Finally, the day had come; it was time for the heroes to attend the Alola League and see who would be known as the best trainer in all of Alola. With Team Rocket finally out of the picture, Sarah, her family, and her friends boarded the ferry boat that will take them to Manalo Stadium with the princess' Mythicals (who were let out along with Race's Mythicals to join in on the competition festivities), dragons, and Flying Types flying from above while Suicune and Link opted to swim or run across the water beside them. Everyone was excited because with the world's most dangerous Pokémon syndicate gone forever, they can rest easy and finally enjoy participating in the Alola League.
Johnathan, Diane, and their Pokémon were ecstatic about attending the big event as Asha was going to participate in her first ever Pokémon League and they wanted to stay and offer her their support.
Mewtwo and his Super Pokémon left on good terms after helping the heroes finish off Team Rocket with the Pokémon he recently rescued being shared between Sarah and Asha (having given his blessings to both of them before they departed). In addition, with Team Rocket's main headquarters now completely abandoned and left in her custody, the little princess sought to remodel it after the Alola League so she could make it her own to help her fulfill her dream of becoming a Pokémon Ambassador.
The confiscated Keystones and Aggronites belonging to Gozu were left in her hands for safe-keeping but Sarah ultimately decided to give the Keystones to Doug and Nikki (if they should have a Lucarionite and a Sceptilite on them at some point for Lucario and Zorro) while she used Geminio to create a third Keystone for him (assuming if he has an Absolite on him for Absol). As for the Aggronites, she decided to keep them in her family's treasure room where she knows they will be safe and she could pull them out if she ever has an Aggron on her (either by itself or evolving an Aron she caught after some time).
As for Jessie, James, and Meowth, Nanu (who took up his new side role as their supervisor and part-time caretaker with Officer Jenny's consent and blessings) permitted them to continue their day jobs as a Masalada Food Truck business with their old Pokémon friends joining in to help them (after giving them a business permit). As they are now free to live their lives as they choose after being fired by Giovanni, they couldn't be happier.
"Look! There it is, gang!" Kiawe grinned, seeing Manalo Stadium coming into view.
"Are we there yet?" Telsa asked.
"Yeah, Telsa! Straight ahead!" Sophocles beamed, pointing the female Thunderbird towards the stadium they can see on the horizon.
"Yeah!"
"Wow...!" cooed the Junior Patrollers as they looked awestruck by the new Pokémon League stadium.
"Wicked arena, dudes! Is that really where the Alola League is going to kick off?" Liberty gawked in awe and wonder.
"It is, Liberty! All of Alola's finest are going to be competing tomorrow after the opening ceremonies!"
"I can hardly wait! I can feel the competition coming even from here!" Sonic and Togedemaru cheered excitedly.
"It's so big!"
"And, the island it's sitting on is all man-made!" Lana and Mallow said, eager to begin as soon as they arrive.
"You got that right. I gotta hand it to Kukui; he's worked his ass off for months to make his dream come true. And, now, it's here," Race nodded, grinning.
"What a feat of human construction!"
"This joint's going to be the wildest ever for Alola's Pokémon League party animals!" Rotom-Dex and Rotoscope buzzed ecstatically, taking pictures of the stadium already.
"Mother told me that it was built with the efforts of the entire Aether Foundation and Grid Battleforce had a hand in developing it on the side when they weren't busy dealing with Evox," Lillie added as she and Snowy came over, getting everybody's attention and they saw the Ice Type student back in her Z-Power form for the occasion.
"Wow! You've changed into your Z-Power outfit!" Mallow smiled.
"Whoa, you and Sis never told me you wore that, Lillie," Asha admitted, blinking in surprise at her fellow student.
"Thank you, Mallow!" Lillie thanked her Grass Type friend before she turned to Asha. "This is what I wore when we and Gladion went to rescue Mother from Nihilego in Ultra Space, it's my Z-Power form. After all, it *is* the Pokémon League; I couldn't find a more perfect outfit for the occasion."
"You look great! Really!" Lana agreed.
"Thank you so much!"
"Your attention, please. Your attention, please," a ferry announcer called from the boat's PA system as it drew closer and closer to Manalo Stadium. "We will be arriving at Manalo Stadium in five minutes. Please return to your seats and prepare for docking."
"Alright! Pokémon League, here we come!" Ash exclaimed, pumping his fists excitedly as everybody cheered, "YEAH!"
(Theme Song: Pokémon League Arc - Moon Pride (Sailor Moon Crystal ft. Momorio Clover Z))
MOON PRIDE! Anata no chikara na naritai (I want to be your strength)
The opening begins with an overview of Sarah, her friends, Asha, and Race standing together with their Partner Pokémon in the midst of a floral field and the full moon before the camera pans forward and passes Sarah upward before the main titles appear in a flurry of light, electricity, and snow.
POKEMON SUN & MOON: Pokémon League Blues!
Nine lights (red, gold, yellow, green, blue, white, crimson, cyan, and an orange/yellow/violet mix) flew around the main titles before passing by and the final light showed Asha, Race, Ash, Kiawe, Lillie, Lana, Mallow, and Sophocles standing in a circle with their backs to each other and looking out on the horizon (with the Alola girls having a tear fall from their eyes, the boys looking determined as they glared hard, Race looks contempt yet determined as a flash of lightning streaks by him, and Asha looks out to her right worriedly and with heartache)
Namida wa hono wo tsutai (Tears roll down my face)
Hitomo wa akaku moeru (My eyes are burning red hot)
Inazuma no yo ni hageshiku (Being just as violent as lightning)
Dareka ga ai wo sakeru (Someone cries out for love)
We then quickly pan over to Sarah as she holds her hands in a prayer position with her eyes closed as if she's in some sort of slumber before she eventually wakes up and the camera pans to the moon in a blissful space of wonder.
Tatoe Don'na (No matter what) Kurayami Demo (Dark it is)
Hitori janai yo ne? (You're not alone, you know?) Watashitachi Wo (We're together)
Terasa Moonlight (Shining in moonlight) (AH)
Sarah is then shown in Ula'Ula's Malie City on a rainy day (while in a hand-painted/CGI background and holding an umbrella over her head) where she turns and suddenly sees a person that looks like Dia with a Shiny Zeraora at a tree while holding an umbrella over his head and reading a book before they took notice of her. The little princess gave a brief yet nostalgic sigh before she was joined by Blitz and Curly and then her boyfriend, sister, and friends as they got together and cheered, throwing their umbrellas up in the air.
