Chapter 1-5: Popplio's Choice
"Boy, talk about yer fixer-upper," Meowth muttered as he and his companions dragged themselves along Route 2. "Those twoips really handed us a beating yesterday."
"I doubt you have anyone but yourself to blame for that," Jessie mumbled. "You're the one who stuck your claws into that ugly blue blob."
"Bah, who cares about da blob?" Meowth grumbled irritably. "We should be staying focused on getting da twoip's Pikachu!"
"I agree with Meowth," James said. He pounded his fist into his open palm with determination. "After that reminder of just how powerful Pikachu is, it's more important than ever that we catch that Pokemon!"
"So let's get stealin'!" Meowth grinned, pumping his paw. They suddenly heard a rustling in the bushes beside them. They froze and looked in curiosity. "What's that?" Meowth wondered.
"This could be trouble," Jessie said, tensing up and getting into a battle position.
The rustling increased. Then they saw a pair of familiar ears pop up out of the bushes. Their tension immediately eased when they recognized those ears.
"Well, what do you know?" James grinned happily. "Looks like stealing Pikachu won't be such a problem if he's so far away from his trainer."
"You're ours this time, Pikachu!" Jessie grinned, whipping out a Pokeball. She threw it at the pair of ears. To her shock, a dark limb suddenly shot up and swatted the Pokeball back at them. It hit Meowth instead, then fell to the ground, having accomplished nothing.
"Hey! Don't go tryin' ta catch me!" Meowth snapped at her.
"I don't remember Pikachu having a tail quite like that," James said thoughtfully. At that moment, the ears disappeared, and Pikachu began to scamper away.
"Gah! It's getting away!" Jessie exclaimed.
"After it!" James cried.
"You're not getting away from us this time, Pikachu!" Meowth grinned. With that, the trio pursued their target through the bushes.
"Morning, Mom," Ash smiled that morning as his mom walked out. He was sitting on the couch with May sleeping next to him, her head on his shoulder.
"Morning, sweetheart," she replied, returning the smile. "It seems Rowlet and Popplio have recovered nicely."
"Yeah," Ash nodded. "I guess that means we can take them back to where they belong."
"I suppose," a now awake May said, rubbing the sleep away from her eyes as she lifted her head off of Ash's shoulder. She stood up and yawned. "Well, we should probably get ready to go, then."
"Yeah," Ash agreed. With that, they stood up and got themselves ready for the day. After breakfast, they got their stuff and, taking Rowlet and Popplio in their arms, set off for Iki Town. They first stopped by the tree where Ash met Rowlet.
"Well, it seems you're good to go, now," he smiled, holding Rowlet lightly in his hands. "Try not to run into anymore trees, okay?"
"Let, Rowlet?" the little Pokemon said, looking curiously at Ash.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" he asked jokingly. "You're free. Go on."
Rowlet hesitated, but after a moment it spread its wings and started to fly away. After flying a moment, it turned back to look at Ash one more time before disappearing into the trees.
"So long, Rowlet," Ash smiled softly. Then he turned to May. "Let's go get Popplio home, too."
"Okay," May nodded, somewhat sad. They set off for Iki Town and made it back in no time. There, they found Hala, Kukui and Lillie waiting for them.
"Ah, there you are," Hala grinned. "I see Popplio is well again."
"Yes," May nodded, bringing Popplio to the kahuna.
"Thank you for taking care of it," he said softly as he took the blue Pokemon from her arms. She smiled and patted Popplio on the head one more time. Then she turned to walk away, only to feel a firm hand on her shoulder. "Wait a moment," the kahuna said. "Didn't you want to take Popplio with you?"
"Oh!" May said. "Well yes, but –"
"Then let us see if Popplio wishes to join you as well," Hala went on without waiting for her response. "You've shown yourself quite capable with Pokemon, and after seeing you risk your safety for Popplio yesterday, it may have had a change of heart towards you."
"Well...I suppose," she said softly. "But what if it hasn't?"
"We won't know unless we give it shot, yeah?" Kukui grinned.
"I agree with the professor and kahuna," Lillie said, stepping forward. "I think you've earned Popplio's loyalty."
