So, I'm back. I once again forgot to upload the chapter yesterday and I'm sorry. And I'm also sorry if any of you were confused. For some reason f f . n e t deleted all my linebreak and I'm really really sorry about that. It's all fixed now. Now, onto the reviews:

EllieJoFlow: Thanks! And I'll definitely try to include more Paul and Bonnnie, tho it's mostly max for now. And I honestly didn't know whether the emotional part is good or not, so thanks! Also, I'm happy to say that your OC has been chosen(As much as I hate to say this, no one else submitted, so... yeah. I just didn't want to lie)

AskK1980: Thanks! And the pokemons are Muk, Kingler and Heracross, as I'm sure you've known. And of course, Pika is one of them.

Noctowl101: Thanks! I actually know what you mean with restarting the whole story. I mean, i'm not saying its bad, it's just, you've come so far only to completely start a new story? It's just... yeah. And AshxLillie is the main pairing but its still a long way to come to be honest. Most of these stories rush the relationship and I wanted to make mine have some characters development.

Guest1(Reader): Thanks, and the Paul-Calem rivalry is something I wanted to try out. Most betrayal stories have Calem being bad but I wanted to make something different.

Guest2: Thanks! And for chapter 3, well, on the top of my head, I can only name 2 pink feline pokemon that can float, so what do you think?

Well, anyways, I'm not gonna hold you back any longer. Just know that I don't own Pokemon or any of the characters and properties. Well, see ya!

-naakrA

It was a bright, calm day in Melemele Island. The beautiful melody of the waves and the gentle breeze of the sea could be heard throughout the island, bringing peace to everyone on the island who were going through their daily routines. However, at the southeastern coast of the island, one person has not woken up yet, even though it is a very important day for him.

"Ash, WAKE UP!" Lillie yelled. It was almost noon yet Ash had not woken up yet. Professor Kukui told her to wake him up but one doesn't wake Ash up easily. Especially not on important days. She had been trying to help him up for almost an hour but nothing works and she started getting really frustrated.

Ash jolted awake when he heard Lillie's scream. He turned and saw Lillie standing there with a frustrated look on her face, something that she doesn't do a lot.

"Now you're awake?" Lillie asked.

"Y-Yeah," Ash said nervously. "I'm awake" Lillie was a very introverted person. She rarely talks in public and usually in a nervous tone. However, she's a lot more outgoing with people she trusts, but even then she rarely ever gets angry. But if she does get angry then you really don't want to be on the receiving end of her anger.

Lillie looked at him with narrowed eyes. "Did you forget what day today is?" She said.

"Today?" Ash asked in confusion. His eyes widened as he realized what she meant. "The Festival!" He yelled in realization. He rushed to the window and saw that it was already a little bit afternoon. Ash let out a relieved sigh. The battle between him and Hau was planned for the night, so he's still got a lot of time.

Ash turned around and saw that Lillie had already gone to help Professor Kukui prepare lunch. With nothing else to do, Ash took some clothes and went to the bathroom to get ready for the day. He came out 5 minutes later wearing the clothes that he bought when he came to Alola.

"Hey Lillie, thanks for waking me up," Ash said as he went to help Lillie set up the table.

Lillie sighed. "It's alright Ash," She said. "But next time you shouldn't stay up late training like that. I get that you want to beat Hau but you need rest too you know. And not just you, your pokemon too" She turned toward the living room where the Pokemons were playing as she said the last part.

Ash followed her line of sight and nodded. "Yeah, you're right," He said. "I promise I won't overdo it next time" He smiled towards Lillie.

Lillie returned his smile as she picked up a sack of bowl and set them up on the ground next to the dining table.

Ash took the Pokémon treats and Pokebeans from the shelf and distributed them to the bowls.

"Alright guys, it's lunchtime!" Ash called out to the Pokemon. The Pokemons all stopped what they were doing and looked towards them. Rowlet flew to where the food was right away with Popplio following behind him. Eevee then followed them with Nebby floating next to him.

When the Pokemons all started eating, Ash and Lillie got back up and sat down at the table where Professor Kukui had already prepared the food.