On'nankoko ni mo yuzurenu kyoji ga aru (Girls, don't give away your self-respect)
Sore wa ouji-sama ni unmei nagazu (Don't throw away your destiny for a prince)
Mizukara Tatakau Ishi (Fight for yourself)
Soon, Sarah's friends and Asha along with their Partner Pokémon start to fight against other trainers in the Alola League's elimination and quarter rounds as they climb their way to the Top 16 spots for the official tournament. Sarah and Race stand together as their Pokémon fight before they face each other and they order Blitz and Robbie to go at each other and see who's the better trainer and Pokémon between them.
Shiny Make-Up! Kagayaku yo hoshizora wo atsumete (Keep shining as you collect the starry sky)
Tada mamorareru dake no kayowai sonzai ja nai wa (We aren't weak girls who need man's protection)
In the midst of the competition, Team Skull appears to crush the competition and win in their own right with the most prominent of its members showing themselves as follows: Tupp, Zipp, Rapp, Plumeria, and Guzma (the main head of Team Skull preparing to compete himself). Kukui, Lusamine, Wicke, Faba, Burnet, Doug, Delilah, David, and Doug are shown together as they nod to wish everybody participating in the Alola League good luck and we even get a glimpse at an unknown Pokemon appearing from an Ultra Wormhole. Sarah reappears and draws Cosmic Grace before she holds it out and its light shines for all of Alola to see.
Shiny Make-Up! Tatakau yo hoshizora wo matotte (I will fight in the starry sky)
Atarashii densetsu ga ima koko kara hajimaru (A new legend begins from here)
La la, Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon
The opening ends with quick shots of the main group of nine as they and their Pokémon reappear together and do poses, ready to face the Alola League head-on and have fun no matter who wins or loses the entire tournament.
(Pokémon League Arc Opening Ends)
***The Alola Pokemon League is about to get underway and our heroes have come to where it all takes place: Manalo Stadium!***
The ferry soon arrived at Manalo Stadium's ferry port where Kukui and Sarah's blood family were waiting to greet them, all of them eager to see how Sarah and her friends, her boyfriend, and her sister would perform in the tournament once the excitement kicked off.
Ash quickly got off the boat and went over to them in a jogging position as he screamed excitedly, "We made it, Prof. Kukui!"
"Well, so you did! Nice of you all to finally drop in," Kukui smiled heartily as everybody else joined them before he continued. "I hope you're all ready for the Pokémon League of a lifetime! And, you kids won't be the only ones having fun out on the battlefield."
He turned to his left and everybody looked to find Hiccup and his friends along with their dragons and Partner Pokémon arriving to attend the Alola League. It turns out that the previous day (after Team Rocket had been defeated for good), Sarah and her blood family sent an invitation to the people of Berk, asking them, Stoick, and Gobber if the teens would be interested in competing to help them come to grips with Pokémon battles. Stoick and Gobber were only too happy to accept and they (with the consent and blessings of their people) went to Manalo Stadium to enter so they can learn more about being Pokémon trainers and represent Berk in the Alola League.
"Hey, look, guys!"
"Awesome, it's Hiccup and his friends from Berk!" Sophocles and Ash gasped excitedly.
"Hey, guys! We're here!"
"Did you miss us?" Hiccup and Zenna greeted as they, their friends, and their Pokémon got off their dragons and reunited with their friends.
"I knew you'd come," Sarah grinned as she and her friends exchanged hugs, high-fives, and fist bumps with the Viking Teens while the gang's Pokémon and Sarah's dragons happily mingled with Kaulu, Loki, Axew, Deino, Dratini, Trapinch, Seviper, Zangoose, and Charmander.
"You didn't think we'd miss out after sending us that invite, didn't you?" smirked Astrid as she folded her arms.
"Aye, the Alola League is the major event of the year! Everybody in Alola's going to attend the tournament and I can imagine international competition coming to play from the other regions besides us," Gobber added.
"How can we refuse? This is going to be a blast!"
"We'll stomp all over everybody and make our way to the top!" Ruffnut and Tuffnut shouted eagerly as they bumped heads and helmets.
"You did say it's a great opportunity for us to learn more about Pokémon battles and how to bond with our Pokemon, right?" Fishlegs concurred.
"Professor, can we use the battlefield? I'd really like to give it a try!" Ash asked as he ran in place, still raring to start.
Sarah chuckled as she told him, "Ash, aren't you forgetting something?"
"Sarah's right, Ash, just relax. We haven't even signed up to compete yet," Kiawe agreed, causing Ash to stop and look at him and Sarah in surprise.
"Huh?"
"Signups for the competition start this evening, Young Ash. For now, you, your friends, and our granddaughters are only allowed to see the field until tomorrow," Donna (former queen) informed the Kanto Trainer, making him slump and groan in disappointment.
"Don't be in such a hurry."
"Although, I do understand."
"I'm psyched, too!" Sophocles, Mallow, and Lana concurred, sharing Ash's sentiments.
"What?"
"Until tomorrow?"
"I thought the Pokémon League's starting tonight!" the Poms barked in surprise.
"Afraid not, kids. Everybody participating in the Pokémon League will sign up and get checked in tonight but the fun all starts in the morning," Liberty replied reassuringly.
Tot, Nano, and Mini groaned, "Aww, man!"
"That's no fun!"
"But, we wanna start!"
"Well, what'll we do now?" Mudbud asked, realizing they'd have to wait until tonight for everybody competing to get checked in.
"I guess we'll just have to wait and make the most of our first day here," decided Rosebud.
"Great idea, Rosebud! Why not go and explore the island? Registration will open up before you know it. Tell them, Lillie," Kukui agreed before he turned to Lillie soon after.
"Alright! You see, aside from the main stadium, there is, of course, a Pokémon Center and so much more!" Lillie explained before she turned to her best friend and said, "And, Sarah, there's a large area made just for your family to relax and another spot in the stadium for them to watch all of the Pokémon battles taking place."
"Whoa, hold up! The Aether Foundation and Grid Battleforce built areas for my entire family?" Sarah blinked.
Kukui chuckled, "Of course! Since you have the most Pokémon along with your Mysticals and dragons, it's only fair for them to see all of the action somehow."
Sarah didn't know what to say but she gave a thankful smile and nod as Lillie continued, "And, there's also a shopping mall and health spa and several great restaurants with lots of tasty food! All gathered in one beautiful spot; it's an entire Pokémon League island city!"
"Wow, sounds perfect!" Mallow grinned.
