gives it a voice. Its the first living pokedex." Kukui said.
"Wow…" Twilight said.
"So now, youre all ready to go." Kukui said. "There are three things you need to do here for this exam, yeah?"
"Yeah." Twiight said. "One, of curse, complete all four Island trials and battle the Kahunas…"
"Four? Wow. Your math is way off. There are seven of them kid." Kukui said.
"Okay, seven. Second, uncover the truth behind the appearances of the Ultra Beasts…"
"Yeah, they've been popping in and out lately. They keep coming from random Ultra Wormholes." Kukui said.
"And third… and I think you might know this…" Twilight said. "Stop Team skull and their Leader, Guzma."
"Stop team skull? What's a bunch of thugs gotta do with this? They aren't really that dangerous to be honest. Just some punks that failed the island challenge." Kukui said. "You keep making up these weird exam rules. But, its not my place to judge."
"Oh sorry. I guess what I really have to do here is not weigh my self down." Twilight said.
"Yeah, let go of what is holding you back, in this case, what you set yourself on. Let your heart be your guide." Kukui said. "Besides, you still need to be certified for the trials first. You gotta battle Hau at the festival tonight."
"I really wish they were here to see this. But, I gotta keep moving. Besides, I got new friends to keep me company." Twilight said as Rowlet landed on her head and Pikipek on her shoulder.
"Seems they like you too." Kukui said.
At the festival…
"Tonight, we dedicate this battle to our Islands guardian, Tapu Koko who watches over our island year after year. Tonight, we have two strong trainers who will want to take the Island Challenge. As per tradition, they will both battle here on the grand stage!" Hala said.
"Ready to do this, Twilight? Its gonna be a lot of fun." Hau said.
"Well, I guess I gotta go at it then." Twilight said.
"Okay. My go. Come out, Pichu!" Hau said as a small yellow mouse came out.
"So, he got an electric type to compensate for Popplio." Twilight said as Rotomdex smiled.
"Pichu, the Tiny Mouse Pokemon, It is not yet skilled at controlling electricity. If you take your eyes off it, it may shock itself." Rotomdex said.
"Remember kid. Dont think, feel." Kukui said.
"I get it now. Who wants to go first?" Twilight said to both her perched birds.
Pikipek flew off first as it looked ready for a fight.
"Fine. Pikipek it is." Twilight said. "Start with Rock Smash!"
Pikipek's beak glowed as it hit a rock with its glowing beak, hitting Pichu with the debris.
"Nice work. Now use Echoed Voice!" Twilight said as Pikipek gave a loud call as it took out Pichu.
"Come back little buddy!" Hau said. "Go, Popplio!"
"Pikipek, attack with Echoed Voice!" Twilight said as Pikipek's shout did more damage. "Whenever Pikipek uses Echoed Voice, the move gets stronger."
"Not a bad move. Now use Water Gun!" Hau said as Popplio hit Pikipek head on.
"This is a great battle, havent had this much fun." Twilight said.
"I know right. So let's not keep the people guessing!" Hau said. "Popplio, use water gun again!"
Pikipek was hit with the water gun again as it shook it off. "Use Peck!" Twilight said as Pikipek hit Popplio with its beak sending it off the platform.
"The battle for this years festival is over." Hala said. "Tapu Koko has been pleased. And now..I present these!" he said holding two charms. "These charms are proof that you are taking the island challenge. And Twilight, you had a stone earlier. This was a result of that." he said showing a Z-ring. "This is now yours."
"Yes!" Twilight said proudly.
"Wait, you know about this thing?" Hau asked.
"A friend of mine had it and used it to help her Litten." Twilight said.
"Ah, maybe i should've asked. But it doesnt matter, Pardner. We both get to take the island challenge." Hau said.
"Must be nerve wracking knowing you have to fight your grandfather after you beat the challenge." Twilight said.
"Not really. I always wanted to battle him." Hau said. "But first, I'm going to celebrate." he said running off.
"Now Twilight, there's something else before you can start your first trial." Kukui said. "Down the hill is the Trainer's School. There is a pokemon down there that you have to battle cause it has something of interest. Get it back and we can get you started."
"Well, not a problem." Twilight was walking down the hill. At the school, she slowly approached. Before heading inside, she saw a small cat like creature with black fur and a charm on its head run by.
"Was that it?" Twilight asked. "Rotom dex, did you get a shot of it."
'Yezzz, I did. Take a look." R-Dex said as it showed the picture. "Meowth, the Scratch Cat Pokemon. This Pokémon was not originally found in Alola. Human actions caused a surge in their numbers, and they went feral. They're prideful and crafty."
"Another Alolan variant. I've seen them all over." Twilight said. "It probably has what we're looking for."
Twilight chased after the Meowth before catching it in a corner as it hissed at her.
"Rowlet, use Leafage!" Twilight said Rowlet hit Meowth with its grass quills making it retaliate with Fury Swipes on Rowlet.
"Dont give up Rowlet, I know you can do it!" Twilight said.
"Meowth!" Meowth said biting Rowlet on its wing.
"Rowlet, use peck!" Twilight said as Rowlet pecked Meowth right in its charm as it dropped the item which was a keycard. Meowth hissed at Twilight. "You don't give up. You know what? Who says I can't catch more than six. Having some reserves might be a good idea. Go pokeball!" Twilight shouted hitting Meowth with the ball as it went inside. It shook for a bit before it dinged. "I caught..the Alolan Meowth!"
Slow clapping was heard as a young man with tanned skin approached and picked up the card. "Thanks, I was missing this. Its my teacher's ID and I would hate to have it replaced." he said.
"And you are?" Twilight asked.
"The first trial captain on your journey." he said. "My name is Ilima. I'm Melemele's only Trial Captain."
"So youre the one who Hau and I are supposed to meet." Twilight said.
"Yes. But unfortunately, I have to grade some papers. But if you come to Hau'oli City tomorrow by the docks, we can speak." he said.
"Sounds perfect." Twilight said. "I'll see you than."
'I look forward to grading you, little student." Ilima said walking off.
"So, that's a trial captain. I better be ready for it. I'm gonna head back to Kukui's and get a good nights rest. I need to be ready for tomorrow." Twilight said.
