Chapter 2

When we return to Iki Town, Professor Kukui says, "There you are. You just missed Kahuna Hala; he said he had something to attend to, so he left town on his own. Has anything happened at the Mahalo Trail?"

"Well..." Before we can answer, we hear the villagers exclaim, "The kahuna is back! Kahuna Hala has returned! Our Guardian's chosen one is back!" "Only one of the strongest Pokemon users in all Alola, yeah!"

We notice Kahuna Hala walking up, and he says, "Did I miss something?"

"There you are, Kahuna Hala! Was there some kind of trouble?" Professor Kukui asks.

"Ahaha! Just got caught up in the middle of some brawling Rockruff, that's all!" Hala says, "And who are you?"

Trenor, Lillie, Elio, Selene, and I decide to introduce ourselves, and he laughs, "It's nice to meet all of you. For some reason, I thought I saw Tapu Koko flying about..."

It is just then that Nebby pops out of the bag again, and Lillie gasps, "Nebby..."

Professor Kukui and Hala notice the Pokemon, and Professor Kukui says, "Whoa, what do we have here?"

Lillie hurriedly explains, "This is Nebby, Professor. It's a Pokémon that I've been taking care of."

Professor Kukui's eyes widen in surprise as he observes Nebby. "Incredible! I've never seen a Pokémon like this before. It's fascinating!"

Hala nods in agreement. "Indeed, quite a remarkable sight. Seems like it has quite the fondness for popping out at unexpected times."

I say, "Kahuna Hala, you see... Nebby was attacked by a group of Spearow on the Plank Bridge."

Lillie adds, "And Ash here helped protect Nebby. But the bridge collapsed, and I feared they might both fall to the bottom of the ravine... That was when the island's guardian deity swooped in to save them!"

"Woo! That's quite the tale, something you don't hear every day!" Professor Kukui exclaims.

"Ho! Though said to protect us, our Tapu Koko is a rather fickle creature. Yet our guardian was moved to save you," Hala adds, nodding thoughtfully. "Kukui, my boy, I think we have reason to celebrate! It seems we have brave and kind new Pokémon Trainers among us!"

Then he steps forward, "I'm delighted to meet you, young one. I am Hala, the kahuna of Melemele Island. Welcome to Alola! Young Kukui had informed me of your arrival. I'm pleased we have the opportunity to meet today."

Then Lillie realizes something and says, "Nebby, I trust that Kahuna Hala and the professor will keep you safe from any harm, but it's best if you stay in the bag and out of sight. Safety first."

Selene chuckles, "Nebby seems to have developed quite a fondness for you."

Then Professor Kukui gives Elio and Selene their Trainer's Passports, and then we can all head back home for now. Suddenly, Hau shows up and says, "Guys, wait up!"

Hala asks, "What's the matter, Hau? Did you forget something?"

"You're seriously asking me that?! Who's the one here who forgot to inform anyone before wandering off for a little stroll and a song without a word, huh?" Hau retorts.

Hala turns to me and notices a glow emanating from my bag. He asks, "Hm? Ash... Would you be so kind as to let me have a look at that sparkling stone you have there?"

"Sure, here you go," I respond, handing over the stone.

"Could it be?!" Hala exclaims in surprise.

"Tutu, isn't that..." Hau also gasps, recognizing the stone.

"You were rescued by Tapu Koko at the bridge—isn't that what I heard, Ash?" Hala asks, seeking confirmation.

"Yeah, that's when I received this stone," I reply, confirming the connection between the stone and the rescue by Tapu Koko at the bridge.

So it even deigned to give you a stone... Perhaps you are here in Alola, Ash, because this is where you are meant to be. Allow me to borrow this stone for now. Fret not! I'll return it to you tomorrow evening," Hala says with a reassuring smile. "You have the makings of a brilliant Trainer. I can see that light within you, too. You must do us the honor of joining in our festival tomorrow!"

"That sounds like it'll be a blast, a festival tomorrow..." Trenor remarks.

"Yeah, and we'll also need to keep an eye on..." Lillie begins before noticing Nebby attempting to leave, "Oh, you! Would you stop trying to escape the moment you're told not to wander off!"

We share a chuckle before making our way back home, looking forward to the festival tomorrow.