"Shopping mall?!" beamed Nikki, Delilah, and Diane as their eyes twinkled, much to the chagrin of Doug, Tsukumaro, Johnathan, and James.
David grimaced as Donna (former queen) chuckled and told Nikki and Diane, "Yes, a shopping mall. It's such a delight and my daughter and I were most fortunate to be among the first to take a peak inside it and see what they have in store for girls such as you all."
"You had to jinx it, didn't you, Lillie?" James grumbled to Lillie.
"Aren't you coming with us, Professor?" Race questioned.
"I'd love to stick around and give you all a guided tour but I'm a little bit, uh...…" Kukui answered before he was called by an assistant.
"Prof. Kukui, would you please come over here for a second?"
"Be right there! I can't seem to find a free minute and my team and I along with Donna and David need to get everything ready for the opening ceremonies and when the tournament starts tomorrow."
"Don't worry, Professor. We'll be fine on our own."
"Sarah's right, we'll find our way around. You, Donna, and David take care of what you're doing and we'll see you tonight to sign up," Sarah and Kiawe reassured.
"Thank you, Pumpkin, Young Kiawe. Now, you all remember the rules; no assaulting anyone out of the blue or in annoyance, and especially, no hitting on the women here. We don't want any trouble that could cause a scandal for the entire Alola Region. Is that understood?" David reminded firmly.
"Yes!" the kids and Viking Teens agreed.
"Good. Well, we'll be on our way. Doug, Delilah, you are free to enjoy yourselves with your daughter and her friends," Donna (former queen) smiled.
"Okay, later!" Kukui nodded as they and David left.
"Hang in there!" Ash called.
"Alright, so what should we do first?" Mallow inquired, eager to see the rest of Manalo Stadium.
"Well, I wanna see the battlefield!"
"Me, too!" Ash and Pikachu replied before they rushed off to find the battlefield.
"Ash, wait! Do you even know where it is?!" Rotom-Dex spluttered as he trailed off after him and Pikachu.
"I'm going, too!"
"Hold on, wait for me!" Kiawe and Sophocles added as they ran after them, wanting to see the stadium as well.
"I better go with them and make sure they don't get into trouble should they get lost. Bye," Sarah said to her best friends before she and her family along with the Viking Teens, Asha, and Race went with the boys and Rotom-Dex, leaving them, Tsukumaro, Johnathan, Diane, James, Nikki, Doug, and Delilah behind.
"And, they're gone."
"Just like you'd expect," Lana and Lillie sighed, amused.
"Well, while they're busy finding the stadium, who wants to join me for a little shopping spree at the shopping mall?" Delilah grinned.
"Me, me, me, me/I do/Me, too!" Lana, Mallow, and Lillie cheered while Diane and Nikki squealed happily, the girls joining Delilah as she, Nikki, and Diane dragged Johnathan, Doug, and James with them while Tsukumaro sighed as he and Absol quietly trailed behind them in defeat.
Meanwhile, Jessie, James, Meowth, and Wobbuffet were also working hard for the opening ceremonies with their Masalada business, having Mime Jr., Gorgiest, and Inkay joining them for their Masalada sales while the rest of their Pokémon friends manned their home. James was just putting up the sign for their business and he sighed with satisfaction, "Just like a grand opening should be."
"Not only powered-up contestants for the big show but also a giant army of hungry fans to boot!" Meowth agreed.
"Our pre-opening sale was a smash hit! And, with excitement like this, our Manalo Masaladas will keep flying off the shelves!"
"My kind of traffic!"
"Totally!" Jessie and Wobbuffet grinned.
"Go, team! Go!"
"We sell a mountain of Masaladas in our stead and then, line our pockets with Alola dough-la for our future!"
"Yeah!" Inkay, Mime Jr., and Gorgiest agreed, pumping their feelers excitedly.
However, as they were opening up their food truck, Jessie squealed in fright and surprise to find a Stufful before them. And, when James, Meowth, and Wobbuffet took notice of the pre-evolved Flailing Pokémon, they freaked out as well and they looked around to see if Bewear was coming to take them home (much to Inkay Gorgiest, and Mime Jr.'s confusion).
But, to their surprise, the Stufful before them belonged to a trainer who was a young girl as she called out to her partner, "Hey, Stufful! Let's go!"
The Stufful turned back to return to its trainer and the quartet sighed with relief, realizing that they pulled off a false alarm on their end.
"Phew! That was close...…"
"Too close for me."
"I can breathe again. Though, we did take precautions this time."
"And, hopefully, that'll get us through in one piece before long," the four bantered as they recalled what had happened prior to their arrival at the stadium.
(Flashback)
"Ta-da! Here you are, Bewear! We just made this to thank you for your incessant hospitality!" James grinned as he and Meowth showed Bewear and her son a giant hot tub that was made just for them to give them their thanks for accommodating them throughout their and the rest of Team Rocket's time in Alola.
"We dug up for you this lovely spring to help you do your relaxing thing!" Meowth grinned, offering the spring to also thank her and Stufful for letting them stay in Alola permanently and to keep them busy so they don't whisk them back to Melemele Island for some reason while the Alola League was taking place.
Intrigued by the gift offered to them, Bewear and Stufful stepped the spring while the boys and the others watched on quietly, seeing how contented and happy they were as they relaxed and swam inside it.
"She and Stufful will be maxing and relaxing in that hot spring paradise for days!"
(Flashback End)
"And, if they decided they had enough, we got a Plan B, just in case!" Meowth finished confidently.
"So, I guess we're home free for the entire duration of the Pokémon League," Jessie beamed.
"For sure, sister!" Wobbuffet nodded as he grinned.
Elsewhere, Sarah, her family, Ash, Kiawe, Sophocles, the boys' Pokemon, Rotom-Dex, the Vikings, and their Partner Pokémon and dragons finally arrived at the battlefield, seeing how immense it was in size and looking awestruck at the sight of the completed arena. They couldn't wait to participate after signing up and the sheer thought of battling each other and other trainers in it only served to fuel their excitement.
"Whoa...…!" the Viking Teens gasped in wonder.
"**Amazing! Truly amazing!**" Ting-Lu breathed in astonishment on behalf of his equally shocked brothers.
"**So, this is a Pokémon League stadium,**" added Wo-Chien, unable to comprehend the stadium's full size.
"**Wowie-zowie!"
"It's massive!"
"Cool!"
"It's a wonder if you of all Pokémon can fit in it, Eternatus."
