Chapter 15

We were originally gonna go do some exploring on Melemele Island yesterday, but everyone got hit hard with jetlag, so we decided to spend the day yesterday relaxing. That was such a good idea honestly, 'cause now I feel even more refreshed today than when we departed from Connecticut. Lillie even decided to join us even though she's an Alolan native.

Once we docked in Hau'Oli City, we all stopped at the malasada shop to grab some breakfast before we hit the road. Our first destination was at another Pokémon Center, but this one is on the route north of Hau'Oli, and is across the way from a cave entrance.

"All right then," Sun started. "This is our first stop for today: Verdant Cavern."

"Why a cave for our first stop?" Jill asked.

"That's because this happens to be the first Trial Site here in Alola," Sun answered. "Well, first as in the first Trial that Trainers challenge on their Island Challenge."

"Little dark in here, I must say," I said.

"Gee, you don't say, Ian?" Jill said sarcastically.

"Anyway," Sun started again after he chuckled. "The Trials here in Alola can take on pretty much any form, much like the Trials you got back in Connecticut."

"I just have one question, though," I asked. "Are these Trials open to tourists out of curiosity?"

"Yes, but no at the same time," Sun answered.

"See, tourists are able to explore the Trials as they please, but if they would like to catch any of the wild Pokémon found here, then they will have to challenge the Trial first," Someone explained as they were walking in.

"Ah, Ilima, go to see you again!" Sun said as he turned around to see who walked in.

"Alola to you as well!" Ilima said. "Got a group of newcomers, I see?"

"Actually, we're all just visiting for a few days," Mike answered.

"Oh, you must be Mike, the US Champion, right?"

"Yep. And you are?"

"I'm Ilima, the Trial Captain here on Melemele Island. Pleasure to meet you all!"

You can guess what followed, so I'm not gonna bore you here. It's cool that we got the chance to meet a Trial Captain here from Alola though, so I'm not complaining about that. If there's one thing about this guy that stands out to me the most is, weirdly, his pink hair of all things.

"I just have one question, though," Jill said.

"Sure," Ilima said. "Ask away."

"What if you come to the Trial with a group of people like right now? Does everyone in the group have to challenge the Trial in order to catch any wild Pokémon here?"

"That depends on the size of your group. If it's just you and another person, then you two can challenge the Trial together. But given how large this group is, that would theoretically create quite the backlog of Challengers. I don't remember seeing this large of a group at my Trial Site before. Sun, what should we do?"

"Normally, I would suggest all of you to give it a try, but we'd be here all day," Sun answered. "So I'm sure it'll be fine if we just allow one person to do all the heavy work for their group, and let everyone else catch a Pokémon here if they want."

"You're not kidding."

"Come on, it's not like I let this happen all the time. This is for a special occasion, not for an everyday Trainer. I'll let Hala know about it, if that makes you feel better."

"That's ok. I understand what you're saying."

"Who's Hala, Sun?" I asked.

"He's the Island Kahuna here on Melemele Island," Sun answered. "One of four you battle in the Grand Trials here in Alola. You get the chance to battle them once you have cleared all of the other Trials on an island."

"And since Verdant Cavern has the only Trial here on Melemele Island, in theory, one of you could have the chance to battle Hala!" Ilima added.

"That sounds exciting!" I said.

"It is!" Elio said. "Hala's really strong, too!"

"Yeah, he's no joke alright," Sun added. "Packed quite a doozy when I first battled him. So, who wants to take the liberty of challenging the Verdant Cavern Trial?"

"I will!" Jill quickly volunteered.

"Actually, I want to," Elio said. "I wanna see what these are like since I just missed out on them before we moved."

"But, but I…"

"Come on, you get to do the Trials back in Connecticut anyway. So I don't think it's the end of the world to let someone else take the reins."

"I kinda agree with Elio," Katie said. "Besides, Jill, you're challenging Pokémon Ultimates back at home. You'll have plenty of chances to take on more Trials back at home, too."

"All right," Jill said. "Good luck, Elio."

"Thanks!" Elio said. "This'll be a piece of cake!"

Elio finished the Trial in about an hour, and it was about what I expected after seeing the Trials that Jill has challenged so far. Though the big difference that I noticed is the very large Pokémon that Elio battled at the end, which apparently is called a Totem Pokémon. Once Elio had defeated the Totem Pokémon, which was called Gumshoos, he was rewarded a Z-Crystal.

"See?" Elio said. "Wasn't bad at all! That was really fun actually!"

