Chapter 12
As they are relaxing at the Melemele Meadows, the couple are relaxing together until a Pokemon comes and lands on Pikachu's nose, causing it to sneeze.
"Pikachu, are you alright?" Ash asks in concern until Lillie spots the Pokemon on top of it. "It is a Cutiefly."
"Cutiefly?" Ash asks in confusion as Rotom decides to speak again, "Cutiefly, the Bee Fly Pokémon. A Bug and Fairy type. It feeds on the nectar and pollen of flowers. Because it's able to sense auras, it can identify which flowers are about to bloom."
Just then, Cutiefly flies off and the group follow, and they spot a lot more Pokemon with Cottonee and Petilil giving them the nectars and the pollens. "Wow, those Pokemon here are so nice." Lillie comments.
"I know, Alola sure is a paradise, don't you think, guys?" Pikachu and Sylveon also squeal in agreement. After playing with the Pokemon for a while, the Cutiefly, Cottonee and Petilil decide to join them, and Ash captures them in the end.
"Well, that is very nice of those three Pokemon." Ash says as Nebby pops out of the bag again, Lillie says, "Back into the bag, please, Nebby. I know there aren't many people around to see you here, but that's hardly an excuse! And I guess we should be going now... The professor will probably be worried after the way we just disappeared on him..."
"You're right. We should go find him as well." Ash says as they leave the beautiful Melemele Meadow.
Just as they head outside, they see Hau rushing over to them. "He-e-ey, Ash! Oh! And Lillie's with you, too!"
"What are you up to, Hau?" Lillie asks, surprised by his sudden appearance.
"Just finished up my trial! Heh!" Hau says. "Hey, Ash! I wanna see if I really learned anything from my trial. Let me battle you again!"
"Sure thing. Lillie, can you help me referee this one?" Ash asks and Lillie nods. She explains that both trainers will be using two Pokemon and Hau says, "Here is my first Pokemon. Pikachu."
As the Pokemon appears, Ash says, "A Pikachu? I see your Pichu evolved. If that's the case, I choose Diglett."
Diglett appears from the ground and then Hau says, "Don't think a Ground Type will scare me. Use Quick Attack."
"Endure it." Ash says as he uses the Steel Type advantage to block the attack. "Good, use Metal Claw."
Diglett tries to attack Pikachu, but it dodges and gives another Quick Attack. Ash says, "Nice speed, Hau."
"Thanks, it is because of it that I win the trial. Now use Electro Ball on the ground."
Ash is confused at what Hau is planning, but then the Electro Ball causes the pebbles to get up and hits the Diglett, giving some damage. "Not bad, but not enough, finish with Mud Slap."
In the end, Pikachu is defeated with the Mud attacking at its belly. Hau says, "But still, I have another Pokemon and I am going to choose Rowlet."
Rowlet appears and he uses the Leafage to defeat the Diglett. Ash sends out his own Rowlet as they have a rivalry against each other. Ash says, "Rowlet, use your Peck."
"You do the same thing." Then both owl Pokemon start to peck at each other and then Ash says, "Use Astonish."
"Dodge it and use Leafage." Hau's Rowlet is able to dodge the scare and then the leaves injured Ash's. "Now that it is distracted, use Peck again."
"Growl to lower the damage." Ash says as his Rowlet uses Growl to make itself better for a while. "Use Astonish again."
This time Hau's Rowlet is scared and it is attacked by the move, and in the end, with the peck from Ash's Rowlet, it faints.
"Aww, man! I wanted to show off my Pokémon's best side more!" Hau groans as he recalls his Pokemon. Lillie picks up the Rowlet and gives it a hug after a good battle.
"So you two and me both beat that Totem Pokémon, huh, Ash, Lillie? Looks like we're getting pretty strong! But I wonder if I'll ever really be able to beat my gramps at this rate..."
"Hey there, Ash, Lillie! Knew I could count on you, yeah!" Kukui says as he approaches them. "Seems like you found Nebby."
He turns to Hau and says, "What's this then? Hau, you finished your first trial, too? I bet you used some stylin' moves, yeah?"
"Heh heh, right..." Hau rubs his head in embarrassment.
"Hala's probably rubbing his hands together in glee right about now, oh yeah!" Kukui says.
"What do you mean?" Ash and Lillie are confused at Kukui's words.
"It's all a part of the trials, yeah? After you clear one island's trials, you gotta battle that island's kahuna!" Hau says.
"Taking on the island kahuna in battle is called the grand trial! For someone like me who's researching Pokémon moves, nothing could be better than the chance to see some more fierce Pokémon battles! Woo!" Kukui says.
"I don't know about fierce..." Hau mutters.
"I'll be the judge of that! Come on! Back to Iki Town! Catch that Tailwind and blast through Route 3!" Kukui says as they leave the route together, but Hau decides to train some more before facing his grandfather, so in the end it is only the three people group that is heading to Iki Town.
Once they arrive at the town, Kukui says, "I'm lookin' forward to seeing what moves you and your Pokémon will pour your soul into... now that you've gone and cleared your first trial, Ash, Lillie!"