"Ha, good luck trying to get me to rumble in this giant Goldeen bowl!"
"Are you kiddin' me?!"
"Unreal!"
"Sick!"
"I love it!"
"What an astonishing building!"
"Fascinating piece of human construction and artwork!"
"We can fit fifty enchanted tents in this thing!"
"Awesome!"
Yeah, this is the biggest arena we'll ever get to battle in!"
"And, we're gonna crush Incineroar and the Masked Royal in this place!" Dusk, Star, Beautifly, Tai Lung, Eternatus, Toothless, Stormfly, Prinplup, Altaria, Spheriella, Tsuchowl, Amaura, Mai, Goodra, and Aqua cried in varying tones of amazement, excitement, shock, bewilderment, and wonder.
"What an amazing stadium!"
"This is da bomb in 'Cool is the rule, dude!', we'll start making numbers in this rock 'n roll joint tomorrow!" grinned Rotom-Dex and Rotoscope brightly.
"You know, I can turn up the heat in a place like this. Right, Turtonator?" Kiawe asked his shocked Blast Turtle Pokémon.
"Uh, yeah...… I mean, whoa, what a Poke-battle pad."
"This is it; the stadium for the Alola Pokemon League... And, I'm gonna win it all!" Ash grinned, getting amused reactions from Sophocles and Kiawe.
"You'll have to beat me first to get to the top!"
"And, don't you forget about me!"
"Big whoop, you'll all have to get past me before my crew and I steamroll you."
"That's as if they can trump me and my team in our own game along with you," smirked Race and Asha in response.
"Actually, you'll have to barrel through me and my family first if any of you want to last until the main tournament," quipped Sarah cheekily.
"We may be still new to Pokémon battling but don't think we'll throw in the towel as soon as we begin," concurred Hiccup.
"We'll give it our best shot, too. And, we'll show you all what happens when you mess with Pokémon and Vikings," grinned Astrid determinedly as the other Viking Teens nodded in agreement, getting hearty laughter from Gobber and Stoick.
"That's the spirit, young'ns!"
"We'll show everybody the true spirit of Berk's Vikings and Pokémon!" they replied wholeheartedly.
"I hear ya!" Ash chuckled as they all shared fist-bumps and high-fives.
"Yo, Sarah! My royal brain, I thought you'd be here and with your friends, too!" a familiar voice called as everybody turned to find Hau entering the stadium.
Sarah had to smile as she saw her old friend and rival coming towards them and went over to greet him while the others followed, "Hi, Hau! Are you entering the Pokémon League, too?"
"Of course, I am! How could I pass this up? It's every Pokémon trainer's rite of passage and since I've completed the Island Challenge throughout my journey, I think it's finally time to test me and my team's skills!"
"Wow, that's great! Congratulations, man!" the princess grinned as she and Hau shared a high-five between them.
"Full of energy whenever around family and/or friends, that's you, Princess," Hala smiled as he arrived and came up alongside his grandson.
"Hello, Hala, nice to see you here today," Sarah beamed brightly.
"Oh! So, Kahuna Hala is also Hau's grandfather from what you told us, right? Wow!" Sophocles asked Sarah, already connecting the dots between Hala and Hau despite being a little confused before he grinned after she gave a confirming nod.
Kiawe grinned as well before he introduced himself and the others followed, "What do you know? I'm Kiawe, Alola."
"I'm Sophocles."
"My name's Ash and this is my pal, Pikachu."
"Hi, there!"
"Race, Race Konomi."
"And, I'm Asha, I'm her sister from my parents' side."
Then, it was the Vikings' turn for introductions, "Hey, there. Name's Hiccup. That's Toothless and Loki."
"Hey there/Hello, friend!"
"My name's Astrid and these two here are Stormfly and Axew."
"Pleasure/Hello!"
"I'm Zenna and I'm Hiccup's best friend. These two with me are my dragon: Stryka, and my Riolu: Kaulu."
"Hello!/How's it going?"
"Fishlegs, nice to meet you. And, these here are Meatlug and Dratini."
"Hello, dearie/Hi!"
"Snotlout's the name, Viking's my game! These dudes are my Deino and Hookfang."
"What's up?/Yo, baby!"
"Hi, I'm Ruffnut and this is my brother, Tuffnut. These guys are Barf and Belch, our dragon, and these two are Zangoose and Seviper."
"Whattup, folks?/Great seeing ya!/Yo./Greetingsssss!"
"Greetings, Stoick the Vast, Viking chief of the Village of Berk. This little fella here is my Charmander."
"Hi there!"
"And, I'm his friend and right hand, Gobber the Belch. And, my resident chewer here is my Trapinch."
"Munch-munch-munch, hey."
"Nice to meet you all! I'm Hau and it's such an honor to be here with you," Hau grinned before Sarah noticed him wearing a Z-Ring and having a Z-Crystal called a Decideyeium Z on it.
"Hau, that Z-Ring and Z-Crystal, did you...?" she began.
"Yep, I finally passed Gramps' Grand Trial," Hau grinned, getting a hearty laugh from Hala before he came over and spoke the truth.
"Your Island Challenge was just beginning after you got your Z-Ring and Decideyeium Z from me, Hau. You've taken your first baby step, my boy, and you still have a long way to go!" Hala laughed, making Hau flinch with embarrassment.
"I know that," Hau groaned before he grinned again and took out a Pokeball. "And, that's not the only new thing. Come on out, Partner!"
From out of the Pokeball came Hau's fully evolved partner; where there was once a Dartrix from the princess' last encounters with him and Hau, a Decidueye now stood in its place which amazed the group (particularly Aqua as she came alongside her human mother to see him and Hau).
"Decidueye, the Arrow Quill Pokémon. A Grass and Ghost Type, Decidueye's aim is so good that when it fires its arrow quills, it can hit a pebble from over a hundred yards away," Rotom-Dex noted as he scanned Hau's partner.
"Wow, so Dartrix evolved?"
"Yep. And, after our training, we don't plan to lose!" Sarah and Hau bantered.
Decidueye nodded, "Right."
"Hey, old friend!" Aqua grinned, getting Decidueye's attention and making him break out a hearty smile as he approached her.
"Well, well! Aqua, how have you been, M'Dear?" Decidueye replied heartily, sounding more mature but still keeping his playful "cool dude" persona from his previous Dartrix stage. "I hope you haven't gone rusty while you're off on your little adventures."
"No chance! I can only imagine you and Hau put everything you learned from our battles to use during your Grand Trial with Hala," the collared Primarina grinned.
