A/N: Since I don't have a better place to mention this, Greninja hasn't left for Kalos. He's taken up residence at The Aether Foundation for the time being to watch over Lusamine.

Chapter 65: The Final Trial Part 1

With Lusamine on the road to recovery, and Mohn there to watch over her, our heroes decided to move on to their next adventure. Ash, Lillie, and Illima decided to head over to Poni Island to say hi to Hapu, while Gladion decided to head out and take the Island Trial himself. On his way, he gave the three a ride. Lillie hugged Gladion goodbye.

"Its been good seing you again, big brother. I'm glad this is all behind us now."

"Me too, Lillie. You take care now."

He shook Illima's hand before turning his attention to Ash.

"Take care of her, Ash. As much as I hate to admit it, you two belong together."

"Thanks, Gladion. Good luck on your journey."

"You too. And the next time we meet, lets have another battle."

"I'll take you on, anytime!"

With one final handshake, Gladion boarded his boat, sailing off into the distance while the others waved from the docks.

"Alright, lets go find Hapu!"

"Right!"

Hapu, as usual, was visiting her grandfather's grave, looking more refreshed and cheerful.

"I promise grandfather, I will do you proud."

"Hapu!"

Hapu turned to see her friends walking over to her.

"Your grandmother said you'd be out here. How've you been?"

"Pretty good. How's Lusamine? Is she doing better?"

"Yeah. And Guess what? We found our father!"

"You did? How?'

And so Lillie excitedly explained the whole story, Hapu nodding along. After she was done, Hapu figured it was a good time to share some news of her own.

"Have you heard? There's a new Kahuna in town!"

"Really? Tapu Fini is back?"

"Sure is! Chose her just last night."

"Well, who is she?"

Hapu smiled, unable to contain her excitement any longer.

"Its me!"

Her friends gaped in surprise.

"You?"

"Yep. And I aim to do right by my grandfather!"

"Congratulations, Hapu! I know this must mean a lot to you."

"Ah, thanks Lillie. And Ash? I'd be honored if you'd be my first challenger."

Ash grinned a broad grin.

"You're on."

After several minutes of preparing, Ash and Hapu were ready. Illima stepped into the middle, acting as referee while Lillie sat off to the side with Snowy and Pikachu, who wasn't too happy about having to sit out.

"This Grand Trial between the challenger Ash from Pallet Town and the Kahuna Hapu will now begin. Each trainer will use 4 Pokemon, and a winner will be declared once all Pokemon on one side are unable to battle. Are both trainers ready?"

"I'm ready!"

"Bring it on!"

"Then let the battle commence!"

"Go, Golurk!"

"Croconaw, I choose you!"

Hapu's mighty giant emerged, clanging its fists together in an attempt to intimidate. Angered, Croconaw snapped its jaws at him.

"Croconaw, hit him with a Water Gun!"

"Start off strong with Earthquake!"

The massive ghost began stomping the ground, shaking it violently and throwing Croconaw off balance, its water gun going wild as it struggled to remain up right.

"Use Aqua Jet, Croconaw!"

"Golurk, use Hammer Arm!"

The giant raised its fist and brought it down hard on Croconaw, dealing great damage, but Croconaw simply diverted under it and struck him hard in the gut, causing the ghost type to stumble back.

"Hit Golurk with Hydro Pump, Croconaw!"

"Flash Canon, Golurk!"

The two beams met in the middle, creating a brilliant display of power. Although even at first, Croconaw managed to overpower the giant, sending both attacks back at Golurk and striking him dead on. When the dust settled, Golurk was down and out.

"Golurk is unable to battle! The first battle goes to Croconaw!"

"Aw yeah! Way to go!"

"You did well, Golurk. Go, Gastrodon!"

"Gastrodon vs Croconaw, begin!"

"Croconaw, use Ice Fang!"

"Sludge Wave, Gastrodon!"

Croconaw's frozen jaw bit into his opponent's head, causing it to cry out in pain. However, Croconaw was forced to let go once the toxic waves emanating from its body caused him pain, poisoning him.

"Shake it off and use Super Power!"

Pushing through the pain, Croconaw picked up the slug and threw it as hard as he could, Gastrodon landing with an audible thud on the ground right in front of Hapu.

"Gastrodon, are you alright?"

Gastrodon struggled to its feet before nodding.

"Alright, hit him with Muddy Water!"

The slug Pokemon reared back its head and let loose a heavy stream of brown, mucky water, which pushed Croconaw back.

"Power through with Aqua Jet!"

Determined to fight back, Croconaw shot through the muck like a bullet, hitting the slug with full force.

"Gastrodon!"

"Finish it off with Aqua Tail, Croconaw!"

Before Gastrodon could recover, Croconaw swung its tail out and struck him head on, finally finishing his opponent off.

"Gastrodon is unable to battle, Croconaw is-"

Before Illima could finish his sentence, Croconaw dropped to the ground unconscious, the only sound coming from him being a weak "naw."

"Um...it seems this round ends in a tie."

Sighing, Ash recalled his Pokemon, as did Hapu.

"You fought well, Gastrodon. Get a good long rest."

"You as well, Croconaw. You deserve it."

After consoling their defeated Pokemon, Ash and Hapu turned to each other.

"You sure are strong, Hapu. Tapu Fini made the right choice choosing you."

"You're pretty tough too, Ash. I'm glad you're my first opponent as Kahuna."

"Well, I'm glad you're my final Kahuna. You're giving me a run for my money."

Hapu smiled to herself. If Ash thought this was tough, then just wait. She was just getting started...