"You did a great job!" Sun complimented. "Your Torracat seemed to handle it with no worries."

"Why didn't you try to use your other Pokémon, Elio?" Selene asked. "Like your Trumbeak or Charjabug?"

"I had enough confidence in Dartrix to get through the entire thing," Elio answered. "Had things go downhill, then I would've switched out anyway."

"I see. I was just curious because I saw you training with your other Pokémon, so I was thinking if you were gonna use any of them."

"Don't worry, I'll be sure to use more of my team next time."

"That's good. I get that Torracat is your partner, but you just gotta make sure that you use all of your Pokémon equally."

"She's right though, Elio," Sun added. "While the performance of you and Torracat was great, I was kinda expecting you to use your other Pokémon, especially against the Totem Pokémon. Just remember that for any of your upcoming battles, ok?"

"Got it," Elio said. "And thanks."

"So, Elio, which Z-Crystal did you get?" I asked.

"That's Normalium Z," Elio answered.

"Oh."

"Wait, you have that one, right?"

"Yeah, I do."

"That's nice, Ian," Sun said. "How did you get yours, if I may ask?"

"From my first Gym Battle," I answered.

"Ah, I see. Seems you guys get both Z-Crystals and Gym Badges."

"Yeah, you can say that," Mike said. "It was all a mess at first to say the least."

"I see."

As we all just kept on talking, I noticed a group of Pokémon surrounding something, and they were getting a bit aggressive. Something's telling me that we should check.

"What's going on over there?" I asked, looking at the group of Pokémon. "What even are those things?"

"Oh, those are Alolan Rattata," Selene answered. "Heard of them?"

"I've heard of the Alola Forms, but never knew that Rattata was one of them. I've even met a Pokémon with an Alolan Form."

"Oh? And which one was that?"

"That would be Shiron," Lillie answered for me.

"Oh, I should've known..," Selene said in embarrassment as she sweatdropped.

"That's ok. Anyway, Ian, unlike Kantonian Rattata, which are pure Normal Type, Alolan Rattata are Dark/Normal."

"Plus their evolution, Raticate, has an Alolan Form as well. They're pretty much everywhere on Melemele Island though, especially Rattata."

"I see," I said.

"But I don't recall hearing about Alolan Rattata being that aggressive in the wild," Elio said. "They must be attacking something, and something small."

"We should check it out, then."

"Just be careful, Ian," Lillie said, expressing her concern.

"Don't worry, I will," I said to Lillie. Then I attempted to approach them. Right as I got close, they noticed me, and stared me down. "What is even going on here?! Huh?" As I took a look at what they were surrounding, I became even more concerned. They were ganging up on a little Pokémon, and they are getting ready to attack me next.

"What is that?" I asked myself.

"Find something?" Elio asked.

"They're surrounding a small Pokémon, and looks like they were attacking it," I answered. "And I think I'm next. Looks like I'll have to take them all on at once." I had to take a step back, cause I doubt that these Pokémon will let me step any closer

Not all of them stayed, however. There were six of them, but only three remain as the other three ran away. That let us get a better look at the Pokémon the Rattata were attacking. Looks like some sort of bat Pokémon or something. It couldn't be a Zubat since it's not blue.

"Aww, those mean Rattata were ganging up on a poor Noibat," Selene said. "How cruel!"

"Yeah, but do you really think you're gonna battle all three at once, Ian?" Elio asked. "Cause there's no way I'm not helping!"

"Me, too!"

"Wait, what are you guys saying?" I asked.

"Both of us are gonna battle these Rattata with you!" Elio said. "We can make this a trio battle!"

"What? A trio battle?"

"You seriously never heard of trio battles?" Selene asked. "It's a battle format where three Trainers team up at once."

"No wonder I never heard of them," I said. "I never heard anyone talk about them in Sinnoh."

"They are common in some parts of the world, and that includes the US," Mike explained. "Let's see how you do."

"Alright, I guess. Monferno!"

"Dartrix!" Selene shouted as she tossed her Poké Ball.

"Go Torracat!" Elio said.

Well this is going to be an interesting experience. I'm used to battling with another person, but not with two other people at once.

"So, this is basically just a tag battle, but with an extra person?" I asked.

"Yes, and no," Elio answered.

"Heard of the triple battle?" Selene asked.

"Yeah," I answered. "I was just about to do that with these Rattata."

"Imagine that, but with three Trainers battling instead of three of your own Pokémon at once."

"I get it now."