"Exactly! That's how I was able to evolve; of course, I couldn't have done that without Hau fighting alongside me."
"So, we'll be seeing you at the tournament tomorrow?"
"Of course! I should warn you, though. I'm not the same Grass Type that I once was."
"Can't wait!"
"I guess we already know where they're going. So, we'll be battling you and Decidueye sometime during the league, right?" Sarah asked Hau.
"I'll be looking forward to that! Hey, Gramps, do you mind if I go with Sarah and her friends and family to check the place out?" Hau asked his grandfather.
"I don't see why not. As long as you remember to sign up tonight, though," Hala agreed.
"Okay, let's go!" Ash called as the group (now joined by Hau) all went off together.
"See ya later, Hala!" Sarah shouted to Hala as he watched them off with a smile and chuckled.
With the girls, they, Tuskumaro, James, Johnathan, and Doug were shown around the shopping mall by Delilah as the girls carrying one or two shopping bags each while they and their Partner Pokémon enjoyed themselves. But, the men and their Partner Pokémon were not having fun in the slightest as they were forced to carry several backs of accessories, clothes, and knickknacks the girls were shopping like mad for.
"Look at this place! I can't believe all of the different shops that are in here!" Mallow commented in amazement.
"This is lovely! Simply lovely!" grinned Tsareena.
But, Shaymin took a look at some dolls that were of her likeness and she couldn't help but feel creeped out, "Should I even be concerned or flattered? I don't know how Big Brother would react to those things...…"
"Window shopping is lots of fun! Jewelry, cute Pokemon dolls, and lots of other stuff! If Misty were here, she would love this!" Lana remarked cheerfully as she and Sandy passed by a shop that had Pokémon merchandise and toys with one piece being a row of Eeveelution bunting seen through the window (which caught Sandy's interest).
"Snowy, which one do you want?" Lillie asked Snowy, grinning excitedly as they passed by a jewelry shop.
"You still want to shop?" gulped James to Nikki who nodded giddily.
"Delilah, I'm not sure if we can carry all of this for you girls."
"This is all too much!" Tsukumaro and Doug whined.
"Oh? Then, who was the one who said and lost the bet that if we can beat you all in a game of Poker, you have to do everything we say while Sarah and her friends have fun, hmm?" grinned Diane, leaving the men flustered as they tried to pin the blame on one another.
"I-It was your husband, Ms. Diane!"
"N-N-No! It-I-It, it was James!"
"No way! Tsukumaro placed that stupid bet and hogtied us into it!"
"I did not! Wasn't it your silly bet that got us in trouble with them, Sir James?!"
"Tsukumaro...You're carrying the next one!" grinned Delilah cheekily as she stacked a box on top of the pile he was carrying before she and Diane rejoined Nikki, Mallow, Lillie, Lana, and their Partner Pokémon (while Dragonite, Romeo, Absol, and Mischief grimaced).
Pastry, Danish, and Fritter couldn't help but enjoy themselves throughout the entire ordeal as they barked happily for their owners while the old advisor sighed miserably, "Everything a lady could ever want in this blasted period, why me?"
"I don't think we can see all of it in one day even if we wanted to," Mallow quipped while Lana smelled something familiar.
"Wait! I smell...Pinap Juice!"
"Then, why don't we all take a break?" Lillie suggested, getting the attention of the men and their Partner Pokémon as they went over and begged the girls, "PLEASE/PLEASE?!"
The girls and their Partner Pokémon smirked as Mallow went over to the Pinap Juice stand where a familiar figure was running it, "Second that! Excuse me, mind if I place an order?"
"Not at all, huh?!" the owner replied as he revealed himself to be Mallow's older brother, Ulu. "Well, now, if it isn't my little sis!"
"Hi, Ulu," Mallow balked as Shaymin crawled onto the table and smiled at her brother.
"Is this your Pokémon, Mallow?" Ulu asked, seeing Shaymin before him.
"I'm Shaymin, hi!" Shaymin grinned.
"Yeah, she's Shaymin. She's with me while her brother, a Shiny Shaymin named Seth, is living with my best friend. Why are you here?"
"Ha-ha! I heard they were starting an Alolan Pokémon League and when I came to check it out, they were looking for people who could work the food stands. So, I figured I'd go for a spot and I got one!"
Mallow deadpanned in slight annoyance, realizing that she would've been told ahead of time that he would be in Manalo Stadium before coming, "At least you could've told your sister."
Ulu chuckled sheepishly before he asked, "So, what are you here for?"
"Sarah's parents, her adoptive grandparents, James, Nikki, and Tsukumaro are with us for a quick shopping spree. But, my friends and I are all contestants in the Pokémon League!" Mallow answered, gesturing to herself, Lana, and Lillie.
"Wow, that's great! Well, good for you! Best of luck out there! When you're out there battling, I'll close up shop and cheer you on!" Ulu grinned, getting varying reactions from everybody gathered from surprise, annoyance, and awkward smiles.
"Silly big brother," Mallow sighed awkwardly.
"He's weird," Shaymin admitted in agreement.
Meanwhile, trouble was brewing behind the shadows because while everybody was enjoying themselves, Team Skull had snuck into the stadium from their private island abode. As per Sarah's arrangements, the Pokémon League had come and they were allowed to come out of exile and attend the event so Guzma could enter and settle the score with her and her friends once and for all. Right now, Tupp, Rapp, Zipp, and their friends were hiding away in a hidden part of the stadium with plans to enter the Alola League themselves for Guzma's sake, knowing of his ongoing rivalry with Kukui. But, they'll be doing so without his approval.
"Do you understand? We can crush this Alola League all by ourselves," Tupp said.
But, Rapp and Zipp weren't so sure as they worriedly asked him, "But, do you think we should? And, keep it a secret from Guzma?"
"Won't he be mad at us if he finds out?"
"He won't if he doesn't find out!" Tupp ranted before his friends shushed him.
Clearing his throat and realizing his slip-up, Tupp recomposed himself as he continued, "You already know Guzma really can't stand that Kukui and that jerk of a princess, remember? And, because Kukui's going to start up the league, Guzma said he will destroy it when he gets the chance, remember? So, why bother a busy guy like him with junk like this when we can just do it by ourselves?"
"You think that would make Guzma happy?" Zipp inquired.
"He'll be thrilled!"
Rapp nodded as she questioned Tupp, "So, uh...… How do we do it?"