"So Ash, are you ready for today?" Kukui asked as they began eating.

"Yup," Ash replied. "I've been training hard this whole week so I know that I'm ready" Which was true. Ash had been training nonstop for the week, trying to come up with strategies to battle Hau. Eevee and Rowlet are both as determined as him to defer Hau, Rowlet especially. This was shown by his training which went really well. He even learned a new move, which was Peck.

"That's true," Lillie said. "But Hau has also been training, and he also has Pichu now"

"I know that" Ash replied. "But that's what makes it fun the stronger your opponent is, the more fun it is"

"Hahaha" Kukui laughed. "Good thinking Ash. So what are you going to do today?"

Ash looked up from his food. "I was planning on getting some more training today," He said.

Lillie turned to him. "More training?" She asked. "Shouldn't you use this time to rest up a bit?"

"Lillie's right Ash," Kukui said. "You should use this time to rest up. It will help you to relax, especially from all the training you've done"

Ash thought about it. It was true that he's been training nonstop for the entire week. Maybe a little rest would help. It would help him save energy for the battle that night.

"Alright," Ash said. "I guess a little time off wouldn't hurt. But what should I do?"

"Why don't you two head out to Hau'oli?" Kukui asked. "You can spend the day there before going to the festival"

"That sounds like a good idea," Ash said. "What do you think Lillie?"

"It's alright I guess," She said. "I could show you around"

"Alright," Ash said as he finished his food. "Then it's decided. We're going to Hau'oli city"

"Actually Ash, you should leave Eevee and the others here," Kukui said. "They've been training hard and I'm sure they would love to take a nap, right?" He asked the Pokemons.

The Pokemons all cried out in agreement.

"I don't know..." Ash said hesitantly. It's not that he doesn't want to let his Pokémons get some rest, it's just that he wasn't comfortable with leaving his Pokémons without him.

"It's alright Ash," Rotom said. "I'll help look after them"

"Alright, I guess..." Ash said, although still a bit hesitant.

"It's okay Ash, they're in good hands," Kukui said. "I'll bring them to you later at the festival"

"Alright," Ash said. "See you guys there," Ash said to the Pokémons as he left with Lillie.

"So any idea on what we should do?" Ash asked Lillie as they passed the entrance to Hau'oli City. Lillie thought about it for a moment.

"I-i guess we could try shopping?" She said nervously. She's been improving from her usual shy self but it's still hard for her to be in public, even if Nebby was safe with Professor Kukui. "I-i've never tried shopping before and I guess since we don't know what else to do"

"Sure," Ash said nonchalantly. "As you've already said, we don't really know what else to do"

"Ok," Lillie said, less nervous this time because Ash had agreed with her. "I think I'll get some new clothes," She said.

Ash looked at her. "Yeah," He said. "If you're going to be a trainer than that kind of clothes wouldn't help"

Lillie just nodded. What Ash said was true, but Lillie had her own reasons to get new clothes.

After a few minutes of walking, they finally made it to the Hau'oli shopping district. Upon entering they instantly noticed the police officer who was asking questions to the people there.

"What's that about?" Lillie asked.

Ash shook his head. "I don't know," He said. "Why don't we go check it out?"

"W-what?" Lillie said, but Ash had already started walking towards the officer. Seeing this, Lillie followed behind Ash.

"Excuse me, Officer?" Ash said as Lillie arrived next to him. "Is there something going on?"

The officer turned to them and sighed. He shook his head no before answering. "Someone claimed to have seen some suspicious people around here the other day, so we're just asking whether if anyone else has seen these suspicious-looking people," The officer said.

"Suspicious?" Ash asked. "What makes them suspicious?"

"The witness was a store owner here," The officer said. "He said he was doing some late-night work when he saw them. Said that they were all wearing black clothes and was looking around as if to make sure no one was watching them. Have you seen anyone like this description"

"Black clothes?" Ash said as he started thinking. "No, no I haven't seen anything suspicious lately" He finally said. He then turned to Lillie. "What about you Lillie?"

