Chapter 32

The winter vacation has arrived, granting us a month-long break from school. Nate, Rosa, Trenor, Selene, Lillie, Hau, and I are embarking on a boat journey to Ula'ula Island. Our goal is to complete the Island Challenge and potentially intervene in whatever might be brewing.

As our boat docks at Malie City, the architecture instantly reminds us of the Johto region. Hau exclaims, "Land ahoy! All right! Terra firma under foot again!"

"Isn't that enthusiasm a bit much?" Trenor remarks with a sigh, gazing at the colossal tower ahead. Selene interjects, "Despite the Johto resemblance, this is still Ula'ula Island..."

"Ula'ula Island is, like, another totally different place than Melemele or Akala, huh!" Hau remarks. "We're supposed to meet up with the professor, right? Where was it? Malie Garden? Why'd he want us to go to a garden? Guess we'll find out when we get there, right?"

As we step onto Ula'ula Island, our Pokédexes receive updates, introducing new Pokémon for us to catch in this area. Continuing our journey, we make our way to the Pokémon Center to heal our Pokémon. Hau suddenly suggests, "I had a great idea, Ash! Come on, let's have a battle!"

"A battle, here and now?" I respond, slightly taken aback. However, I flash my usual smirk and reply, "Challenge accepted."

"All right! Then let's go full powered on this one!" Hau cheers enthusiastically. He sends out five Pokémon: Alolan Raichu, Vaporeon, Tauros, Noibat, and Dartrix. As our battle unfolds, a crowd gathers to watch the intense showdown. Hau pulls off a stunning Z-Move, Bloom Doom, which defeats my Brionne. However, I manage to make a comeback, ultimately defeating his Dartrix using Lycanroc's Continental Crush.

"Bwah! I had my breath held that whole battle!" Hau mutters, recalling his Pokémon. "You know what, Ash? You should take this Lycanium Z, too! It came as a set with those Big Malasadas that Ms. Wicke gave me, but I don't plan on adding any Lycanroc to my team or anything."

Receiving the Lycanium Z, I can't help but feel excited. "That's awesome! I'm thrilled to have another new Z Crystal in my collection."

"You and your Pokémon looked like you were having a blast, Ash! I guess it's like my gramps said... Go beyond winning and losing, and learn to find joy in any battle...then you'll find that you're getting strong before you even know it!" Hau remarks.

Although Dartrix appears upset with Hau, he doesn't seem to notice and continues, "What? You mad that I still don't seem to be getting all that much stronger? I sure hope not! Me and my partner oughta be, like, totally in sync with one another! We'll get there, buddy. Now I guess we should go try to track down Professor Kukui in Malie Garden, right?"

As we arrive at Malie Garden in our quest to find Professor Kukui, Nate chimes in, "I heard there's a place around here that serves tea... I bet it tastes amazing."

"Focus, Nate. We're here to find Professor Kukui first. Tea can wait," Rosa responds with a sigh.

Hau takes the initiative, saying, "I'll start my search from the bridge here. Why don't you start around the edge of the garden?" With that, he swiftly rushes off to start his search.

As we locate Professor Kukui at the tea store, Hau calls out, "Ho! Professor Kukui!"

The professor warmly greets us, saying, "Hey there! And long time no see, Hau. What's going on with you? Your eyes are shining extra bright today. Did something big happen?"

"Professor! Professor! You gotta hear this! An Ultra Wormhole opened up, like, right in front of us, and there really are Ultra Beasts in there! And aliens from other worlds, too! You've gotta tell Professor Burnet, too!" Hau eagerly shares. We realize that he hadn't met Professor Kukui immediately after our visit to Aether Paradise that day. It seems the Professor's involvement with the vacation to Kanto and other tasks must have kept him occupied.

"Woo! You got to see the Ultra Wormhole and an Ultra Beast? And folks from another world?! That IS amazing, oh yeah! Sounds like an even better reason to train hard, yeah, on your island challenge!" Professor Kukui exclaims. "Maybe someday we'll all be able to go through the Ultra Wormhole!"

"Believe me, it's an experience you'd rather not have," Lillie interjects. "We were lost for a month inside those wormholes, and it's not a healthy or pleasant situation..."

The group appears a bit disheartened by the cautionary tale regarding the Ultra Wormholes. Professor Kukui swiftly changes the subject, saying, "All right! Your next trial is up on Mount Hokulani! You can catch the bus to get there. Just head to the bus stop on Route 10, yeah?"

Hau decides, "You guys can go ahead without me, Professor. I've got a hot date with a malasada shop! I'm gonna get my Pokémon some treats so they'll really start to like me!"