Tupp thought for a moment before he went with the first thing on his mind regarding their plan, "Uh, the thing is...… You know, it's like this...Whatever! Let's just try a whole bunch of stuff and make everything a misery for those folks!"
Soon enough, their plan was put into action as two female grunts and a male grunt drew graffiti on a poster showing the Masked Royal and Incineroar to start things off.
"I hate these pretty-boy jerks."
"That's pretty good."
"Now, draw the mustache and make it good," the grunts sniggered.
"What do you three juvenile delinquents think you're doing?!" shouted a voice as the grunts turned to find an angry Officer Jenny and a Granbull snarling at them for their graffiti prank.
"The fuzz!"
"Oh, no!"
"Run for it!" the grunts cried as they raced away as fast as they could.
Officer Jenny and Granbull couldn't catch them in time but they soon grew worried when they saw the graffiti on the Masked Royal poster, the cop silently lamenting as she said, "Oh, dear... I knew this would happen sooner or later when the princess warned us about Team Skull coming back for the Pokémon League after their exile, Granbull."
"And, that means Guzma won't be far behind," agreed Granbull, concerned.
"Hey, Officer Jenny. What's wrong?" Mallow asked as she, her friends, the adults, and their Pokémon saw her and came over.
"There, take a look at this," Jenny informed as she showed them the graffiti on the poster.
"What?!"
"Oh, no!"
"Who would do this?" Lana, Lillie, and Mallow gasped in alarm.
James looked at the graffiti and groaned as he recognized who was responsible, "Oh, let me guess; our region's resident skull-brained hotheads again?"
Officer Jenny nodded as she confirmed, "That's right; Team Skull's back, and as the princess informed us when you came here, they've returned from their exile so Guzma can compete in the tournament while his gang's off causing trouble again."
"Oh, bloody hell. Those scamps have no honor with what they're pulling after all this time," groaned Tsukumaro in annoyance.
"Our daughter did say that they're meant to come back to Alola from their private island for the Pokémon League but I never thought they'd sink this low upon arriving," Delilah scoffed.
"And, they're not the only ones; there are more of them around which means Tupp, Rapp, and Zipp will be with them along with Plumeria and Guzma. Along with their friends, the three of them will litter and pick fights with the other trainers which could spell trouble for the Pokémon League. You folks stay on guard and be ready for anything," Officer Jenny warned as she and Granbull left to inform their fellow police officers on the island.
"Yes, Officer!" the group replied.
"This is awful!"
"And, just when there's finally an Alola Pokémon League thanks to Prof. Kuki!" Mallow and Lillie frowned.
"They're the worst, all of them!" grumbled Lana as her face darkened and she growled.
"Way past uncool!" agreed an annoyed Sandy.
"Hey, wait! If they're here, then where's Sarah?" Lillie cried as the group suddenly gasped, realizing that Sarah could be in trouble if they found her first before they rushed off to find Hala and Kukui to help them.
With Team Rocket, their Masalada business was going as smoothly as ever as they handed out sweets and treats to their customers.
"Here you are, please come again soon!" grinned Jessie as she and Gorgiest handed a young girl a Manalo Masalada.
"They taste even yummier with our Royal Honey Nectarade!"
"Here!" Meowth and James grinned as they handed the girl the Masalada condiment.
"Thank you!" the girl thanked as she rejoined her parents with her Pikipek in tow and enjoyed her treat.
"Hey, you numbskulls! What's the big deal, out of my way! I got business to tend to!" a male Team Skull grunt barked as he and two other grunts joining him barged their way through the hungry crowd to face the former villains.
Immediately after seeing the grunts, Jessie, James, and their Pokémon with them along with Meowth and Wobbuffet grew suspicious of them before James replied, "Please! Wait your turn, just like everybody else!"
Then, they quickly huddled together to confirm their suspicions as they bantered and whispered to each other, "Get a load of that, it's those Team Skull brats the royal twerpette kicked out of Alola a while back."
"We could teach them a lesson but we'd lose sales and the people will get hurt if we start a fight."
"Being a teacher could be more fun. Now, here's what we'll do...…"
With a plan agreed upon, Team Rocket set to work as Jessie told the grunt, "Excuse me, would you mind going back to the end of the line and letting these kindly folk have their turn?"
"Oh, brother! Who do you think you are, lady? Selling Masaladas in this crate of an island?" the grunt snorted rudely.
Jessie sniffed in annoyance as she spat at him, "Well, unlike you, we're the ones with the sales permits!"
"Who cares about your sales permits?! NOT ME, OBVIOUSLY! HUH!" the grunt snapped as he furiously kicked over the sign for Team Rocket's Masalada truck, frightening the people as they started to back off in response to his temper tantrum.
But, this only served to irk Jessie and her friends for they decided that now was the time for action as a now-angry James snapped back at the grunt, "My dear sir, I must object because you've damaged store property and frightened these innocent customers of ours!"
With that, he brought out Mareanie as the rest of his and Jessie's Pokemon, Meowth, and Wobbuffet stood beside them to defend the people and Manalo Stadium on their end through a little "Pokémon Teacher's Ed" they had in mind.
"You better run now," Meowth sneered.
"The customer's always right for the most part but on some days, they're not always right with the likes of you. So, in that sense, prepare for good trouble," added Jessie, smirking.
"You wanna fight with us?"
"You better not mess with Team Skull!"
"Let's get it on!" the grunts barked incredulously as they brought out their own Pokémon.
At the dock, Gladion and his Lycanroc had arrived to attend the Pokémon League and reunite with his family and friends. But, upon seeing Team Skull causing trouble again with three grunts using a Houndoom, an Ekans, and an Alolan Raticate, they quickly stopped them in their tracks and gave them a right beating that left the grunts and their Pokémon wiped out.
"Ugh, you'll pay for this, you weasel...…" groaned one of the grunts before he passed out.
"That wasn't even a good warm-up for the Pokémon League," Gladion scoffed in annoyance as his Lycanroc could only agree.
Of course, the three grunts causing trouble for the people with Team Rocket were also taken to school when their Drowsee, Spinarak, and Alolan Rattata were beaten by Meowth, Wobbuffet, Inkay, Gorgiest, Mareanie, and Mime Jr. in no time at all (to the delight of the people watching the battle).
"That wasn't even a bad warm-up for the Pokemon League, really," Jessie snarked proudly.
"You don't deserve to call us enemies if you're all bark and no bite," James added as the crowd cheered for Team Rocket.
"Meanies!"
"What a bunch of weak bozos!"