Lillie seemed surprised by the sudden question. She shook her head before answering. "N-no," She said. "I-i was with you all week, so I couldn't have seen anything that you didn't"

The officer sighed. "Alright then," He said. "Thank you for your help and enjoy your day" He then walked away and started asking other people.

"Well, there's that I guess," Ash said as they watched the officer. He then turned to Lillie. "Now come on, we still have to get you a new outfit"

"Alright," Lillie said as they started walking.

"W-what do you think?" Lillie said as she stepped out of the changing room. After talking to the officer, they had gone through shop after shop to try and get Lillie a new set of clothes. So far, they haven't gotten anything yet and this time Lillie was wearing a blue dress.

"You look good Lillie," Ash said. It was true. In Ash's opinion, every single clothes that Lillie had tried looked good on her, but Lillie said that none of it felt right so they kept on looking.

"I-i guess," Lillie said. "But I don't think this would be appropriate for a trainer outfit"

"Alright, it's your call," Ash said. Lillie went back in to change and came out a few minutes later wearing her white dress and hat while carrying the blue dress in her arms. They returned it to the shop clerk before heading out again.

Ash noticed that Lillie looked kinda frustrated and decided to cheer her up. "Hey, it's alright," He said. "We'll find you a new set of clothes eventually"

Lillie sighed. "I-i don't know," She said. "So far, we must have tried over a dozen different clothes but none of them felt right" She looked down at her feet. "M-maybe I just don't need new clothes"

Ash looked at her for a moment. "You know what why don't we take a break for now?" He said. "I've seen quite a lot of people eat ice cream, so why don't we find the shop, get some ice cream and sit down and relax at one of the benches here"

"Okay," Lillie said.

They found the ice cream shop named 'The Snowy Comfey" a few minutes later and after getting some ice cream, sat down at one of the benches there.

"Mmm," Ash said as he ate his ice cream. "This is really good" When he received no reply he turned and saw Lillie silently sitting here ice cream there. She still seemed frustrated and it seemed like he didn't hear what Ash had said.

Ash sighed. He gently touched Lillie's shoulder with his free hand to get her attention. Lillie seemed surprised and turned to him with a questioning look.

"You wanna know what I think?" Ash said as he ate his ice cream. "I think the reason you weren't able to find clothes that match is because you're not the one choosing them" Which was true, so far Lillie had been too shy to choose on her own so the clerk had to recommend the clothes to her.

Lillie stared at Ash for a while before turning towards her ice cream which was still held in her arms. 'Maybe Ash is right' She thought. 'My whole life, I've only worn clothes that mother chose, so maybe it's time I choose my own'

Lillie took a deep breath. "You're right," She said. "I just need to choose my own clothes"

Ash smiled at her as he finished eating the cone of the ice cream. "That's the spirit," He said. "But maybe you want to finish your ice cream first?" He said. Lillie turned to her ice cream and saw that it was already starting to melt. She panicked and ended up most of it at once, which caused Ash to laugh. Lillie pouted at first but ended up laughing along with Ash.

Ten minutes later, they were back on the road trying to find Lillie a new set of clothes. They've already entered most of the shop on Ash's suggestion but this time Lillie's the one who's leading the way.

She led Ash through the road and pass the people until they arrive in front of a store. Ash noticed that it was the first store they went in.

Lillie led them inside staring towards the changing room and turned to Ash. "Wait here," She said. "I want to do this on my own"

"You sure?" Ash asked. Lillie smiled at him and nodded. She then turned around and left to choose some clothes. With nothing better to do, Ash went to the wall and leaned on it.

It didn't take long for Lillie to return. She walked towards Ash carrying a bundle of clothes. Ash gave her a questioning look. She replied by smiling at Ash and went straight into the changing room. Ash just shrugged and waited.

When Lillie came out Ash was surprised. Instead of a dress like Ash was expecting, she came out wearing a pale yellow T-Shirt with flower patterns and a pair of green shorts. The bottom of her shirt at the front had was tied. She also had a red beanie with a flower-like extension on top of her head.

Ash thought Lillie looked good in dresses but this style of clothing made Lillie looked beautiful in Ash's opinion. He never thought that Lillie was one to go well with casual clothing but she just proved him wrong.

