Chapter 8

Upon arriving at Hau'oli City, Hau sprints excitedly toward the beach, exclaiming, "Beach time! Yeaaahhh!"

Suddenly noticing Selene, a newcomer to Alola, a girl steps forward to guide her through the local greeting. As Lillie and I begin to reminisce about our experiences within the Ultra Wormhole, Hau intervenes, snapping us back to the present. "So what do you think? Hau'oli is something, eh? Alola's gotta be the best place ever to live!" He enthuses.

"Each region boasts its own unique charms," Rosa chimes in.

"Oh yeah! Hey, guys. Come in here with me. I've got a good idea of something you could do!" Hau invites eagerly.

As we step into the tourist bureau, Hau eagerly inquires, "Hey, miss. Is it true that you can get some kinda special gift if you have a Rotom Phone?"

"My goodness, you get the news fast!" The staff member chuckles. "Hardly anyone has a Rotom Phone, but it is true that we have a special item to go with it. It's our very own Poke Finder! Here you go!"

We receive the items, and Hau beams, "Isn't that awesome? You got a Poke Finder!"

Curious, I inquire, "What exactly is a Poke Finder?"

"A Poke Finder is a tool that lets you take photos of Pokemon. Rotom will help point out places where you'll be able to take photos, too," she explains while displaying the manuals. In response, Hau exclaims, "Man, that Rotom Phone is cool! It's like a whole nother partner! I mean, on top of your Pokémon partner! Oh, but I guess since it's Rotom inside... it pretty much is a Pokémon partner? Either way, you're pretty darn lucky. Meet you outside when you're done in here!"

As Hau departs, the staff member remarks, "The photos you can snap of Pokemon with a Poke Finder... They are simply too cute to resist."

Nate notices my Rotom Phone and remarks, "Hey, Ash. Your phone looks a bit different. It's like an Arceus."

I explain, "Indeed, without Rotom, it's an Arc Phone. I acquired it after a journey 200 years into the past."

"Phones in the past? That's hard to believe," Rosa doubts.

As we step outside, Selene's Rotom Phone unexpectedly pops up, prompting us to take a group photo. Hau chuckles and asks, "Ahahaha! What was that for, Rotom? Go and put that little trickster back in your Bag, Selene, and follow me! Enough feasting for the eyes... It's time we take care of our stomachs!"

After Hau dashes ahead, Lillie reflects, "Perhaps Rotom was trying to catch your attention because it wanted to take photos with you."

"I suppose that's possible," Selene responds.

Continuing our stroll, I turn to Lillie and inquire, "Lillie, does this part ring a bell for you? I mean, from our time in the Ultra Dimension?"

"What do you mean by Ultra Dimension?" Nate asks, curious. "What kind of wild adventures have you been on?"

Lillie explains, "To cut a long story short, Nebby brought us to other dimensions while we were trying to find our way back home. During our travels, we ended up in a different dimension that strangely hinted at our journey in the Alola Region... except in that world, my mom was obsessed with Ultra Beasts."

"And Lillie had trouble with touching Pokémon too," I add as we enter the store. To our surprise, as the 99,999th customer, we received the Lens Case.

"It's funny how in that world, the Lens Case was also a thing," I remark.

Curious, Trenor asks, "What exactly is this part?"

Lillie explains, "In that world, I asked Ash whether he picked out all his clothes or if his mother helped. It's interesting because we hadn't met in that world until Ash arrived in Alola."

I recount, "And then Lillie mentioned how she struggled to select clothes because her mother insisted on choosing her outfits for her."

"Seriously? Is that the same Ms. Lusamine?" Nate asks incredulously.

"Yeah, we had similar thoughts too," I reply. "But we didn't linger much before deciding to shift our time and space."

Just as we notice Ilima arranging some stickers, we greet him, and he responds, "Greetings. Captain Ilima here. So you've spotted me sticking up one of these lovely stickers, have you?"

Rosa asks, puzzled, "Why are you placing the stickers over there?"

"Oh yes! If young trial-goers collect these stickers as they travel and follow the path they indicate, they will quite naturally progress along their island challenge! Really, if I had to describe them, I would say these stickers really save trial-goers like you." Ilima explains.

"Is that so..." Selene remarks.

"But I cannot let my guard down...Those Team Skull thugs have far too much time on their hands, and they're always trying to get in the way of Trainers on their island challenge. I have to keep an eye on them to be sure they don't take down my stickers. I've actually just had a report that Team Skull was seen making trouble around town. I suppose I should go have a look. Well then. I hope you'll have a delightful time running about to search out and collect Totem Stickers!" Ilima says before hurrying off.

Once he's gone, Selene asks, "Who or what is Team Skull?"

"I believe they're a group of individuals residing in the Alola Region. They have a fondness for rapping and have a habit of swiping other people's Pokémon. They're not as much of a formidable threat compared to Team Flare or Team Rocket," I explain.

"Yeah, being part of the International Police exposes you to a lot of knowledge about criminal activities," Nate remarks.

"And our experiences in the Ultra Dimensions have also given us insight into their activities," Lillie adds with a concerned expression.

We eventually locate Hau standing in front of the Malasada Store, and he greets us, saying, "Howzit, guys! If you're looking for good eats, you've found 'em!"

"The Malasadas? I know they're famous in Alola." Lillie comments.