At home, my mom is now staying at Lillie's house to ensure Lusamine won't return. Elio and Selene also decide to join us at our house, having received permission from their mother.

"So, are you both participating in the Alola Trainer's School?" Selene asks.

"I am," Selene replies. "But Elio isn't. He's here because he works as a delivery person. We're dealing with a significant amount of debt, and our father... well, let's just say it's a complicated situation. As the only male in the family, he's shouldering the responsibility of paying off those debts."

"That sounds really challenging for you," Lillie remarks, her expression showing concern.

Elio responds, "No need to worry. With Litten by my side, I think handling those tasks will become easier for me. Also, our collaboration with Professor Berlitz played a significant role in our ability to relocate to Alola."

My mom brings some snacks and asks, "How long have you two been working?"

Selene responds, "Since I was 6, Elio has been doing a lot of deliveries back in the Sinnoh Region, and I've been working in a pharmacy. I got my license last year."

Elio adds, "They call her 'Miss Poison' due to her affinity for Poison-type Pokémon and her methods of countering poison."

"That's pretty cool," I remark. "It's funny, we also have some doctor's licenses with us."

"No way..." Selene says, surprised by the coincidence.

My mom says, "That reminds me, as the Founder of Contests, I've been considering introducing Contests to the Alola Region. Being a six-cup Top Coordinator, would you be interested in helping promote Contests here?"

"That sounds fun, but I actually want to win a Ribbon Cup from Alola, though..." I murmur.

"Don't worry, if you assist me, you'll have a chance to earn a Ribbon Cup of your own," my mom reassures me.

Selene chimes in, "Regarding this Contest idea, can I participate too?"

"Of course, everyone is welcome to participate," Lillie says with a smile, emphasizing the inclusivity of the event.

After chatting for a while, it's time for Elio and Selene to head back home. It turns out that Professor Kukui has plans to teach them how to capture a Pokémon this evening.

We're trying to help Professor Mohn remember something, so we bring him to the basement to find the research data. Lillie asks, 'Father, do you remember anything after looking at this data?'"

Professor Mohn gazes at the files, his brow furrowing in concentration. He takes a deep breath and begins, "Bits and pieces are surfacing. There's a sense of familiarity, like a distant echo in my mind. I think we're onto something here."

He pauses, a furrow deepening on his forehead as he contemplates the numerous files spread across the table. With a sigh, Professor Mohn murmurs, "I'm not sure how many of these files I need to go through to retrieve all my memories. It feels like searching for a needle in a haystack."

Lillie places a reassuring hand on his shoulder, offering, "Let's take it one step at a time, Father. We'll help you sift through them until we find what we're looking for."

I say, "Lillie's right, Professor Mohn. You'll get your memories back for sure."

As we wrestle with the sheer volume of files, our butler, Hobbes, steps forward, his eyes scanning the array of documents. With a knowing smile, he approaches a seemingly ordinary bookshelf in the corner of the room. With a deft push at a specific spot, the shelf swings open, revealing a hidden room bathed in dim light.

"Perhaps this might be of assistance," Hobbes announces, gesturing towards the secret chamber. "It appears there's more to this basement than meets the eye."

As Professor Mohn steps into the hidden room, his voice quivers with emotion. "This room... I remember... this was my room," he murmurs, his eyes scanning the familiar surroundings with a mix of wonder and recognition.

Lillie approaches him, her voice filled with anticipation, "Father, do you remember anything specific about your research or the experiments you conducted here?"

"I'm not sure..." Professor Mohn's brow furrows as he struggles to recollect, his memories just beyond reach.

Sensing his frustration, we decide to comb through the room, hoping to unearth any clue that might trigger his memory. As we rummage through the desk, our fingers brush against something metallic. Pulling open a drawer, we discover a Z-Ring nestled among old papers and faded photographs.

"A Z-Ring?" Lillie gasps, her eyes widening as she carefully lifts the item, inspecting its intricate design.

Professor Mohn's eyes shimmer with a mix of nostalgia and newfound realization as he reflects on the Z-Ring's origins. "The Z-Ring... I think I remember... it was a gift from Hala, the Island Kahuna... I believe I received it around the time we moved around Alola..."