"S-so," Lillie said. "What do you think?" She asked nervously. "I-i knows that I usually use formal dresses but I wanted to try something new and-" Lillie kept on going as she started rambling.

Ash realized that he was still staring and shook his head. He then decided to interrupt her. "Lillie" Ash said causing Lillie to stop and look at him. "I think you look amazing, so don't worry about it" He smiled encouragingly at her.

Lillie saw this and smiled back. "This is it," Lillie said "This is the clothes I want"

"Great" Ash said. "Now let's go pay for them and let's go to Iki Town"

Lillie nodded. They walked to the cashier to pay but Lillie suddenly stopped. "Wait," She said. "How am I going to pay for this? I don't have any money" She then thought about something else. "And how did we pay for the ice creams earlier?"

"Don't worry Lillie, I've got you covered" Ash said as he waved his Rotom Phone in his hands.

Lillie's eyes widened. "What?" She said. "No, I can't let you do that. You shouldn't have to pay for my clothes"

"It's alright Lillie," Ash said. "You and Professor Kukui had been helping the whole week and this is the least I can do for you" He then smirked at her. "Besides, isn't it the man's job to pay for the lady?"

Lillie was about to object but a look from Ash stopped her. "Okay I guess," She said.

"Great!" Ash said. "Now let's go or we're going to be late for the festival!"

They made it to Iki Town a little bit after sunset. The atmosphere there was completely different than the usual quiet atmosphere. Every single torch had been lit, there were banners hung in the air, some people were playing music on the side, people were doing the traditional Alola dance, with sticks which have their ends lit with fire.

There were so many people around. Some were chatting with each other while others were eating the food that was served. Some people were dancing to the music and there was some tourist who was taking pictures.

Ash and Lillie navigated through the crowd while looking around in amazement. They wanted to check out everything but their priority was finding Professor Kukui and writing their Pokémon back, which was almost impossible with the number of people gathered there.

They were still looking around when someone called them.

"Ash! Lillie!" They turned towards the voice and found Hau making his way towards them in the crowds.

"Alola Hau!" Ash said. Professor Kukui and Lillie had taught him the basic customs of Alola a while back and they made sure he remembered them.

"Alola Hau" Lillie followed Ash. "How have you been?"

"Fine so far," Hau said while grinning. "I'm so ready for tonight's battle and I'm definitely going to win"

"Right back at you, Hau" Ash grinned at him. Hau just laughed before turning towards Lillie.

"New outfit?" Hau asked.

"Y-Yeah," Lillie said. "I just thought that I should get one since I'm a trainer now" Even if Ash had told her that she looked fine, she was still nervous about other people's reactions. "What do you think?"

"I think it's great," Hau said. "I didn't think this kind of style would work for you but you proved me wrong!"

Lillie let out a breath that she's been holding. "Thank you, Hau," She said. She then remembered what they were doing before Hau showed up. "By the way, have you seen Professor Kukui around?" Lillie asked. "He was supposed to meet us here at the festival but we can't find him anywhere"

"Oh right!" Hau's eyes widened. "I was actually sent here to take you guys to my gramps and Professor Kukui, but I guess I kinda forgot huh?" He laughed while rubbing his neck sheepishly.

"It's alright Hau," Ash said. "Now can you show us the way?"

"Sure!" Hau replied. "Come on this way!" Hau started making his way through the crowds. Ash and Lillie followed behind him. They walked for around 5 minutes before arriving at a white tent which was near the entrance to the Mahalo Trail.

The tent wasn't too big. It was probably enough for around 6 or 7 people. Ash guessed that it was set up for someone in particular, probably the Kahuna.

"Alola Ash, Alola Lillie!" Hala said as they entered the tent. Inside they could see Hala and Kukui sitting on a chair each. There were 4 other chairs there, so Ash, Lillie, and Hau sat down next to Hala and Kukui. "How have you been enjoying the festival so far?" Hala asked.

"Alola Mr. Hala" Ash and Lillie said in unison. "We've seen a lot of it but we haven't really focused on it yet. We were looking for Professor Kukui" Lillie explained.