"Not even a contest!" remarked Mareanie, Gorgiest, and Inkay, sharing their human friends' smirks.
The three terrified grunts returned their Pokemon and ran for it but not before the first grunt barked, "One round to you but this ain't over yet!"
"Hmph, poor babies. Weak bullies like them always seem to utter the same bully phrases," Jessie scoffed as the grunts cleared out.
"They can be so predictable at times," agreed James.
"Hmm, how ironic," Wobbuffet remarked, getting a sense of deja vu from the irony of his group's current situation.
Meanwhile, Sarah was on her own shopping spree to buy some new accessories for Scorch, Cinderace, Eternatus, and the Treasures of Ruin while she, her family, and her friends with her at the shopping mall.
She had just bought two Ability Patches for Cinderace and Scorch after she learned about their hidden Libero ability (realizing that it will allow them to change their Pokemon Type to that of their previously used attacks). The two Rabbit Pokémon were pleased by this and even Ash was impressed, stating that their new Ability Patches would come in handy for them in the Pokémon League.
She also learned that Eterantus' only ability was Pressure and it was useless when he's in battle so she enchanted a new Ability Capsule she bought for him so he would gain a new ability called Corrosion (an ability normally belonging to Salazzle), allowing him to poison both Steel Types and Poison Types (despite the irony of the latter Pokémon Type) much to his delight.
With Chien and his brothers, they were given Expert Belts in favor of Black Glasses since none of them would feel comfortable wearing them and even Sarah had to admit that they'd look out of place with the glasses on them. In addition, she gave Ting-Lu a Soft Sand necklace, a Miracle Seed collar for Wo-Chien, a new Charcoal tail band for Chi-Yu, and a newly-made Never-Melting Ice collar for Chien to boost the power of their respective Ground, Grass, Fire, and Ice Type attacks.
When her latest shopping spree for her Pokémon was complete, she, her family, and her friends went around the shopping mall as she, Ash, Kiawe, Race, Asha, and Sophocles, told the VIkings and Hau what's been going on with them as of late.
As they were looking for lunch while they talked, the Vikings and Hau were enthralled by what they were hearing; they were impressed to hear about the end of Team Rocket, resulting in Jessie, James, and Meowth finally turning over a new leaf and now living happily with Bewear and her son while making Alola their new permanent home in true Hakuna Matata fashion.
They were also baffled by how the group's early days with Chien's brothers turned out after they were given to her. However, they were relieved to know that Chi-Yu, Ting-Lu, and Wo-Chien were now on good terms with them and everybody else following the final battle against the evil Pokémon syndicate.
They were also curious as to what would happen to the businesses that were run by Giovanni (which he used to serve as a front for his and Team Rocket's schemes) but were told that they were given to the Alolan Royal Family as per Officer Jenny and her team's orders. And, with his former businesses in their custody, she now planned on using them as fronts to spearhead her dream of being a Pokemon Ambassador. This included turning one of them into a new Pokémon Hospital, a new Ohana Sanctuary, and a new Pokémon Training Center as well as a new Dragon Center (which will be used to find and track down exactly how many dragons had fled to her world before the Red Death met her end).
Despite Race making a humorous jab at his girlfriend over how she was now as busy as a Beedrill which had the group laughing in her face, they agreed and offered them their blessings and support in her new operations. But, their chat was cut short when they heard people screaming and they turned to find Zipp's Garbodor using Sludge Bomb to scare everybody away while he, Tupp, Rapp, Salazzle, and Zubat dumped litter all over.
"Take that! That's right, run and don't come back! This place belongs to Team Skull now!"
"So, get out of our way if you know what's good for you!" Tupp and Rapp threatened before Sunce and Cansu stopped them.
"Hey, look! Over there!" Zipp gasped, seeing Sarah coming towards them as she came up from behind Cansu and Sunce.
"Tupp, Zipp, and Rapp, I had a feeling you and Team Skull would finally return. I see you made good word on my degree but I never thought you'd pull a stunt like this after being in hot water with me last time after you tried to crash my 17th birthday party," Sarah sighed in disappointment.
"Yeah, well, all that humiliation ends right here and now, royal brat! You're gonna pay for kicking us out in the first place and I'll betcha that'll make Guzma real happy after we trash this joint!" Tupp snarled.
"I highly doubt he'd be happy with your horseplay if he and Plumeria were here now, Tupp. You brought that upon yourselves when you trespassed upon my home that night looking for me and you're taking your anger out on everybody else when you finally came back. What did all those people ever do to you?"
"Wait, Guzma?" Ash breathed in shock, remembering how the Team Skull leader nearly won their first battle against each other and nearly killed his partner after he got poisoned. "Oh, that guy..."
"Perfect timing's the key and that's what we got this time! We'll make sure that by the time we're through with you, you and your mangy little friends won't have time to join the Pokémon League!" Tupp continued smugly.
"It's never up to you as I told you before. But, if you want to stomp all over Kukui's dream and fight me again for the sake of having your boss save face despite knowing you lost to me every time we and our Pokémon battle, you can try. However, I want to remind you all that what happens between us is all up to you and I won't allow you to involve anybody else in the crossfire," the little princess scoffed.
"Who cares as long as we take you down? Let's get 'em, Salazzle! Use Scratch attack!" Tupp retorted as he ordered his partner to attack.
"Gardobor, stink her with Sludge Bomb!"
"Drain her with Leech Life, Zubat!" Zipp and Rapp added.
"Sarah!"
"Look out!" Kiawe and Sophocles cried in alarm as the trio's Pokémon attacked.
But, Sarah remained calm as a cucumber and as Salazzle, Garbordor, and Zubat drew closer and closer, they and their masters were shocked when Espathra appeared and showed off her violent temperament, immobilizing them with her Psychic power before she unleashed her Quick Attack and pecked them mercilessly with Drill Peck. Salazzle, Garbodor, and Zubat hissed, screamed, and screeched in panic as they tried to shoo her away but it was no use as they had no response to her power and she knocked them all out in no time.
Ash and the others were badly shaken by how merciless Espathra was with her assault on Rapp, Zipp, and Tupp's partners but Snotlout, Ruffnut, and Tuffnut just laughed as the Ostrich Pokémon snorted in disgust and turned her head away at her enemies' Pokémon as she returned to Sarah's side, "Hmph, impudent weaklings."
"Ouch," Hiccup groaned as he winced.
"Uh, Rotom, what kind of Pokémon is that?" squeaked Zenna to the Living Pokedex.