"So, Ian, wanna go first?" Elio asked.

"I was just about to call Monferno to use Mach Punch in the middle!" I said.

I seem to like starting off a battle with Mach Punch if I can. Plus, it'd be stupid of me to not go for the quad weakness if I get the chance! Pokémon battling ain't rocket science! Most of the time…

"Dartrix, use Peck on the left!" Selene said.

"Torracat, get the right with Double Kick!" Elio called.

I figured we'd see the first turn, cause while I found the concept to be very enjoyable, there was nothing else that was very exciting. Plus the Rattata were a lot weaker than I thought they were. So they were just all bark and no bite sort of speak. After we defeated them, they booked it, and got completely out of our sight.

"Well that wasn't too bad," I said. "That was actually pretty easy."

"Yeah," Elio said.

"That was a nice change of pace though," Selene said. "These kinds of battles are easier for me since the pressure isn't completely on your shoulders."

"I get what you mean," I said. "These battles are pretty fun though. I wanna try some more when we get home."

"Once you get stronger, we definitely will," Mike said. "But for now, you should check on the Noibat."

"Right." Noibat didn't seem too beaten up from the Rattata, but it doesn't hurt to check on it. "Hey, you doing okay?" I asked as I picked up Noibat.

The poor thing is so frightened. I can't blame it though. Those Rattata must've came and attacked out of nowhere. Luckily, I don't see any bad marks on it, so it must've been trying to fight back as much as possible.

"How is it?" Sara asked.

"Is it hurt?" Hannah asked.

"Doesn't seem like it," I said. "Looks like it's just fine, albeit very shook."

"Thank goodness," Jill said. "I was getting a bit worried there."

"Don't blame you, Jill," Mike said.

"You seem to care a lot about Pokémon if you were expressing concern about a wild Pokémon," Ilima complimented.

"Yeah," Jill said. "I grew up on my family's Pokémon Daycare, and I was able to help care for a lot of them. That inspired me to want to learn how to care for a lot of Pokémon in addition to becoming a strong Trainer!"

"Sounds like you got a great goal on your hands. I wish you the best of luck with it!"

"Thanks! I'll try my best! Ian, can I take a look?"

"Sure," I said, handing her Noibat.

Noibat started to flip out as I was handing it to Jill. It really must be that traumatized if it's freaking out like that. "It's ok, it's ok," Jill softly said as she took Noibat into her hands. "I'm not gonna hurt you. You're gonna be just fine."

The little bat was still squirming in Jill's arms, and trying to leap away from her. On top of that, it looks like it's trying to come back to me.

"Here, let me have a look," Katie suggested as she walked to Jill. "I don't see any bad scrapes or wounds. Either those Rattata were that weak or Noibat really did a number on them with fighting back. I don't understand why it hasn't calmed down yet, though."

"Does it want to go back to Ian?" Sara asked. "Cause I saw it trying to reach for him."

"Doesn't hurt to try," I said as I took Noibat into my arms. Right as it got back into my arms, it was a lot calmer. "Looks like Sara was right."

"It seems to feel safer with him since he stepped in to save it," Ilima said.

"You might be right about that, Ilima," Sun said.

"We should probably take it to a Pokémon Center," I suggested. "Is there one close by?"

"There's one right outside of here," Ilima said. "I'll lead the way."

"Great. Thanks."

This was also a good opportunity to take Noibat outside, ensuring that it was safe, and no wild Pokémon were going to attack us. There was no point in returning it to where it came from in the cavern if it was that spooked. It'll probably be even more scared of it being alone, worrying that the Rattata might return, and attack it again.

"Thanks for waiting," The nurse told us as we were waiting at the Pokémon Center. "Noibat is feeling much better now."

"Thank you so much, Nurse Joy," Lillie said.

"Yeah, thanks," I said.

"Always happy to help!" Nurse Joy said.

"You doing okay now, Noibat?" I asked the little bat Pokémon.

Noibat looked a lot happier now that it got treated at a Pokémon Center. It was nowhere as scared as it was prior, which makes me feel better.

"That's good to hear," Jill said.

"So, how about we bring you back home?" I asked Noibat. That scared it once again. Clearly it doesn't want to leave me. I guess that I left that much of an impact on Noibat, which I honestly didn't expect.

"Well, that is a definite 'no,'" Hannah said.

"Clearly." That gave me an idea. Maybe I should raise this Noibat since it's this attached to me. "I got an idea. How would you like it if you came with me instead?"