Hobbes nods in affirmation. "Your father was a very skilled Trainer, in addition to everything else."

Curiosity piqued by this revelation, I inquire further, "But what happened to his Pokémon?"

As sorrow clouds Professor Mohn's expression, he speaks with a hint of resignation in his voice. "I don't know... I don't think my Pokémon are around me... perhaps your mother has them..."

Then, with a gentle sigh, he turns to Lillie, a bittersweet smile on his face. "If that's the case, why don't you take this with you, Lillie?"

Lillie's eyes widen in surprise as Professor Mohn hands her the Z-Ring. "Me?" she gasps, a mixture of astonishment and gratitude evident in her voice. "Are you sure?"

Professor Mohn nods, his gaze softening. "Yes, Lillie. It feels right to pass this on to you. Carry it with you on your journey. Perhaps it holds a connection to our past, and it might guide you in your upcoming journey."

Lillie accepts the Z-Ring with reverence, her fingers tracing its intricate design. "Thank you, Father. I'll keep it safe."

"That's great, Lillie... now I just need to have my own Z-Ring as well..." I express with a sigh, feeling a tinge of longing. "But I think we should also talk to Hala tomorrow about this as well."

Lillie nods in agreement, acknowledging the importance of seeking guidance from Hala, the Island Kahuna, about the Z-Ring and its connection to Professor Mohn's past.

Before we prepare to depart, something catches our attention—an overlooked drawer. With a sense of curiosity, we decide to investigate. As we pull it open, a collective gasp escapes our lips at the sight within.

"It's a Magearna!" Lillie exclaims in astonishment, her eyes wide with wonder as she beholds the mythical Pokémon resting inside the drawer.

I express my astonishment, "No way... what is it doing here? And it doesn't seem to be moving as well."

Hobbes steps forward, his eyes filled with recollection. "I remember that this Magearna was very precious to Master Mohn. It was made by a scientist from a lost kingdom from long ago."

As Hobbes speaks, a flicker of recognition dances in Professor Mohn's eyes. Memories start to resurface, and he gasps, "I remember... this Magearna... it was apparently covered in rust, lying in the corner of an antique shop..."

"I've met a Magearna before, and I know that it was originally created to look after the kingdom's princess," I mention, puzzlement evident in my voice. "But why did you buy this?"

Professor Mohn furrows his brow, attempting to recall until his gaze falls upon Lillie. Recognition dawns on his face as he looks at her. "That's right... I bought it because it was the day when Lillie was born..."

Lillie gasps, a mixture of surprise and warmth flooding her expression as she listens intently.

"I'm sorry," Professor Mohn continues, his voice tinged with regret. "I tried to make it move, but it didn't respond... and that's why I placed it here. It was supposed to be a present from me to you."

A profound sense of emotion fills the room as the significance of the Magearna becomes clear. It was meant to be a heartfelt gift from Professor Mohn to Lillie on the day of her birth, a token of his love and care despite the unforeseen circumstances that prevented it from fulfilling its intended purpose.

Lillie approaches the Magearna, her eyes shimmering with gratitude and understanding. "Thank you, Father," she whispers softly, touching the dormant Magearna gently. "Even if it couldn't move, knowing your intention means everything to me."

"I think if I ask my Dad, we might be able to figure out how to make it move," I suggest, a glimmer of hope in my voice. Encouraged by the prospect of finding a solution, we decide to leave the room and contact my father to seek his expertise regarding the dormant Magearna.

As we step out of the basement, anticipation fills the air, eager to seek guidance and unlock the secrets surrounding the Magearna. With the determination to uncover its mysteries, we place the call to my father, hoping that his knowledge and experience might shed light on awakening the dormant and cherished artifact.

Here is a new chapter, and in this chapter, I decide to let Lillie get her Z Ring this early. I hope you like it and the next chapter will be the festival and probably some Pokemon capturing.

Ash and Lillie's Pokemon:

Charizard, Butterfree x2 (One Pink), Pikachu, Lapras, Meganium, Typhlosion (Hisuian), Steelix (Crystal), Mantine, Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Milotic, Absol, Infernape, Lucario, Togekiss, Gallade, Samurott, Audino, Zoroark, Hydreigon, Meowstic x2, Aegislash, Hawlucha, Kleavor