"It is true...it sure has been hard to beat those totem Pokemon, I think it sure is a great achievement." Lillie says.
"I feel the same way as well." Ash says.
"The Melemele kahuna is strong, cousin! He's a Trainer who can use Fighting-type Pokémon to the fullest, yeah. Might not be a bad idea to work on those Flying- or Psychic-type moves!" Kukui replies.
Then they see Hala waiting for them on top of the battlefield. "Congratulations on clearing your trial in the Verdant Cavern. Good work. I suppose you are here to battle the kahuna? You think you and your Pokemon are ready for me, Ash? Lillie?"
"Of course we are ready." Ash says and Lillie just gives a nod.
Hala just gives a laugh and says, "You know, I have been waiting for this!"
Then he strikes a pose and says, "Allow me to properly greet the young adventurers embarking on their island challenge. I am Hala, the kahuna of Melemele Island. Shall we begin? The final trial here on Melemele Island will be a Pokémon battle against me, the kahuna! It is known as the grand trial!"
Both Ash and Lillie are ready, as Hala gives Lillie the Z Ring and says, "Well, Ash. You have been entrusted with the Sparkling Stone by Tapu Koko! And it should be fair if Lillie has the Z Ring as well."
Lillie thanks the Kahuna as he continues, "Now show me you and your partners' full power! Old Hala here will also be going all out! Let the grand trial begin!"
Kukui is there helping to be the referee as he states that the battle will be a Double battle with both Ash and Lillie use two each while Hala uses four.
Hala sends out Crabrawler and Mankey, Ash sends out Pikipek while Lillie sends out Rowlett. Crabrawler uses Power up Punch to gain the attack stats, and Mankey uses Focus Energy. Rowlett and Pikipek all uses Gust, which the two Pokemon hangs on. Then Mankey uses Karate Chop and make them fall to the ground. Pikipek uses Quick Attack and Rowlett uses Astonish to make the two Pokemon keep getting hit, and then they are defeated.
"You have a brilliant team work. I can give you my praise, but here are my next Pokemon. Makuhita, Stufful!"
The two Pokemon appear to be a tough choice for Ash and Lillie, A Brutal Swing from Stufful makes Pikipek thrown and hit Rowlet, after it hits, the two Pokemon then faint.
"You two have done a great job." Ash says as he and Lillie recall the Pokemon.
"But now we are getting started." Lillie says as Pikachu and Sylveon comes to the stage.
At the same time, Aurora and Palermo are also there as Aurora says, "It seems like we have arrived in time."
Palermo looks at Lillie and she says, "So this is the Lillie you has talked about, even in my own eyes I couldn't believe she was Serena."
"I know. But let's see how they go against the two Pokemon.
Pikachu and Sylveon use Quick Attack, trying to make the two heavy Pokemon confused, but Makuhita uses Earthquake to send them flying back.
"Now with all the strength we got time to show it off!" Hala starts to do the dance with showing a lot of punches.
"All Out Pummeling!" Just then, the Stufful glows and starts to throw a lot of punches.
"Pikachu, Quick Attack to dodge it!" Ash yells in panic.
"Sylveon, you two!" Lillie is feeling the same way as Ash. The two Pokemon dodge the upcoming punches, but they are still hit and fall down.
"You guys can continue, right?" Ash asks as they nod, then a series of attacks causes Makuhita and Stufful's leg to not hold their weight and fall down.
"Ash, let's do it." Lillie turns to Ash, who nods and says, "Yeah."
The two people starts to dance and pose a Z in the end, They say, "This is our full power! Breakneck Blitz!"
Both Pokemon rushes quickly and hit the two Pokemon, causing them to faint.
"Both Makuhita and Stufful are unable to battle, Pikachu and Sylveon win! Which means the victory goes to Ash and Lillie!" Kukui announces and everyone cheers for their victory.
"The results come as no surprise to me. What fine Trainers...and what fine Pokémon, too!" Hala laughs.
Just then, they hear the cry of Tapu Koko. Hala looks at the sky and says, "Ho! And our mighty Tapu Koko agrees! Hmmph! Perhaps Tapu Koko is hoping that a day may come when you will grow strong enough to battle it as well..."
He walks towards Ash and Lillie with 2 Z Crystals in his hands, "Accept this Z-Crystal! It allows Trainers to share their power with their partner Pokémon!"
Ash and Lillie take the Z Crystal and they yell, "We got the Fightinum Z!" Then their Pokemon also cheer for them as well.
Hala then says to Ash and Lillie, "Observe, Ash, Lillie. If you wish to use the Fighting-type Z-Power, move your arm like this... then bend your hips like this and pose!"
Then he shows with the punches and Ash and Lillie just looks with an O shape of their mouths. "Now then, with this victory... you have cleared all of the trials of Melemele Island, the first of Alola's islands! The Melemele stamp is proof of your accomplishments."
Hala takes the passports from both Ash and Lillie's hands and gives them each a stamp with the Tapu Koko on it.