"Plus malasada make your Pokémon like you. And affectionate Pokémon are better in battle! Who could resist giving their Pokémon a few malasada, eh? They're just so cute!" Hau exclaims enthusiastically.

"Yo, yo, yo!" the Team Skull grunts chant in their distinctive manner. "Whenever, wherever we meet you, Team Skull don't even greet you!"

As the two Team Skull members strut towards us with their peculiar poses, one of them taunts, "Yo, you wanna throw us a bone and hand over those island challenge amulets to us now?"

Observing them, Hau remarks, "Ohhh. So you're part of that Team Skull, huh? All you guys ever do is steal Totem Stickers and people's Pokémon and get in the way of other people's island challenges!"

"You know it! We hate the island challenge, yo! And every kid fool enough to try it!" one of the grunts boasts.

"Yo, let's check these fools." they say, busting out their quirky dance moves. Observing their antics, we collectively decide not to take them seriously.

Nate asserts, "Well, let's teach these Team Skull jerks not to get in the way of anybody's island challenge!"

During the battle with the Team Skull grunts, it becomes evident that not taking them seriously was a wise choice. Their Pokémon lineup consists mainly of Zubats, which our Pokémon easily handle without exerting their full power.

"For real?! Over already?!" They gasp in disbelief. "No fair! I was playing a different game!"

"Let's get up out this port, B! Nobody has to know about this!" The other grunt remarks. "We don't need your wack little amulets anyway! Wouldn't even take 'em if you gave 'em to us!"

With that, they hastily retreat, and Hau remarks, "Those Team Skull jerks really must have too much time on their hands, yeah? But keeping other people from doing their island challenges isn't gonna just make it like they managed to finish theirs, you know?"

"That makes sense," Trenor agrees with a nod.

"I already went down to the Marina and screamed out over the ocean, 'Watch out, world! Someday I'm gonna beat even my old gramps in an all-out serious battle!'" Hau shares. "So maybe I'll go try to find some more Totem Stickers next. See you around!" With that, Hau bids us farewell and takes his leave.

"What a lovely battle you showed us there, against Team Skull. My thanks to you and your Pokémon. Why don't I heal your team to express my gratitude?" Ilima says as he approaches us.

"Thank you, that's very kind of you," I express gratitude as he heals our team.

"I must admit, I've been wondering about you since I saw you at the Trainers' School... Professor Kukui brought you along, and you and your Pokémon seemed to defeat the Kalos League so effortlessly! Very well then! Allow me to see if you're ready for my trial!" Ilima challenges us.

"Absolutely, I accept the challenge," I affirm, stepping aside to create a spacious area for our Pokémon to maneuver, despite us battling on the streets.

"Behold the magnificent Pokémon of the one and only Captain Ilima!" Ilima announces proudly as he sends out his Yungoos. Considering my options, I decide to go with Zoroark. Ilima commands confidently, "Yungoos, use Tackle!"

"Zoroark, dodge, and counter with Night Daze!" I command, strategizing to gain the upper hand.

Zoroark swiftly avoids the attack, retaliating with a powerful Night Daze. The move hits Yungoos hard, causing it to stagger slightly.

Ilima grins, unfazed. "Impressive! Yungoos, retaliate with Bite!"

"Zoroark, use Foul Play!" I direct, aiming to turn the opponent's strength against itself.

The two Pokémon engage in a clash of moves, creating a dazzling display of battling prowess. Zoroark's Foul Play cleverly turns Yungoos's Bite against it, dealing significant damage.

Ilima remains composed. "Yungoos, finish it off with Crunch!"

"Zoroark, let's counter with Focus Blast!" I shout, hoping to turn the tide in our favor.

The two attacks collide in a burst of energy, but Zoroark's Focus Blast overwhelms Yungoos's Crunch, landing a decisive blow that leaves Yungoos unable to battle.

Ilima recalls his fainted Yungoos, acknowledging our strategy. "Well done! You and your Zoroark make an excellent team. But don't think this is over yet. Go, Smeargle!"

"Zoroark, let's keep the momentum going! Use Flamethrower!" I command. Zoroark's Flamethrower collides fiercely with Smeargle's swift Sketch-derived attacks, creating a dazzling display of colors and energies.

However, Zoroark's relentless assault begins to wear down Smeargle, causing it to struggle to keep up with the intense battle.

"Zoroark, let's finish this with Dark Pulse!" I call out, aiming to land a decisive blow.

With a surge of power, Zoroark unleashes a powerful Dark Pulse that overwhelms Smeargle, leaving it unable to continue the fight.

"Yes, you've emerged victorious!" Ilima beams with a smile as he recalls his Pokémon. "You—or should I say you and your Pokémon— make quite an interesting team!"

"Thank you, Captain Ilima. Your Smeargle put up an impressive fight," I respond, feeling a sense of accomplishment after the intense battle.

"I do hope you'll come to Verdant Cavern and attempt the trial—the trial of Ilima! You can get there from Route 2... That Rotom Phone of yours will show you the way," Ilima encourages, pointing out the direction to the trial site. "I bid you Alola."

Then we watch him leave, before we head inside to have malasadas for dinner.

Here is a new chapter, and this is the first time Team Skull shows up here. I hope you like this chapter and the next chapter will be the Normal Type Trial.

Ash and Lillie's Pokemon:

Charizard, Butterfree x2 (One Pink), Rattata (Alolan), Pikachu, Raichu (Alolan), Meowth (Alolan), Grimer (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