The loud recognizable cry was heard throughtout the village, causing everyone in the area to look up and around in search of its origin.
"KOKO!"
The pokemon's cry rang out loudly once again as the people continue to look around in shock and awe with a slowly growing level of excitement in the air.
"ahh, that's the cry of the island guardian! it would seem that Tapu Koko was observing your battles here tonight, and from the sound of things it appears to be pleased by your efforts in battle~" says Hala looking to the sky
"whoa whoa whoa, really? the island guardian was actually watching us?! awesome!" says Hau excitedly
"oh wow, to think that a legendary pokemon would be watching us, and the island's guardian no less. how exciting~" says Serena
"heh, that's Tapu Koko for you. as unpredictable as ever" says Kukui smiling
"Tapu Koko huh? so that was Tapu Koko..." says Ash softly
Just then Ash remembers what happened earlier when he encountered the pokemon near Mahalo Trail.
"ah! oh yeah! Kahuna Hala! I meant to ask you something" says Ash
"hmm? yes? meant to ask me what, young Ash?" says Hala turning to face Ash
"oh, about this" he says as he quickly goes into his pocket and pulls out the shiny object that resembles a watch Tapu Koko handed to him earlier
"ah..." Hala says as he steps forward to get a better look at it while Ash holds it up in his hand
"this looks like a... a Z-ring? Ash, where did you get this from?!"
"well, actually, I kinda..." says Ash a bit hesitant
"go on" says Hala
"ok, I'll tell you" says Ash as Serena looked at Hala nervously
Ash proceeds to tell Hala that he went up to the top of mahalo trail without telling anyone and reached the bridge where he encountered tapu koko who gave him the z ring.
"Ahh I see now, so that's what happened" says Hala
"yeah, and I'm real sorry for that" says Ash hanging his head down slightly
"hmm? sorry for what?" asks Hala
"for going up the trail without permission, and without telling anyone. I know it's a sacred land, I guess my curiosity got the better of me. again, I'm really sorry! forgive me!" Ash says while bowing down
"please, forgive Ash!" says Serena as she clasps her hands together
Hala looks down at them with a serious look for a few seconds then suddenly bursts out with a hardy laugh. Both Ash and Serena look at him, confused by his sudden laughter.
"oh so that's what you were worried about~" says Hala grinning
"uh, yeah I-" says Ash before Hala continues
"Ash, mahalo trail and it's sights are open to everyone who wants to come see them. after all, it's one of melemele island's biggest attractions~. yes the ruins are currently off limits but that's because the plank bridge is broken and unpassable. so Ash, there's really nothing for you to be sorry for. in fact, the more of our islands you explore the better. since you are officially a trial goer now, I encourage you to get out there and enjoy every bit of alola~"
"oh, well that's a relief" says Ash as he exhales
"pika pi..."
"phew" sighed Serena
"heh, I guess I should've told you about that trail earlier. my bad~" says Kukui rubbing the back of his head
"Im just glad you didn't try to cross the bridge and got yourself hurt or anything. that would've been a long way down" says Hala
"y-yeah I'm glad too..." says Ash
"but more importantly, the fact that tapu koko not only appeared in front of you but gave you a z-ring is quite astonishing. you, someone who is not from alola and a newcomer in the island challenge, have encountered the island guardian and received a z-ring from it on your first day here. a feat that is a rarity even with those who are native inhabitants of these islands. I don't think this was a coincidence, I believe tapu koko sees something special in you Ash. of this I am certain" explains Hala
"wow... tapu koko.. sees something special in me?" says Ash with a mildly excited tone
"indeed. so.. you should take this, Ash. the z-ring is yours. put it on your wrist and wear it at all times" says Hala as he hands the z-ring back to Ash
"ok~" nods Ash as he takes the z-ring
Holding it his right hand Ash starts to put it around his left hand wrist. just as he places the z-ring in position it suddenly starts floating on it's own again, much to Ash and the others' surprise. the floating z-ring slowly lowers onto Ash's wrist then the straps on both sides wrap around and hook themselves together tightly locking onto Ash. he holds out his left arm gazing at the new item he has acquired and secured on his wrist.
