Chapter 12
We're currently en route to Iki Town, gearing up for the pivotal moment: our showdown with Kahuna Hala in the Grand Trial today. As we make our way there, Professor Kukui greets us eagerly. "I'm lookin' forward to seeing what moves you and your Pokémon will pour your soul into... now that you've gone and cleared your first trial, Ash, Lillie!"
"Thank you, Professor," we respond in unison.
"The Melemele kahuna is strong, cousin! He's a Trainer who can use Fighting-type Pokémon to the fullest, yeah. Might not be a bad idea to work on those Flying- or Psychic-type moves!" Professor Kukui says.
"We've had numerous battles against trainers with Fighting-type Pokémon, so we're well-prepared," I assure him.
Stepping aside, Professor Kukui reveals Hala, who awaits our arrival. Lillie nudges me to take the lead, and as we approach, Hala warmly acknowledges us, "Congratulations on clearing your trial in the Verdant Cavern. Good work. I suppose you are here to battle the kahuna? You think you and Pikachu are ready for me, Ash?"
"Absolutely. We're more than ready," I confidently respond.
"I have been waiting for this!" Hala exclaims with fervor.
As Professor Kukui officiates, Hala and I engage in a 3-on-3 battle. Hala announces, "My first Pokémon is Mankey!"
He releases his Pokémon onto the battlefield, and I swiftly respond, "Rowlet! I choose you!"
Mankey starts the battle with a Karate Chop, but Rowlet swiftly dodges it and counters with a Leafage attack, dealing significant damage to Mankey. I then command Rowlet to follow up with another Leafage attack, but Mankey quickly grabs Rowlet before the attack lands. Upon Hala's directive, Mankey executes a Low Kick, sending Rowlet spinning into the air, vulnerable to a powerful Focus Energy-enhanced Scratch attack.
"That Mankey sure is really tough..." Trenor says. "All that power is something to see!"
While airborne, Rowlet manages to regain composure, prompting me to strategize. "Rowlet, let's try Leafage again!" However, to my surprise, Mankey counters the move by rapidly striking back with Fury Swipes, blocking Rowlet's attack. Impressed by Mankey's resilience, I realize an opportunity and instruct Rowlet, "Use Leafage and sneak up behind Mankey!"
Rowlet stealthily approaches from behind, catching Mankey off guard with a sudden Peck attack. It continues its assault with a series of Pecks, catching Mankey off balance, unable to evade the barrage of attacks. Sensing an opening, Hala commands Mankey to defend itself using its pincer, setting up for a powerful Power-Up Punch with its other limb.
Quick on its feet, Rowlet manages to evade Mankey's subsequent Brutal Swing attack and retaliates with a well-timed Tackle, causing Mankey to crash forcefully into the ground, resulting in its defeat.
Hala sends out his second Pokémon, Makuhita. Makuhita starts with an Arm Thrust, narrowly missing Rowlet. I command a Leafage attack, but Makuhita counters with Close Combat, dealing a heavy blow to Rowlet.
Concerned, I persist, "Rowlet, Leafage again!" But Makuhita blocks and strikes back with Vital Throw, overpowering Rowlet.
"That Makuhita is stronger than the Mankey from before..." Rosa says.
"Ash..." Lillie is showing concern for me.
I decide to do another strategy, "Create an opening with Leafage and follow with Tackle!" However, Makuhita's swift moves evade most attacks, much to my surprise, and Makuhita's Strength overpowers Rowlet, leading to its defeat.
"You did great, Rowlet. Take a good rest." I say before sighing, "Oricorio! I choose you!"
With Oricorio now on the field, I command, "Let's go, Oricorio! Use Air Cutter!"
Oricorio gracefully takes flight and unleashes a powerful Air Cutter attack toward Makuhita. Hala reacts swiftly, "Makuhita, Dodge and counter with Arm Thrust!"
Despite Makuhita's attempt to evade, some of the sharp winds from Air Cutter strike true, causing significant damage. Oricorio maintains its momentum, flying around Makuhita in a dazzling display of agility.
"Keep it up, Oricorio! Another Air Cutter!" I yell.