"I see," Hala said. "Don't worry then, you will be able to enjoy the festival after the battle"

"Speaking of," Kukui said as he took some Pokeballs and Lillie's bag, all of which were next to him. "Here are your Pokémons" He handed over the Pokeballs to them and Lillie took her bag back. "They're all well taken care of and in Ash's case, ready for a battle"

"Thanks, Professor" Ash said. He then took his Pokeballs and released his Pokémons. Lillie followed his example and let Popplio out. She also opened her bag so Nebby and Rotom could come out.

The Pokémons all came out with a happy cry. They instantly went to their respective trainer.

"Hey guys," Ash said to Eevee and Rowlet. "Are you guys ready for the battle?" He asked. Both Pokémons let out a determined cry, which caused Ash to grin. "Perfect. Well definitely win this for sure"

"Well, we're not going to lose either" Hau grinned at him.

"Well, both of you do your best," Lillie said. "I'll be watching your battle with Popplio here," She said as she patted Popplio's head. Popplio, who was being carried by Lillie in her arms, let out a happy cry.

"Well, I'm glad you two are excited because the battle is starting now," Hala said. "Are you two ready?"

"Always," Ash said. He recalled Eevee and Rowlet as he stood up.

"Of Course" Hau answered., also standing up.

Hala nodded. "Good, now follow me," He said. "We're going to start the battle now"

"Hey, Ash!" Kukui called out as Ash and Hau walked out of the tent. Ash stopped and turned towards Kukui. "Give it everything you've got and show me some amazing moves out there yeah?" He said. "Me and Lillie we'll be watching at the sidelines"

Ash grinned at Kukui and nodded before walking out. He found Hala standing on the wooden stage with Hau standing next to the stage. Ash made his way towards Hau as Hala started his speech.

"People of Alola!" Hala called out. "Every year, we carry out this festival, The Festival of Iki Town, in honor of the sacred guardian deity of Melemele Island, Tapu Koko" He looked around at everyone.

"A long time ago, before this region even had a name, it was covered in darkness," Hala said. "The people had to work hard to survive and they lived in eternal darkness. Then one day, came two beings that changed all that. One of them was known as the Emissary of the Sun, or as we called it, 'The Beast That Devours The Sun'. The other one was the Emissary of the Moon, otherwise known as 'The Beast That Calls The Moon'"

"Together, these creatures brought light back to Alola," Hala said. "The Emissary of the Sun made it so that the sun shines upon Alola all year long and the Emissary of the Moon brought the moon to light up Alola's night so we wouldn't be covered in darkness"

"With the darkness gone, the people of Alola flourished. They started growing crops and built permanent homes for themselves and their family. But as time passed, The emissary of the sun and the moon had to leave, to return to the world they came from. But they didn't do so without giving the people of Alola one last gift. They chose 4 Pokémons, one from each island. They granted these Pokémons power and assigned them as the guardians of Alola. And that was how the Tapus came to be"

"Wow," Ash said as he heard Hala's story. "So, Alola wasn't always as peaceful as this huh?" Hala was still talking but Ash had tuned it out.

"Yup!" Hau said. "That's why we have these festivals. It is to honor the Tapus and as a sign of hope that light would always shine upon Alola"

"The Island Challenge is actually one of the traditions," Hau said. "This is not widely known but it was said that the partners of the Tapus, along with the Tapus themselves, traveled through Alola to summon the Emissary of the Sun and Moon. They had to overcome many challenges but they eventually succeeded"

"That's... amazing," Ash said. "I guess the Island Challenge is way more than it seems"

They ended their conversation and focused back on Hala's speech. "Today, we have two young trainers who wish to participate in the Island Challenge. And today, before they set off on their journey, they would participate in an honorary battle against each other" Hala said. "Now, I present to you our two trainers"

"Looks like that's our cue," Ash said.

"On my right, we have my very own grandson, Hau," Hala said. Hau grinned at Ash before making his way up to the stage.

"And on my left, we have a trainer who came from a faraway region but had already seen Tapu Koko, Ash" Ash took a deep breath and walked up to the stage. The stage itself was not too big, enough for a battle but still small enough so it doesn't bother anyone.