"Roger that, good buddy! I'll be waiting at the bus stop, whenever you're ready to go!" Professor Kukui adds cheerfully.

As Hau prepares to leave, he turns to us excitedly, "Hey, guys, did you know?"

"Know what?" Selene inquires.

"I haven't even finished the question yet! There's an observatory up on Mount Hokulani! And you do know what it is they do at an observatory, right? Hope you do, 'cause I sure as heck don't. Now I'm out!" With that, he quickly departs, leaving us to contemplate his sudden revelation about the observatory on Mount Hokulani.

As we engage in training at Malie Garden, our Cutiefly undergoes evolution, transforming into a charming Ribombee. The newly evolved Ribombee generously offers some Pollen Puffs for us to consume—a move that proves to be incredibly useful. When directed toward our ally, it acts as a healing agent, while when aimed at opponents, it inflicts damage. Ribombee's ability to share these Pollen Puffs adds a valuable asset to our strategy during battles.

Ribombee: The Bee Fly Pokemon: Bug and Fairy Type. Evolve from Cutiefly at LV:25. Rain makes pollen damp, so Ribombee hates rain. When it sees ominous clouds, it finds a hollow in a tree, where it waits stock-still.

As we leave the garden, Lillie turns to me and says, "Ash, I was thinking of taking Nebby to visit the ruins on Ula'ula. Can we go there after we arrive at your Grand Manor?"

"Absolutely, Lillie," I respond. "Maybe we'll even encounter Tapu Bulu there."

"Shall we head to Route 10 now, or is there something else on your minds?" Trenor inquires.

"I'd like to visit the Malie Library, actually. There's a particular book I've been wanting to find," Lillie suggests, prompting us to agree on heading in that direction.

Continuing our journey, we come across a Sushi High Roller and decide to stop there for lunch. While enjoying the meal, I reminisce about a previous visit to the same place with Serena and Alice in Kalos. Lillie seems a bit envious upon hearing about our past experience at the Sushi High Roller.

As we reach the Kantonian Gym, the revelation surprises us, given that we weren't aware of a gym's existence in Alola. Rosa reads out the information, stating, "According to this, the Kantonian Gym is a major tourist spot, designed after gyms in the Kanto region."

Lillie interjects, "So that means it's not an official gym."

"It doesn't really matter, as long as they allow battles," I chime in, eager for the opportunity to engage in some challenging battles regardless of the gym's official status.

As we step into the gym, I'm astounded by what I see—it's the exact puzzle layout from the Vermilion City Gym in Kanto. The gym guide cheerfully greets us, exclaiming, "Ten-hut! Welcome, aspiring Kantonian! You've entered the Kantonian Gym, kid! You can take on our challenges by paying a fee of 1000 dollars."

Understanding that this is more of a tourist attraction, we oblige and pay the fee. Before engaging in battles, we opt to purchase a Soda Pop and then proceed to challenge the trainers within the gym.

The first trainer, Adrian, warmly introduces herself, saying, "Welcome, Trainer! I'm Adrian, one of the Gym Trainers here!"

Adrian sends out her Smoochum, a Pokémon that can indeed be found in Kanto. I opt to battle using Absol, utilizing Night Slash to secure a victory against her Smoochum. "I hope you enjoyed yourself."

The second trainer, Blair, exclaims, "Knock yourself out in authentic Kanto-style Pokemon battles!"

Blair sends out her Cutiefly, prompting me to counter with my Grimer, eventually defeating her Pokémon. "Oh, congratulations! Would you like to order another drink?"

"No thanks, please." I politely decline. The third trainer is Lee, and she says, "All these trash cans in this room... They give it a mysterious feel, don't they?"

With my Gallade, I manage to secure a victory over her Minccino. "Oh, well done, sir! You'll be the Kantonian in no time, I'm sure!"

The final trainer, Dallas, shares, "If you defeat four Gym Trainers, you'll be able to challenge the Gym Leader himself!"

Dallas battles using a Fomantis. I decide to employ Snowy, using Icy Wind to secure the victory. "Oh, you're such a tease! I bet I'm not even the first Trainer you've beaten here!"

As we reach the end of the gym, we encounter a black belt. "Hey there, little challenger! It might not be wise to challenge me, but it takes courage! I'll be your final opponent today, offering an authentic Kanto-style Pokémon battle!"

He sends out a Machoke, prompting me to choose Togekiss for the battle. Utilizing Fairy Wind and Moonblast, Togekiss defeats the Machoke. "Argh! My authentic, Kanto-style Pokémon!" he grumbles. "You're strong! Alright, kid. Here's the Surge Badge!"