Noibat loved that idea, as it tried to fly behind me to touch one of my Poké Balls, and in it went. Now that makes five Pokémon on my team, and I'm glad that it's a Pokémon like this.

"Can't said I'm not surprised about that," Elio said.

"I'm happy for Noibat and all, but why would you even want a Noibat if you wanted to catch a Pokémon only found here in Alola?" Selene asked. "You can find those in the Kalos region as well."

"You are right about that, Selene," Mike said. "But when you have a Pokémon that attached to you, it's kinda hard to turn them down, especially after saving its life."

"Exactly what I was about to say," I said. "Come on out, Noibat!" I then said as I called it back out. Right as it came out, it rested on my shoulder like a bird Pokémon. "I'm glad you decided to come along! In fact, let's see what the Pokédex has to say about you."

"Noibat: The Sound Wave Pokémon," The Pokédex started. "A Flying/Dragon Type. Noibat live in pitch-black caves, and their very large ears can create ultrasonic waves of 200,000hz."

"I congratulate you on earning a new team member, Ian," Ilima complimented. "I hope you raise it well."

"I plan to!" I said.

"Well, I better get going then. Still got to do my duty as Trial Captain."

"Ok," Sun said. "See you around."

"Back at you, Sun," Ilima said. "Mike, Katie, it was great seeing you. And I wish everyone the best of luck on their training!" The pink-haired boy then walked out of the Pokémon Center, returning to his job.

"So, how about we do some more exploring then?" Sun asked.

All of us were on board with that idea, as we headed back to Hau'Oli City, and made our way to another island, called Akala Island. We got to see some of Lillie's other friends while we were here as well, which was pleasant. After that, we made our back to Aether Paradise to settle in for the night.

I decided to check what moves Noibat has after we got back to Aether Paradise, and it's not bad at all. It's got Bite, Wing Attack, Agility, and Air Cutter. Pretty good to start, if I'm being honest.

During the rest of our stay, we got a full tour of the Paradise, and learned what goals Aether have as a corporation. We spent our last day in Hau'Oli City to visit a facility called the Alola Photo Club, which allows us to grab pictures of us and our Pokémon. That was actually really fun, even though I can be camera shy at times. As quickly as this trip came, it is about to wrap up unfortunately. Time for some more jet lag!

Our flight back home is at 10:30 in the morning, so we had to get up extra early so that we can get breakfast and head to the airport. I decided to get a bag of malasadas just because I can't get enough of these things. I also promised Dad that I would bring some home for him. Mom came to the airport with us to see us off before she takes her own flight back to Astrophase's headquarters.

"Thanks for inviting us, Sun," Mike said.

"Thanks for coming!" Sun said. "It was great to see you two again, after all!"

"Likewise," Katie said.

"Aunty, you sure you don't wanna come with us?" Mike asked.

"I got my own flight to catch soon," Mom answered. "I'm sorry. Had I not had that scheduled, I definitely would've went with you guys."

"We understand," I said.

"Oh, Ian, did you get your father a souvenir?"

"I did. I got him some malasadas and a mug from a nearby gift shop."

"That's nice. I hope you all come visit Astrophase soon, though! We love having visitors!"

"We'll definitely try," Mike said.

Mom then approached me to give me one last hug before we left to board our flight. "Tell your father I said hello," Mom told me.

"I will," I said.

"Oh, Ian, Jill, I almost forgot something," Sun said quickly.

"What is it, Sun?" I asked.

"Can I ask you two a favor?"

"Sure," Jill said. "What do you need?"

Sun then put his backpack on the floor, pulling out two brown-colored eggs from the largest pocket. "I got two Pokémon Eggs here, but I got no room on my team for both of them. So, can you two raise them for me?"

"I'd love to!" Jill quickly said. "This would be a great learning experience for you, Ian!"

"I don't have a problem with that," I said, taking one of the Eggs.

"Great!" Sun said. "Thanks!"

"No prob!" Jill and I said together.

"Well, guys, ready to head home?" Mike asked.

"Mike!" Sun interrupted yet again.

"Yeah?" Mike asked.

"If you run into Ash Ketchum again, tell him to come back to Alola. I would like to have another battle with him again!"

"Of course! I'm sure he'd love to hear that!"

We all said our goodbyes to Mom and Sun, and boarded our flight. Back to Connecticut we go now. Now it looks like I got two new Pokémon to raise simultaneously, hopefully in preparation for my next Gym Battle when we get back. But for now, time for me to get some sleep until we land.