Oricorio continues its aerial assault, launching another barrage of sharp wind blades. Makuhita struggles to avoid the attacks, taking hits that wear it down.
Seeing an opportunity, I seize the moment, "Oricorio, let's finish this! Use Revelation Dance!"
Oricorio performs an intricate dance, summoning its inner power to unleash a dazzling display of energy in the form of Revelation Dance. The vibrant energy collides with Makuhita, overwhelming it and dealing a decisive blow.
Makuhita staggers, unable to withstand the powerful attack, and finally falls, unable to battle any longer.
"Great job, Oricorio! You were amazing!" I cheer, and smile proudly at his Pokémon's victory.
"You battled valiantly." Hala says while recalling the Makuhita. Then he says, "All right, Crabrawler, the next battle is yours."
As Crabrawler takes the field, I remain determined. "Let's keep it up, Oricorio! Use Revelation Dance once more!"
Oricorio, still brimming with energy, initiates another Revelation Dance, gathering its strength for another powerful attack. However, Crabrawler swiftly evades the oncoming attack with agile movements.
Hala seizes the opportunity, "Crabrawler, use Power-Up Punch!" Crabrawler charges forward, its fist glowing with increased power from the punch. Before Oricorio can react, Crabrawler lands a decisive blow with its charged fist, hitting Oricorio hard.
"Oricorio, dodge and counter with Air Cutter!" I command, hoping to turn the tide. Despite Oricorio's attempt to retaliate, Crabrawler maneuvers skillfully, avoiding the attack and closing in swiftly with another Power-Up Punch, hitting Oricorio with great force once more.
"Keep going, Oricorio! Use Teeter Dance to confuse Crabrawler!" I try a different strategy, hoping to create an opening. Oricorio performs a mesmerizing dance, releasing waves of confusing energy toward Crabrawler. The tactic causes Crabrawler to momentarily hesitate, showing signs of confusion. However, it manages to shake off the confusion swiftly.
Hala takes advantage of the momentary distraction, "Crabrawler, finish it with Bubble Beam!" With determination, Crabrawler dashes forward, delivering a rapid barrage of strikes with its bubbles, overwhelming Oricorio. Despite Oricorio's resilience, it succumbs to the relentless assault, unable to continue the battle.
"Now Ash has two losses..." Selene says.
"Hala hasn't even used his Z-Move yet..." Trenor adds.
My final Pokemon is of course Pikachu. I take the initiative by having Pikachu use Iron Tail, but Crabrawler swiftly dodges and counters with Brutal Swing, creating a whirlwind that stops Pikachu's attack in its tracks.
Hala continues by commanding Crabrawler to use Power-Up Punch, striking Pikachu directly and sending the Electric-type Pokémon crashing into the ground.
"I can't believe what I saw... from Brutal Swing to Power-Up Punch...that was an amazing combination..." Professor Kukui says.
I, undeterred, command Pikachu to retaliate with Electro Ball, but Crabrawler intercepts the attack with a forceful Bubble Beam, negating Pikachu's move and leaving the Mouse Pokémon vulnerable to Crabrawler's next assault.
Crabrawler proceeds to land multiple strikes using its newly powered-up Bubble Beam, dealing considerable damage to Pikachu. I grow anxious, realizing the intensity of the battle. "Pikachu, hang in there!"
Finding an opening, I command Pikachu to dodge Crabrawler's next Brutal Swing before counterattacking with Thunderbolt. Despite landing a clean hit, Crabrawler seems resilient, shrugging off the damage.
"What? Pikachu's Thunderbolt didn't do a thing?" Selene gasps.
I know for sure that all I have left is that Z-Move... with one chance to use it.
"Crabrawler, use Leer!" Hala attempts to lower Pikachu's defenses, and Trenor says, "Leer lowers the defense... Kahuna Hala is showing no mercy..."
Professor Kukui sighs, "Full-throttle all the time. One thing's for sure, some things will never change and Hala won't either!"
"Here we go. Do it!" Hala decides to activate the Z Move, and I ask, "Is it coming?"
"Correct. I am the Kahuna! I make the wills of myself, Melemele and Tapu Koko as one! I am the Kahuna!" He starts to do the Z-move pose. With the fists launching outwards continuously, he yells, "This is the moment where our strengths combine into one!"
