A short while later Professor Kukui along with Ash, Serena and Pikachu are walking up the western path of route 1 heading towards iki town. Kukui walks a couple steps ahead leading the way as Ash and Serena walk side by side and pikachu scurries alongside the edge of the path curiously surveying the scenery.

"wow, this place is beautiful, and what a calming breeze blowing through~" says Serena feeling a gentle wind blowing her hair

"yeah, and I'll bet you there are some cool pokemon around here too" says Ash taking a good look around

"indeed. although inhabited by humans for many years the Alola islands have always been been one with nature. actually, this path that we're on now is a shortcut. the eastern fork of route 1 is more scenic and you'll more likely encounter pokemon there" says Kukui glancing back

"oh I see" says Ash

A few minutes later the group approaches a steep hill where the 2 fork paths converge. they reach the top of the slanted pathway and head northwest.

"ok, we're back on the main path. Iki town is just around the corner now" says Kukui

"great, can't wait to see it" says Ash

"I wonder what kind of trials there are in the island challenge?" says Serena

"hmm? dunno, but I'm eager to find out" says Ash

"hope it's not anything too dangerous..." says Serena

"not to worry, I can handle any trial!" says Ash clenching his fist close to his body

"mm-hmm~ I know you can! just remember, I'll be right here cheering you on. I'll always be there for you~" says Serena

"thanks Serena. with you by my side, there's no way I will fail~" says Ash confidently

"ahh. ash~" says Serena blushing

"Serena~" says Ash

The two glance at each other lovingly still walking side by side while Kukui, who had been listening, starts to smirk a bit.

"geez, if you two get any more lovey dovey you're gonna make me miss my wife even more" he says sarcastically

Ash and Serena, hearing Kukui, look forward at him a bit embarrassed. then they both laugh awkwardly and shyly look away from each other as pikachu follows close behind on all fours.

"pika pii.." says pikachu almost as if it was sighing

several minutes pass and the group finally arrives in Iki town after climbing a flight of stairs.

"well, here we are. the ancient village of Iki town" says Kukui taking a few steps forward

"so this is the place huh?" says Ash looking around at the small buildings

"oh wow~" says Serena

"pikachuu!" says pikachu on Ash's shoulder

"come on, the center of town is this way. I'll introduce you to the kahuna of this island, yeah!" says Kukui turning back to face them while standing near a sign

"really?! the kahuna is here?! awesome!" says Ash excitedly

he then dashes forward running past Kukui and heading for the center of town.

"haha~ Ash, wait up!" says Serena as she also runs past Kukui following Ash

"er, hey you two! I'm supposed to be the tour guide, remember?" yells Kukui

he then lets out a faint sigh and chuckles to himself a bit.

"guess they're pretty excitable eh? can't blame em, I was the same way at that age. full of energy, haha" says Kukui as he starts calmly walking in the direction they went

Seconds later Ash and Serena come across a wide open area with a strange looking wooden platform right in the middle, almost with a circular shape and a unique design painted in the center of it. they run up and stop next to it seemingly in awe.

"huh? what's this?" says Ash curiously looking at it

"a platform? what a strange symbol" says Serena

"that platform is special, it's the very center of Iki town. also, it will serve as the epicenter of the festivities" says Kukui catching up to them

"festivities?" says Serena

"yes, you'll find out about that a little later on. now you two wait here, I'll go get the kahuna" says Kukui as he walks around Ash and Serena and heads for a large building

"ok~" says both Ash and Serena

as Kukui walks in the building Ash and Serena stand around taking in the view of the area.

"this place is so nice, look at all the statues and signs~ what do you think, Ash? huh?" says Serena

She then looks back and sees that Ash has made his way on top of the platform standing right in the center.

"whaaa?!" yells Serena

"hey Serena, check this out! the view from up here is awesome~" says Ash waving at her

"A-Ash, I don't think you're suppose to be up there!" says Serena worried

"ah, come on Serena. it's not like I'm damaging anything. come on up, the view is great~" says Ash walking around the platform

"Ash, get down before you get in trouble!" says Serena

"oh ho ho, it's ok. no harm done!" says an approaching voice

Ash and Serena look and see Professor Kukui walking up to them.

"Professor Kukui" says Serena

"don't worry Serena, its not like that platform is sacred ground or anything haha. so you like it up there, huh Ash?" says Kukui

"yeah! feels almost like a battle area or something" says Ash

"hmm, you're close..."