Chapter 5
When we arrived at the Trainer's School, it was bustling with people. Professor Kukui decided to take the three of us to the office for our registration process, while Trenor chose to return to his classroom.
After completing our registration, we headed to the classroom and discovered that there were seven students present. Aside from my friends Nate, Rosa, and Trenor, who were already there, the four Trial Captains were also in attendance.
"Alola!" Professor Kukui greeted us as he ushered us in. Everyone is taken aback and thrilled upon seeing us, and the three of us reciprocate with a cheerful "Alola!"
"Starting today, Ash, Lillie, and Selene will join as students here at the Pokémon School. If there's anything they're unsure about, please lend them a hand!" Professor Kukui announces, encouraging the others.
Subsequently, we proceed with our introductions, taking our seats as the class officially begins.
After the first class concluds, Nate and Rosa approach us with warm greetings. Nate expresses, "It's been quite some time since Unova. Even though Trenor had mentioned it, it's still surprising to see you participating in the school here."
In response, I explain, "When we arrived here, we realized the importance of gaining educational knowledge. We're planning to spend about a year here in the Alola Region."
Following that, the other Trial Captains take the opportunity to introduce themselves to us. When they notice the Z-Crystal on my Z-Ring, they appear surprised. Kiawe asks, "I've never seen a Z-Crystal like that before. Where did you get that?"
"It's a gift from Tapu Koko," I explain, much to their surprise.
"You've met Tapu Koko?" Mallow gasps in astonishment.
"Yeah, it happens during the Island Festival when we're given the Z-Power Rings from Kahuna Hala. Then, out of nowhere, Tapu Koko shows up and presents this to me. Although we're still unsure about the specific identity of this Z-Crystal, as it's neither Electrium-Z nor Pikachuium-Z," I clarify.
Lillie says, "Tapu Koko can be very fickle. Although we call him a guardian diety, he doesn't only look after people. It's said he can also cause trouble and will sometimes even punish people. And in rare instances, it seems he gives mysterious gifts to humans he favors."
"So that means Tapu Koko likes Ash." Rosa says.
Kiawe says, "Don't think using a Z-Move is that simple. With a Z-Ring, the feelings of a Pokemon and its trainer must first become one. Only then can it take that feeling and change it into power. It should hold dignity. It should be for the island, for the Pokemon, or for someone else's sake. Only those who are considerate of everything in the world are allowed to use Z-Moves. I don't know what Tapu Koko sees in you, but since you all now have Z-Rings, you need that type of conviction."
"I don't really understand confusing stuff like this, but you're right about that. We have to take good care of these." Selene says.
Lillie remarks, "Tapu Koko can be quite unpredictable. Despite being known as a guardian deity, he doesn't solely watch over people. It's said that he can stir up trouble and at times, even deliver punishment. Yet, on rare occasions, he bestows mysterious gifts upon humans he favors."
"Then that means Tapu Koko favors Ash," Rosa suggests.
Kiawe adds, "Utilizing a Z-Move isn't a simple task. To use a Z-Ring effectively, the emotions of a Pokémon and its trainer must align as one. Only then can those emotions be converted into power. It's about holding a sense of dignity—using it for the sake of the island, the Pokémon, or for someone else. Only those who consider the world's entirety are deemed worthy to use Z-Moves. I can't fathom what Tapu Koko sees in you, but now that you all possess Z-Rings, you'll need that level of determination."
"I might not fully grasp complex concepts like this, but you're right. We need to handle these responsibly," Selene chimes in.
Regarding our Pokémon, most of them have already forged friendships with the other Pokémon. There's Kiawe's Turtonator, Sophocles' Togedemaru, Mallow's Bounsweet, and Lana's Popplio. Rosa, Nate, Selene, and Trenor have opted not to reveal their Pokémon for now.
"I see you have Pikachu, Togekiss, Absol, and Zoroark..." Sophocles observes. "And hey, the Absol has a Mega Stone!"
"Yeah, I obtained it from Kalos," I explain. "Pikachu has been my very first Pokémon, Togekiss hatched from an egg that Lillie and I incubated back in Johto. Absol has been accompanying us until we eventually decided to capture it in Hoenn, and as for Zoroark, let's just say it waited for two years before joining my team..."
"Amazing..." Lana mutters.
"So, Selene, do you have any Pokémon?" Mallow inquires.
"Well, I currently only have Popplio as I've recently started my journey as a trainer. Before this, I used to work with medicines," Selene explains.
Later that afternoon, much to our surprise, our fellow classmates organize a special surprise for the three of us as new students. The activities include a balloon-popping contest where we compete against Sophocles and his Togedemaru, a thrilling land-and-water race featuring Pikachu and Lana's Popplio, and an exhilarating Tauros race against Kiawe.
Mallow takes charge of preparing the food for us to enjoy, and during this time, we discover that she owns a restaurant. Suddenly, Tapu Koko makes another appearance. "Tapu Koko?" We all gasp in astonishment.
"It's my first time seeing it..." "Same here..." Our other classmates express their shock.
Stepping forward, I address Tapu Koko, "You departed so abruptly earlier. I didn't have the chance to express my gratitude for the Z Crystal you bestowed upon me."
Then, to our astonishment, Tapu Koko suddenly snatches my hat and swiftly flies off toward the forest. "Hey, wait! Give me back my hat!" I shout in urgency.
"Ash!/Brother!" The others join in the chase, following me as we pursue Tapu Koko into the depths of the forest. Eventually, Tapu Koko drops my hat onto Pikachu. I inquire, "Could it be... you want to battle me?"