"Are you sure?" May said. "The kahuna said it was afraid of –" she started to say, but then she felt a firm but gentle hand on her shoulder. She turned and looked into her boyfriend's warm brown eyes. He was smiling.
"Go on, May," he said. "If there's any trainer in the world who can win Popplio's acceptance, it's you."
"Pikachu," Pikachu agreed.
She returned his smile and blushed at how close his face was to hers. "Thanks, Ash," she replied. She stepped forward onto the large wooden battlefield. Hala placed Popplio on the opposite side, and the coordinator gazed down at the Pokemon with a warm but uncertain smile. Popplio looked up at her with adorable little eyes and an expression that was more curious than uncertain.
"Now, then," Hala said confidently, "let us see if Popplio chooses you to be its trainer!"
May bent down slightly, putting her hands on her knees. It continued to stare at her, seemingly mesmerized.
"Io?" it said softly, cutely cocking its head to the side. It looked around a moment as though thinking about what it was about to do.
"Does it usually take this long to make a choice?" Ash quietly asked the professor.
"Not for this little guy," Kukui smiled confidently to himself. "Popplio would usually have decided to bail right about now. The fact that it's actually thinking about this is a sure sign."
Ash smiled softly to himself. "Looks like May's about to make a new friend, then."
"Pikachu," Pikachu smiled softly as well.
Suddenly, Popplio scampered forward up to May across the wood. It then looked up at her smiled.
May gasped. "Popplio," she said softly. "Does that mean...you want to come with me?"
"Io! Popplio!" it barked happily.
"Are you sure?" she asked. "I want you to come with me too, but are you absolutely certain that that's what you – whoa!"
Popplio interrupted her by leaping into her arms. Ash and Kukui laughed, while Lillie looked as startled as May did.
"Oh, Popplio!" May cried in joy, lifting Popplio gently in her arms.
"Bwark!" Popplio barked again, still just as happy. It then started to sniff May's face curiously.
"H-Hey!" May giggled as its nose brushed her skin. "That tickles!" Popplio laughed with her, and Ash walked up to her with a smile.
"Congratulations, May," he said. "Looks like you've won over Popplio's heart."
"Pika pika!" Pikachu cheered. Popplio looked at him with curiosity.
"I won't be like the other trainers," May said, looking at the blue Pokemon compassionately. "I will never abandon you or hurt you. I promise."
"Popplio!" Popplio grinned, snuggling into her. May smiled and held it tightly, savoring the warmth she felt in that moment.
"This is truly a wonderful day," Hala smiled as he came forward with Kukui and Lillie. "Popplio has found itself a trainer worthy of its love."
"I never thought I'd see the day," Kukui agreed. "But seeing these two now, it seems that they will be friends forever."
"Yes," Lillie agreed. "It does, doesn't it?"
"Pew!" Nebby agreed.
"Oh, you –!" Lillie exclaimed when she saw her mysterious Pokemon hovering beside her. "When did you get out again? I know all these people here will protect you, but I still want you to stay out of sight. It's safer that way."
"Well then, May," Kukui said, stepping forward. "Now that you have your first Pokemon from Alola, I think I should present you and Ash with a gift. It's for the both of you, so be sure you share it, yeah." With that, he handed them a red, computer-like device.
"A Pokedex?" Ash exclaimed, taking it in his hands. "Awesome! What a cool design!"
"Seems a little clunky if you ask me," May mused, looking it over. "I doubt it'll fit in your pocket."
"Yeah," Ash agreed with a chuckle. "It's almost like a 2DS."
"Hey!" a new voice suddenly called to them. They turned and saw a boy run up to them. He had tan skin and gray eyes, while his brown hair was tied up in a unique ponytail. He wore a brown shirt and orange shorts that looked like swim trunks. "You and me!" he said, looking at May with an eager grin. "Let's have a Pokemon battle!"
"Huh?" she blinked in surprise.
"Who are you?" Ash asked.
"Pikachu?"
"Dahahaha!" Hala laughed, walking up to the boy and patting him on the back roughy but affectionately. "Where's the fire, boy? And what kind of trainer doesn't introduce himself before a battle?"
"Oh, right," the boy grinned, putting his hands behind his head and grinning sheepishly. "I'm Hau! Nice to meet you!"
"I'm May," May replied. "I just got my first Alola Pokemon today."