"wow, this is the z-ring huh?... so, what's it do exactly?" asks Ash curiously still looking at it
"the z-ring is a mystical item that when used properly can give pokemon tremendous power and ability to use z-moves. these moves derive their power from the bond between a trainer and their pokemon. you'll learn more about z-rings as you go through your island challenge" says Hala
"whoa, really? this z-ring sounds pretty awesome! can't wait to try it out!" says Ash clenching his fists in excitement
"also, in order to use a z-ring you need a z-crystal to go along with it. you'll learn more about them eventually too. actually you'll be able to get your first z-crystal what you pass the first trial" says Kukui
"what? that's great! I'm super stoked now! tell me where the first trial is, I'm gonna take it on right now!" says Ash excitedly
"whoa ho ho, easy there Ash. no need to hurry. the trial isn't going anywhere so there's no rush, and it's pretty late so I think it's best to hold off on that till first thing tomorrow" says Kukui chuckling a bit
"oh, yeah, well.. that works too haha" chuckled Ash as Serena giggles a little and Pikachu shrugs
"Ash.." says Hala stepping forward
"hmm?" says Ash
"I get the feeling that your journey here in alola will be something to look forward to. tapu koko's appearance is proof of that. who knows, you may run into tapu Koko again, and even be able to face it in battle" says Hala
"I hope so, kahuna Hala. when that day comes, we'll be ready~" says Ash holding his fist to himself
"mm-hmm, that will be quite the battle I imagine~" says Hala nodding
Shortly after that kahuna Hala continues with the closing ritual for the rite of passage ceremony for the island challenge trainers. later into the night the festival has finally died down and most of the people have left. Ash, Kukui, Serena and kahula Hala are now standing nearby the Iki town entrance.
"so Ash, your official island challenge begins tomorrow. I trust you are prepared" says Hala
"oh yeah! I'm psyched to start my alola journey!" exclaims Ash
"haha, and may it be a great one. oh yes, the trial captain for the melemele island trial is in Hau'oli city which is not too far from here. Kukui here will tell you where to find him" says Hala
"got it!" nods Ash
"and with that I wish you luck on your island challenge, and alola to you!~" Hala says as he starts to walk away waving back
"ok, goodbye kahuna Hala! thanks for everything!" yells Ash waving
"bye-bye~" says Serena waving as well
As Hala walks into the distance Kukui turns in the other direction and looks at Ash and Serena.
"well, let's head back to my lab. I'll let you guys stay at my place for the night" says Kukui
"ok, cool. thanks~" says Ash
"thank you so much, professor~" says Serena bowing
"heh, not a problem. let's go" says Kukui
The three then walk together leaving Iki town and head for professor Kukui's beachside shack. meanwhile, in other location not too far from where they are, in a lit building that appears to be a school, an elderly man who resembles professor oak is sitting in a small office along with a green haired girl who is standing next to a desk.
"my cousin in kanto has informed me of one of his trainers coming here to alola. Ash Ketchum is his name, and Oak speaks very highly of him. it's his first time here in the alola region, so I'd like you to show him around. I can trust you to handle that, can't I, Mallow?" says the professor
"yes of course, professor Oak~" says Mallow as she stares at a picture of Ash that Oak has up on a computer screen
"Ash Ketchum huh? seems like an interesting boy~" says Mallow as she giggles a bit
Back at Kukui's lab it is now late at night and the group has settled in and gone to bed, all except for Ash that is. Ash is just outside the front door of the lab by himself sitting on the front steps looking out at the moon and listening to the sound of the sea water washing up on the beach, deep in thought.
"alola... my quest begins..." Ash whispers to himself
"Ash?" says a voice from behind him
he looks back and sees Serena standing in the doorway in her pajamas looking at him.