"A battle?" The others express their confusion. Lillie offers some insight, saying, "Tapu Koko is a highly inquisitive Pokémon. Legends mention that in the past, it used to challenge the island residents to Pokémon battles and Alolan wrestling matches."
Understanding the situation, I respond confidently, "I accept the challenge." Tapu Koko then demonstrates its ability, Electric Surge, creating the Electric Terrain in preparation for the battle.
"Electric Terrain means Electric moves get a boost," I remark with a smile. "Pikachu, let's do this!"
As Tapu Koko lunges at Pikachu, Pikachu skillfully evades Tapu Koko's Dazzling Gleam attack and retaliates with Thunderbolt, yet it seems to have minimal effect. Sensing the need for a stronger move, Tapu Koko urges me to use the new Z-Move, expressing, "10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt."
"Are you giving me the move's name? I'm not entirely sure how to execute it, but let's use our Z-Move, Pikachu!" I declare, initiating the move. Pikachu, now sporting my hat, synchronizes a series of poses with me to amass Z-Power. It leaps into the air, drawing in electricity from brooding storm clouds above.
"Time to unleash our full power!" I shout as Pikachu releases seven bolts of electricity, each displaying a different color of the rainbow, targeting Tapu Koko. I observe Tapu Koko's widened eyes as it initially reacts to the attack before being struck and thrown back. "So that's the Z-Move..." I murmur in realization.
Following the impact, Tapu Koko finds itself in the center of a crater, appearing unharmed. Suddenly, to our surprise, it swiftly takes flight and leaves the scene.
"Ash, are you alright?" Lillie rushes over to me, concern evident in her voice. "I'm fine," I assure her.
"Is that the power you and Pikachu possess?" Mallow gasps in amazement.
"I suppose so... 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt... I've never encountered this move before. Why am I the first one to use it? There are so many unanswered questions," I express, a hint of curiosity in my voice.
Subsequently, Lillie, Trenor, Selene, and I decide to head to the Pokémon Center for healing, and Mallow, Nate, and Rosa join us on the way there.
Upon arrival at the Pokémon Center, we bring Pikachu and some of our other Pokémon for healing. We notice that Nurse Joy in Alola uses Comfey and Blissey as the healing Pokémon. After our Pokémon are attended to, we spot an unfamiliar area within the Center. "Hey guys, what's that?"
"That's the café area. Each Pokémon Center in Alola offers a different array of drinks," Rosa explains.
Mallow adds, "The cafés might not just serve beverages. I've heard they also offer special treats and sometimes the staff provide tips for trial-goers."
"Wow..." Intrigued, we decide to explore the café area. Lillie, in particular, has a fondness for the frosty glass of Moomoo Milk and makes a purchase. Along with the drinks, we buy some fresh fruits to snack on. During our time there, Mallow shares the story of how she met her Bounsweet.
Bounsweet's captivating Sweet Scent fills the air, enchanting both Trenor and me. However, we're not the only ones affected, as a Rowlet suddenly appears, drawn in by the alluring aroma. Bounsweet reacts by using Rapid Spin to repel Rowlet's approach.
"A Rowlet? What's it doing here?" Nate wonders aloud.
Mallow explains with a sigh, "Bounsweet's aroma is so sweet that many bird Pokémon mistake the scent for actual fruit."
As the Rowlet is knocked back once more, I consider, "Maybe Rowlet's just hungry?"
We notice the Rowlet beginning to fall, prompting me to quickly rush forward to catch it. While waiting for Rowlet to recover, a Pikipek arrives with a worried sigh, "There you are... you had me concerned..."
"Are you perhaps... Rowlet's companion?" I inquire, and the Pikipek notices our presence. After introductions, Pikipek reveals that they reside in the forest, and Rowlet has been searching for food for a while. Feeling sympathetic toward Rowlet's plight, we offer some fruits.
As Rowlet awakens, it eagerly begins devouring the fruit at an impressive speed, leaving us slightly bemused. Pikipek initially hesitates but eventually joins Rowlet in the feast. Afterward, they express a desire to show us their family, prompting us to follow them into the forest.
Upon our arrival, we are greeted by a vast flock of Pikipek, led by a Trumbeak and a Toucannon. "I had no idea you both had such a large group of friends and family," Lillie remarks, surprised by the sight.
We offer the remaining food to the Pikipek family, but as the sun begins to set, it's time for us to depart. However, Rowlet and Pikipek express a desire to join our team, bidding farewell to their fellow Pokémon. Overjoyed by their decision, we happily capture the two new Pokémon companions before heading on our way.
Rowlet: The Grass Quill Pokemon: Grass and Flying Type. It sends its feathers, which are as sharp as blades, flying in attack. Its legs are strong, so its kicks are also formidable.
Pikipek: The Woodpecker Pokemon: Normal and Flying Type. It can peck at a rate of 16 times a second to drill holes in trees. It uses the holes for food storage and for nesting.
Ash and Lillie's Pokemon:
Charizard, Butterfree x2 (One Pink), Rattata (Alolan), Pikachu, Raichu (Alolan), Lapras, Meganium, Typhlosion (Hisuian), Steelix (Crystal), Mantine, Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Milotic, Absol, Infernape, Lucario, Togekiss, Gallade, Samurott, Audino, Zoroark, Hydreigon, Meowstic x2, Aegislash, Hawlucha, Rowlet, Popplio, Pikipek, Yungoos, Grubbin, Magearna (Shiny), Kleavor