"Here it comes..." Lillie says.
Feeling the pressure, I encourage Pikachu. "We have to make our move! Dodge that Z Move and move with Quick Attack!"
"All Out Pummeling, let's go!" Crabrawler then repeatedly strikes the air with its palms, sending an orange, hand-shaped mass of energy from each of them at Pikachu. Pikachu does his best to avoid the Z-Move, but is ultimately hit, sending him flying backwards.
"Pikachu! No! Are you alright?" I ask.
Pikachu stands back up, much to everyone's relief. Hala says, "That was well played." He notices that Tapu Koko is watching, and adds, "I should have expected it with Tapu Koko taking an interest in you.
"All I can do is try." I say as I decide to use my own Z-Move. "Now it's our turn!"
Placing the Normalium-Z on my Z-Power Ring, we synchronize their poses, empowering Pikachu with the Normalium Z-Crystal's Z-Power.
"Here we go! Full power now! Breakneck Blitz, go!" I yell.
Pikachu channels the Z-Power, unleashing a powerful Breakneck Blitz, colliding head-on with Crabrawler. Despite Crabrawler's resilience, the overwhelming force sends it flying out of the battlefield, unable to continue.
"Ash wins!" The others cheer for me, and I finally exhale in relief after that tough battle.
"Whoa! Well played!" Hala laughs heartily. "Hmph. The results come as no surprise to me. What a fine Trainer...and what a fine Pokémon, too!"
Suddenly, the cry of Tapu Koko echoes, and Hala chuckles, "Ho! And our mighty Tapu Koko agrees! Hmmph! Perhaps Tapu Koko is hoping that a day may come when you will grow strong enough to battle it as well... Accept this Z-Crystal! It allows Trainers to share their power with their partner Pokémon!"
I receive the Fightinium-Z, elated with the new Z Crystal now in my hand. Hala instructs, "Observe, Ash. If you wish to use the Fighting-type Z-Power, move your arm like this... then bend your hips like this and pose!"
He replicates the distinctive pose we witnessed during the battle. "Now then, Ash! With this victory... you have cleared all of the trials of Melemele Island, the first of Alola's islands! The Melemele stamp is proof of your accomplishments. With it, Pokémon up to Lv. 35, even those you received in a trade, will obey you!"
As Lillie steps up for her battle against Kahuna Hala, Hala begins with Machop. Lillie stands firm, ready for her challenge.
"Go, Pikipek!" she commands, sending out her Pokémon onto the battlefield.
"Machop, let's start with a Low Sweep!" Hala directs his Pokémon.
Machop charges forward, aiming to catch Pikipek off balance. Lillie quickly responds, "Pikipek, dodge and use Peck!"
Pikipek swiftly evades the Low Sweep and counterattacks with a precise Peck, aiming at Machop's vulnerable spot. The attack lands, causing Machop to stagger slightly.
"Hold on, Pikipek! Use Rock Smash!" Hala orders.
Machop gathers strength and attempts to strike Pikipek with a forceful Rock Smash. Lillie calls out, "Pikipek, flap your wings and create a gust to evade!"
Pikipek flutters its wings vigorously, generating a strong gust of wind to evade the Rock Smash, narrowly escaping the attack.
"Swoop in, Pikipek! Strike with your Tackle attack!" Lillie commands, capitalizing on the opening.
Pikipek dives down swiftly, hitting Machop with a powerful Tackle, causing Machop to stumble backward.
Hala acknowledges Lillie's strategy, "Impressive! Machop, show them your Seismic Toss!"
Machop swiftly recovers and attempts to execute a Seismic Toss, but Lillie thinks quickly, "Pikipek, use your agility to dodge and counter with Peck again!"
Pikipek demonstrates incredible agility, dodging the Seismic Toss and launching another precise Peck attack, hitting Machop before it can react.
"Great job, Pikipek! Keep it up!" Lillie encourages her Pokémon, showing determination in her first battle against Kahuna Hala. Later in the battle, Lillie switches to Cutiefly and Raichu, showcasing their strength and strategy against Kahuna Hala's Makuhita and Crabrawler. With a well-coordinated effort, she manages to outmaneuver and defeat both Pokémon, culminating in a powerful Breakneck Blitz from Raichu, earning her the Fightinium Z.