"This will be a 2v2 single battle," Hala said. "Are both trainers ready?"

Ash and Hau both nodded. Ash grabbed a Pokeball from his Pocket and enlarged it, Hau followed Ash's example.

"Alright then," Hala said. "Trainers, send out your Pokemon!"

"Eevee, I choose you!" Ash said as he threw the Pokeball.

"Pichu, let's play!" Hau said, also throwing his Pokeball.

Both Pokeballs open revealing Eevee on Ash's side and Pichu on Hau's side. Eevee cried out his name as a battle cry while Pichu giggled.

"Battle begin!" Hala said.

"Pichu, let's not waste time and use Thunder Shock!" Hau said.

"Dodge it with Quick Attack!" Ash said to Eevee.

Pichu rubbed her cheeks to produce sparks before releasing them towards Eevee. Eevee's body glowed white and he ran around Pichu, making the Thunder Shock miss.

"Pichu, don't let down and keep on using Thunder Shock," Hau said.

Pichu sparked her cheeks again and released another bolt of electricity towards Eevee. Eevee kept on running around but Pichu directed the Thunder Shock to follow him and it hit.

"Vee" Eevee cried out as he was shocked by the electricity.

"Eevee!" Ash said in concern. Eevee shook his head and growled towards Pichu. "Alright, it's our turn now," Ash said. "Eevee use Quick Attack!" Ash said.

Eevee's body glowed white again and he charged at Pichu while running in a zig-zag pattern.

"Pichu dodge!" Hau said. Pichu tried to jump out of the way but it was too late as Eevee slammed into her, sending her flying back.

"Don't let up and use Swift" Ash said. Eevee cried out its name and created stars and threw them at Pichu.

"Pichu, counter it with Disarming Voice!" Hau said.

Pichu reacted quickly and growled at Eevee as her body glowed pink and pink sound waves flew towards Eevee. The stars and waves collided and created a small explosion.

"Swift one more time!" Ash said.

"Counter with Disarming Voice," Hau said.

Pichu's body glowed pink again and pink sound waves flew towards Eevee. Eevee created stars but they suddenly dispersed as electricity appeared on Eevee's body. With no counter, the Disarming Voice flew towards Eevee and hit.

"Eevee" Ash said in concern.

At the side, Lillie blinked in confusion. She turned towards Professor Kukui. "What just happened?" She asked. "Why didn't the Swift works?"

Kukui grinned, his attention still focused on the fight. "That was Pichu's ability, Static," He said as Eevee narrowly dodged a Thunder Shock. "This ability cause any Pokemons who touches Pichu to risk being paralyzed"

Lillie nodded in understanding and turned back towards the battle.

"Eevee!" Ash said as Eevee got hit by another Thunder Shock. The fight was not in his favor because of Eevee being paralyzed. He had to end the fight soon or Pichu will defeat Eevee without taking much damage. A plan started forming in his head. It's a long shot, but if it works then it would give him a chance to win.

Ash turned towards Eevee. "I have a plan, do you trust me?" Eevee turned towards him and nodded.

"Alright Eevee, ignore that paralysis and charge in using Quick Attack!" Ash said. Eevee cried out its name and charged at Pichu with his body glowing white.

"Stop him with Thunder Shock" Hau yelled. Pichu sparked her cheeks and let out a bolt of electricity towards Eevee.

"Keep on going!' Ash said. Eevee cried out when the Thunder Shock hit him but he kept on going. When he was only a little bit away from Pichu, Ash initiated the next part of his plan.

"Now switch to Double-Edge!" Ash yelled.

"What?" Hau said surprised.

Eevee's body glowed brighter and he leaped at Pichu. He hit Pichu and send her flying back. Pichu landed on the ground with swirly eyes, signaling that it fainted. Eevee landed on his feet and stood there for a second before falling, also with swirly eyes.

Hala saw this and announced that both Pokemons are unable to battle. "Trainers, please send out your next Pokemon," He said.

"That was a great move Ash!" Hau said as he recalled Pichu and took out a Pokeball. "I definitely wasn't expecting it"

"Thanks," Ash said while recalling Eevee. "I told you that we're not going to lose and I'm gonna stay true to my words" He took out his next Pokeball and grinned at Hau. Hau returned his grin and they both threw their Pokeball.