"The moon in the daytime... The sun at night... Now to see if you can pour your heart into something that cannot be seen but is very much real. As you continue on your island challenge, consider what makes up the people and Pokémon that you meet: both what you can see and what you cannot. You will surely meet Tapu Koko again someday." Hala says.
Just as they are about to leave, they see the Tauros rushing towards them and stop. "Whoa there, Tauros!"
After petting it, Hala says, "I have an idea. How about I set you up so you can ride my Tauros whenever you'd like? No reason why he shouldn't get to enjoy the island challenge, too!"
"Wait, we can ride them?" Lillie asks in surprise.
"But isn't it dangerous?" Ash asks in concern.
"Don't worry. I'll take care of all the little things you'll need in order to ride a Pokémon." Just then, they receive a tool called the Ride Pager. "Now why don't you hop on up there?"
After helping with the gears, Ash and Lillie are now on top of the Tauros. "The world looks a bit different from atop a mighty Tauros, eh? See, here in Alola our Pokémon lend us their strength and let us ride about on them!" Hala says. "Let me explain some of the gear I gave you... Your Ride Pager is a tool that lets you summon a Ride Pokémon. According to the instructions, you need only press the Y Button to turn on your Ride Pager! Use the B Button to dash! And your Riding Wear will be the special outfit you wear when riding Pokémon."
Ash and Lillie spots the Y button and then the Tauros disappear with their clothes also back to normal, and then they press again as both the Tauros and the riding wear appear again. Then they try to use B, but it start to dash and they quickly turn it off before it breaks a person's house.
"Well, that is quite dangerous indeed, but have a little romp around Alola with Tauros here. I'm sure you'll be charmed by him! When you use your Ride Pager, Ride Pokémon will kindly come running to help you wherever you may be!" Hala says.
Just then, they see Ilima also coming to them. "Congratulations, Ash, Lillie."
"Ilima." Ash and Lillie greets the pink haired boy. "I hope you find your Ride Pager useful. I worked on developing it with a friend of mine. Aren't Z-Powers lovely? Let's have a Pokémon battle when next we meet!"
"Sure." Ash says as they shake hands. "Very well then, off on your island challenge you go! May the future bring you happiness!" Then Ilima also leaves the place.
Kukui says, "Not only with your island challenge, keep on catching more and more Pokémon, yeah, and tell Rotom all about it! But first, you've gotta go let your mom know what you're up to. When you're done with that, head on down to the Marina in Hau'oli City. Oh yeah!"
"I have heard everything, you don't need to worry, Professor." Ash and Lillie are surprised to see Aurora walking towards them with Palermo. Ash says, "Grandma, it is nice to see you again."
He gives her a hug and Palermo says, "Hello, Ash. It sure has been a while since I last saw you."
Kukui says, "Then that's great, I shall head to the boat to clean it up." Then he leaves as well.
Lillie feels a little awkward as she doesn't know what to do as she is standing in front of Ash's mother and Ash's grandmother. Aurora notices it and says, "By the way, why don't we head back to the house? We have a lot that we need to talk about."
Ash and Lillie nod as they follow the two adults.
And that is it for the Melemele Grand Trial. I hope you like this chapter and the next chapter will be the last chapter before heading towards Akala Island.
Ash and Lillie's Pokemon:
Alola Dex: Rowlet, Litten, Pikipek, Yungoos, Rattata (A), Butterfree, Ledyba, Spinarak, Pikachu, Grubbin, Bonsly, Blissey, Snorlax, Slowpoke, Wingull, Abra, Meowth, Magnemite, Muk, Growlithe, Drowzee, Makuhita, Smeargle, Crabrawler, Gengar, Misdreavus, Drifloon, Crobat, Diglett, Noivern, Spearow, Rufflet, Vullaby, Primeape, Delibird, Hawlucha, Oricorio, Cutiefly, Cottonee, Petilil, Gyarados, Gigalith, Sylveon, Tauros, Milotic, Talonflame, Noctowl, Goodra, Tyranitar, Trevenant, Metagross, Pangoro, Torkoal, Krookodile, Garchomp, Glalie, Vulpix (A), Scrafty, Clawitzer, Lapras, Crawdaunt, Scizor, Heracross, Dragonite, Aerodactyl, Cosmog
Kanto Dex: Venusaur, Charizard, Blastoise, Pidgeot, Rapidash, Kingler
Johto Dex: Meganium, Typhlosion, Feraligatr, Bellossom, Steelix, Donphan
Hoenn Dex: Sceptile, Blaziken, Swampert, Swellow, Gardevoir
Sinnoh Dex: Torterra, Infernape, Empoleon, Staraptor, Floatzel, Rhyperior, Yanmega, Gliscor, Gallade, Dusknoir
Unova Dex: Serperior, Emboar, Samurott, Liepard, Unfezant, Zebstrika, Seismitoad, Leavanny, Gothitelle, Ferrothorn, Hydreigon
Kalos Dex: Chesnaught, Delphox, Meowstic, Aegislash