"The moon in the daytime... The sun at night... Now to see if you can pour your heart into something that cannot be seen but is very much real. As you continue on your island challenge, consider what makes up the people and Pokémon that you meet: both what you can see and what you cannot. You will surely meet Tapu Koko again someday."
As we prepare to depart, we come across a familiar Tauros standing before us. Hala steps in, saying, "Whoa there, Tauros!"
So it's the same Tauros from before, Hala grins and suggests, "I've got an idea! How about I set you up so you can ride my Tauros whenever you'd like? No reason why he shouldn't get to enjoy the island challenge, too!"
"Riding on Tauros?" Lillie asks in surprise.
"I'll take care of all the little things you'll need in order to ride a Pokémon!" Hala adds enthusiastically.
He then hands us a Ride Pager, I think that this device serves as a replacement for the traditional HMs in this region. "Why don't you hop on there?" Hala encourages us to use the Ride Pager.
We press the button, and to our amazement, our attire transforms, and I find myself riding atop the Tauros. Hala remarks, "The world looks a bit different from atop a mighty Tauros, eh? See, Ash. Here in Alola our Pokémon lend us their strength and let us ride about on them!"
"Wow..." I express in wonder.
Hala proceeds to explain the functionalities of the equipment he provided. "Let me explain some of the gear I gave you... Your Ride Pager is a tool that lets you summon a Ride Pokémon. According to the instructions, you need only "press the Y Button to turn on your Ride Pager! Use the B Button to dash!" And your Riding Wear will be the special outfit you wear when riding Pokémon. Have a little romp around Alola with Tauros here. I'm sure you'll be charmed by him! When you use your Ride Pager, Ride Pokémon will kindly come running to help you wherever you may be!"
Trenor adds, "That's one feature of the Ride Pager that I genuinely appreciate."
Ilima arrives, offering his congratulations, "Congratulations, Ash and Lillie. Your performance has been a delight ever since I first laid eyes on you at the Trainers' School. Aren't Z-Powers lovely?"
"They're amazing," Lillie agrees.
"Oh, I know! Why not stop by the Alola Photo Club for a commemorative photo? With Tauros, you can be down to Hau'oli City in no time at all. Very well then, off on your island challenge you go! May the future bring you happiness!" With that, Ilima takes his leave.
Hala adds enthusiastically, "With a little help from Tauros, you'll be able to smash right through those big rocks on Route 1!"
Professor Kukui encourages us, "Keep on catching more and more Pokémon, yeah, and let Rotom learn all about 'em! But first, you've gotta go let your mom know what you're up to. Oh yeah!"
"Absolutely, we always keep her informed," I respond with a grin.
Hau chimes in excitedly, "Oh! If you're heading into Hau'oli, you should totally check out the Shopping Mall! And the Alola Photo Club, too!"
Lillie seems curious, "What's that?"
Hau explains, "You know! The one Ilima mentioned! He totally had the right idea. You should go to the Alola Photo Club and take a special photo to remember clearing your first grand trial!"
""Good thinking, Hau! And once you finish your grand trial, you'll be doing the same thing, yeah?" Professor Kukui asks.
"Heh heh! I sure hope so, but first... Come on, Tutu! Don't go too easy on me now!" Hau says with a playful grin, ready for a battle with his Pokémon.
As they leave, Professor Kukui smiles, "You're all getting so strong already, yeah... I can't wait to see how much more you'll grow."
Excited about our achievement, we decide to head back home, bubbling with enthusiasm. As a celebration of our success, we plan to invite all our friends, Professor Kukui, and Hala to a festive feast at our house. As the night unfolds, filled with shared stories and happiness, it becomes a heartwarming gathering, a testament to the camaraderie and friendship that defines our Alolan journey.
And that's the end of the Melemele Grand Trial. I hope you like this chapter and we're going back to anime in the next chapters.
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, Crabrawler, Oricorio, Cutiefly, Magearna (Shiny), Kleavor