The Pokeballs burst open to reveal Litten and Rowlet. They looked at each other and growled.

"Begin," Hala said.

"We'll take the first move this time, use Leafage!" Ash said.

"Dodge it and use Ember," Hau said.

Leaves appeared around Rowlet and he flapped his wings, sending them flying towards Litten. Litten dodged it and fired a ball of fire towards Rowlet.

"Leafage followed by Tackle!" Ash said. Rowlet sends another barrage of leaves towards Litten. It hit the ball of fire and got burned to Ash's while getting rid of the ball of fire. Rowlet's body then glowed white and he flew towards Litten.

"Use Scratch!" Hau said. Litten's claw glowed white and he countered Rowlet's attack with them.

"Ember/Leafage!" Hau and Ash shouted at the same time.

Rowlet flew backward and send leaves flying at Litten. Litten created a ball of fire and threw it at Rowlet. Once again the two attacks collided and canceled each other.

"Now use Peck!" Ash said. Rowlet's beak glowed light blue and he flew straight through the Ashes from their previous attack. Litten didn't have time to react and got hit, sending him flying backward. He landed on his feet and growled at Rowlet.

"Litten use Ember!" Hau said.

"Dodge it!" Ash said.

Litten fired a ball of fire at Rowlet which it dodged by flying up.

"Use Peck!" Ash said. Rowlet's beak glowed light blue and he flew at Litten.

"Use Ember!" Hau said. Litten fired another ball of fire towards Rowlet. Rowlet was flying straight towards Litten so he couldn't dodge. The ball of fire hit him but he ignored it and flew straight towards Litten.

"Use Scratch!" Hau said. Litten's claws glowed white and it managed to stop Rowlet but Ash was waiting for it.

"Now! Use Tackle!" Ash said. Rowlet's body glowed white and he kicked Litten, sending him flying back.

"Now end this with Peck!" Ash said.

"Litten use Ember!" Hau said.

Rowlet flew at Litten who had just gotten back on his feet. Litten's body glowed red and he created a ball of fire. He was about to fire it at Rowlet but Rowlet was faster. Rowlet hit Litten and sent it flying back. Litten landed on the ground on his back with swirly eyes.

"Litten is unable to battle!" Hala said. "The match goes to Rowlet, which means that the winner of this battle is Ash"

The crowd cheered. Ash went to Rowlet and petted him. "We won buddy!" He said. "You did a great job. Now have some rest" He recalled Rowlet back into his Pokeball and walked towards Hau who had recalled Litten.

"It's over already?" He said while grinning. causing Ash to chuckle.

"That was great battling you two" Hala said as he walked towards them with Lillie and Kukui behind him. "With this, even Tapu Koko will-"

"Kokeko!" A cry interrupted him. They looked up and saw Tapu Koko there. It went straight in front of Ash and Hau and looked at them for a while. He then extended his arm and on the edge were two amulets.

"Wait, is that?" Hau said as he took one. Tapu Koko then extended its arm towards Ash. Ash took the other amulet and inspected it. It was made out of wood and was painted in 4 different colors.

Tapu Koko nodded at them and flew off, disappearing in the distance.

"Tutu isn't this-" "Yes it is" Hala interrupted Hau. "What you two are now holding is an Island Challenge Amulet. It means that you have permission to take part in the Island Challenge" He explained to Ash. "It seems that Tapu Koko wants you to do this for some reason"

"That's great!" Kukui said. "You two are awesome trainers and to have an honor of being approved by a Tapu, I just know you two will become amazing trainers"

"Yes, but that is a matter for another day," Hala said. "For now, why don't you just enjoy the festival? This maybe your only chance before leaving on your Island Challenge"

"Alright," Ash said as he started walking away.

"Sounds fun," Hau said, following Ash's example.

Ash then stopped and looked back. "Lillie, you coming?" Ash asked. Lillie looked towards him and smiled. "Yeah," She said. She walked towards Ash and Hau and they walked away together.