"That's actually the Thunder Badge," I correct him as I receive the badge. The black belt acknowledges, "Ah, that Surge Badge is for those who defeat me! It's just a memento, but take good care of it, alright? Oh, and there's more. As the first Kantonian here, here's some great food and drink for you!"

Opting for the Leader's Special meal, which includes 10 Soda Pops and some Poke Beans, we decide to share these items among our friends as a gesture of camaraderie.

However, when a person enters the gym, he exudes a rock star aura, holding a standing microphone. "The name's Ryuki. I'm what you might call a star. I mean, with partners like my Pokémon, how could I not be a star? I came all the way across the sea here to Alola to challenge the Pokémon Gym! But this Kantonian Gym here... This isn't a real Pokémon Gym. Still, I dig it here. It's got a feel to it, man. It's got spirit."

He turns towards me and enthusiastically asks, "Hey, Trainer. I can feel your spirit, too! Want to have a battle with Ryuki?"

"Absolutely, I'm up for a battle," I respond.

"Allow me to introduce my band mates! Come on, babies!" He sends out three Pokémon: a Turtonator, a Drampa, and a Gabite, surprising us with his Dragon-type team selection.

My Dartrix, Alolan Vulpix, and Ribombee are poised for battle against Ryuki's Turtonator, Drampa, and Gabite. "Let's show 'em what we've got, team!" I encourage my Pokémon.

Ryuki grins confidently. "You've got spirit, Trainer! Let's make this battle rock!"

I command Ribombee to strike Drampa with a Dazzling Gleam, but the attack barely affects Drampa's resilience. "Come on, Ribombee! Keep it up!" I encourage.

"Turtonator, dodge that attack! Drampa, prepare to counter with Dragon Pulse!" Ryuki commands, his voice determined.

Dartrix deftly evades the incoming Dragon Pulse, while Ribombee seems hesitant facing Drampa's imposing figure. "Ribombee, Protect!" I direct, hoping to shield it from the next onslaught.

"Alolan Vulpix, use Icy Wind on Gabite!" I shout, but Ribombee unexpectedly releases a dazzling Flash on its own.

Ryuki nods. "Great moves, team! Let's keep the momentum!"

As Drampa's Dragon Pulse hits Ribombee, I urge, "Hang in there, Ribombee! We're not done yet!"

"Gabite, dodge that quick attack! Turtonator, Fire Blast!" Ryuki commands swiftly.

"Dartrix, keep evading and buy us some time!" I direct, hoping to find an opening.

"Dartrix, another attack! Let's go!" I encourage, my excitement building.

"Brave Bird, Dartrix! Let's show them our new move!" I exclaim, thrilled by this evolution.

"Whoa! Drampa, Turtonator, be careful!" Ryuki calls out, surprised by the sudden turn of events.

"Great job, team! Now, let's combine our attacks!" I shout, hoping for a coordinated assault.

The Brave Bird, Icy Wind, and dazzling Flash combo strike Drampa, Gabite, and Turtonator, knocking them out.

"I'm gonna belt out everything inside of me! I've gotta encourage my Pokémon to keep rocking!" Ryuki declares. "All right! My babies were all fired up to play a set, but you chilled them out nicely!"

He hands us a Dragon Scale, adding, "That's right, a Dragon Scale! I've poured my spirit into it, too!" "Hey! You're curious about what kind of item the Dragon Scale is, aren't you? Well, you'll have to figure that out for yourself! Once Alola gets a real Pokémon Gym, I give you my word I'll become the Dragon-type Leader!"

We nod appreciatively as we bid farewell to Ryuki and depart from the gym.

Here is a new chapter, and in this chapter, we're done with the Kantonian Gym. I hope you like it and we're going to Malie Library in the next chapter.

Ash and Lillie's Pokemon:

Charizard x2, Butterfree x2 (One Pink), Raticate (Alolan), Pikachu, Raichu (Alolan), Vulpix (Alolan), Meowth (Alolan), Grimer (Alolan), Cubone, Lapras, Meganium, Typhlosion (Hisuian), Steelix (Crystal), Mantine, Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Milotic, Absol, Infernape, Lucario, Togekiss, Gallade, Samurott, Audino, Zoroark, Hydreigon, Meowstic x2, Aegislash, Hawlucha, Dartrix, Torracat, Brionne, Trumbeak, Gumshoos, Charjabug, Crabrawler, Oricorio, Ribombee, Lycanroc x3 (Midday/Midnight/Dusk), Wishiwashi, Mareanie, Mudbray, Araquanid, Fomantis, Morelull, Salandit, Stufful, Steenee, Comfey, Oranguru, Passimian, Wimpod, Sandygast, Pyukumuku, Magearna (Shiny), Marshadow, Kleavor