"Yeah, I saw!" Hau grinned excitedly. "That's why I wanna battle you!"
"You a new trainer too?" Ash asked curiously.
Hau looked at him, then gasped in shock. "HOLY TAPU KOKO, IT'S ASH KETCHUM FROM PALLET TOWN!?" he cried.
"Hau, boy!" Hala scolded him. "Do not take the name of our guardian deity in vain!"
Hau wasn't listening. He was too busy fanboying all over the shocked Ash. "Holy cow, I saw your performance at the Lumiose Conference, it was amazing, you and that Greninja were awesome, oh man, I wish you'd won that, you should have won, you're so amazing, can I have your autograph?!"
"Whoa, whoa!" Ash exclaimed, gently but firmly pushing Hau out of his face. "Take it easy there!"
"Sorry," Hau said, putting his hands behind his head again. "I just can't believe Ash Ketchum is in my hometown!"
"Well, if you're so excited to see me, why don't you show it in a battle?" Ash grinned, pumping his fist.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu grinned likewise.
"Whoaaaaaa, nononononono!" Hau shook his head vigorously. "You're WAY outta my league, man! I only just got my first Pokemon recently, and you've been at this for what, eight years now?"
"Well, that's true," Ash grinned. "I'd probably kick you to the curb like a Hitmonlee!"
"Yeah," the boy nodded, then turned back to May. "That's why I wanna battle you. You just got that Pokemon, so I have a chance at beating you."
"Hey, I'm not a beginner, you know," May replied, slightly miffed. "I'm only slightly less experienced than Ash. What makes you think you can beat me?"
"Well, if you just got Popplio, then it can't be too experienced in battle, so maybe I can still beat you," Hau shrugged.
"He has a point, cousin," Kukui agreed. "Whataya say?"
May opened her mouth to respond, but then something like a wind swept over their heads. "Ack!" Ash exclaimed as he felt something get snatched from his head. "Oh no, not again!" he moaned.
"Let! Rowlet!"
"Rowlet!" he yelled at the Pokemon. "How did you find me here?! Get back here with that hat!" He took off after it without a second thought, but then he turned back when he realized what was about to happen.
"Huh?" May blinked. "Ash, your hat –"
"I'll get it back later," he said. "I wanna see you in your first battle in Alola!"
"Oh, don't worry about me, Ash," May replied. "You need to get your hat back!"
"But the battle –"
"Um," Lillie stepped forward uncertainly. "I...don't really like to see Pokemon battles where Pokemon can get hurt, but...I'll watch for you, if you don't mind."
"Really?" Ash blinked.
"Yeah," she said.
"Okay," he shrugged, but his demeanor quickly recovered. "Here," he said, handing Pikachu to her. "Would you mind holding Pikachu? He can watch for me, too."
"Pika!" Pikachu grinned.
"Oh! O-of course!" Lillie agreed, taken aback as she hesitantly took Pikachu in her arms.
"Thanks, Lillie! You're the best!" Ash grinned as he took off after Rowlet. May and Lillie both looked confused by what he just said.
"I'm the...best?" Lillie repeated to herself.
"Come on!" Hau grinned. "Let's get this battle underway!"
"Yes, yes," Hala nodded. "Come now, step to your respective sides!" They did so, and everyone else formed a small audience around them. Lillie stood next to May, a conflicted expression on her face.
"Hey," May said, looking at her in concern. "Are you okay?"
"I…" Lillie started to respond, but she trailed off.
"You don't have to watch the battle if you don't want to," May said. "If you don't like it –"
"No no, it's fine," she replied. "It's just...what Ash said…"
May raised a skeptical eyebrow. "What about it?" she asked.
Lillie looked into her eyes, revealing lime green eyes that suddenly seemed to be filled with hope. "That's the first time anyone's ever said something like that...to me."
So Popplio has overcome its fear of trainers and accepted May. Meanwhile, Ash is in pursuit of a mischievous Rowlet who seems to have a fondness for awesome headgear, and May is about to have her first battle in Alola against the character everyone was waiting for: Hau! And what about that Pikachu Team Rocket was pursuing?
Meanwhile, for all of you who correctly predicted Ash would get Rowlet in the actual Sun & Moon series...you all get a cookie!