Rotom-Dex gulped as he scanned Espathra and grimly replied, "An extremely aggressive one with a nasty temper to boot. Espathra, the Ostrich Pokémon. A Psychic Type, it immobilizes its opponents by bathing them in Psychic power from its large eyes. Despite its appearance, it has a vicious temperament."
"Whoa..."
"She fights even more ferociously than I ever will," blinked Fishlegs and Astrid, both Vikings feeling frightened by what they heard from Rotom-Dex and what they saw out of the Psychic Type.
"Phew, remind me to not get that Pokémon angry if I run into one."
"You and me both, Partner," Hau and Decidueye gulped worriedly.
"Thank you, Espathra, but I think you've done more than enough right now. I'll handle it from here and next time, don't try to kill them," Sarah warned Espathra, getting only a huff from her before she addressed the three grunts again. "Now, why exactly are you causing trouble in Manalo Stadium?"
"Sarah's right! Why would you go and do all of that horrible stuff you did?!"
"Yeah, everybody was getting pumped up for the competition!" Ash and Sophocles snapped at the grunts as they and everybody else on the heroes' side joined Sarah and the three Pokemon with her.
"The only fools that are getting pumped up around here are people like you and the princess!"
"Tupp is right! What's so great about this competition, anyway?"
"Nobody needs your stupid Pokémon League! There's no point in holding one, at all!" Tupp, Zipp, and Rapp snarled, spitting on Kukui's lifelong dream on the spot.
"What was that?!" Kiawe seethed as he prepared to fight them himself until Sarah held out her left arm to hold him back.
"Kiawe, don't. That's just what they want. I'll handle it, now stay back," the princess ordered, allowing him to step back and let her deal with Team Skull. "As I said, what happens between us is up to you but as far as I'm concerned, you have no right to decide what happens with the Pokémon League!"
"Hey!" a voice called in disappointment as everybody turned to find Guzma and Plumeria walking over, having arrived in Manalo Stadium as well to sign up for the Pokémon League and spotted Tupp, Zipp, and Rapp causing trouble behind their backs. "What do you three think you're doing?"
Ash gasped in shock as Sarah simply replied darkly, "Guzma."
"It's Guzma!" Tupp, Zipp, and Rapp panicked, realizing that they were in trouble with their leader and Plumeria as Tupp awkwardly told Guzma, "W-W-We, we didn't expect you, uh, to be here so soon, uh, he-he...…."
"I can't believe you would sink so low despite our return as decreed by the princess last time. From now on, don't you three ever go off without your orders!" scolded Plumeria furiously, making the trio flinch.
"Y-You see, Big Sis... Uh, we didn't think a busy guy like Guzma should worry about this so we decided to have his work cut out for him, right?" Tupp said, feeling guilty about being caught in the act.
"What's the point if you lose, anyway? Especially when it's clear you're still not in the princess' league?" Plumeria scoffed softly, making Tupp, Rapp, and Zipp sigh in defeat.
"Well, now... I see you haven't changed much apart from your Pokemon, Princess. It seems you've washed out some of my team but that just makes it all the more sweeter for me. I'll enjoy taking you down right here and now before you and your meddlers even have a chance to participate," Guzma smirked maliciously as he brought out Golisopod's Pokeball.
Sarah gritted her teeth as she restrained herself and her Espathra from accepting Guzma's unorthodox challenge despite not wanting him and Team Skull to cause any more trouble than they already, however...…
"Over there!" cried Lillie as everybody turned to find her, Lana, Mallow, Sarah's blood and adoptive parents and grandparents, Kukui, and Hala approaching the scene of the disaster.
"Lillie, everyone!" gasped Ash in acknowledgment.
"We heard there was some trouble over here from Officer Jenny," Mallow informed.
"We got worried for you so we came as fast as we could," Lana added as Kukui joined Sarah and he was not surprised to see Guzma in the slightest.
"So, Guzma. You're finally back along with Team Skull, what are you here for?" the Alolan professor began.
"Didn't you and the princess suggest that I compete in the Pokémon League? Well, here I am, just like you wanted after Team Skull and I served our sentence," Guzma sneered.
"Hmm..."
Rapp, Tupp, and Zipp were surprised as the latter two questioned, "Guzma?"
"You're competing in the Pokémon League?"
But, Plumeria hushed them as she held out her hand while Guzma continued to taunt Kukui, "I would expect you of all people to approve of my taking part now that we've fulfilled our end of the bargain the princess made on her 17th birthday, do you?"
Hala looked just as unnerved as Kukui as he watched the exchange between the pair and the latter nodded in approval to Guzma, "Yeah."
"HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA! Then, that's that! But, I should warn you; you'll regret saying that once we finally begin!" Guzma laughed smugly, getting into Kukui's face as he continued to taunt, "You've always dreamed of having a Pokémon League stadium. Well, now that you have it, I'm gonna stand all the way at the top! Then, we'll see if you can still claim the right to spout all of your lofty ideals, theories, and dreams!"
"Watch it, Guzma, you're pushing it again. If you stomp all over and destroy Prof. Kukui's greatest dream, I'll see to it that you and Team Skull are kicked out of Alola permanently after we finally face each other in the tournament. My family will see to it since you have no respect for Alola's culture," Sarah warned darkly.
Guzma snarled at her but Hala was growing concerned despite his own displeasure as he hummed, "Hmm...…"
"Say what you will, Princess, but that doesn't change the fact that I'm going to show you that Alola's so-called culture doesn't mean a thing as long as you're the strongest of all the trainers here! And, once I become the champion after beating you, I'll prove to everyone that Kukui never has another competition again! I'll destroy every last stupid dream that he has until he has nothing at all!"
"Guzma!" Kukui snarled furiously.
"Enough!" Doug barked angrily as he and Delilah stepped forward furiously at glared at Guzma. "Young man, I advise you to take that haughty attitude of yours and lumber back to the hotel you're staying at! My wife and I will not have you trifling with and defiling our region with your insolence!"
Guzma growled before he huffed and turned away as he smirked and continued to sneer, "We'll see but I can't wait."
And, with that, the Team Skull leader left with Plumeria, Tupp, Rapp, and Zipp in tow, leaving everybody shocked and appalled by what he had said.
Later, everybody was silent as they tried to understand why Guzma would enter the Pokémon League just to get his revenge on Kukui and Sarah.
"I never expected that jerk to compete in the Pokémon League after he and Team Skull returned," Kiawe remarked with disdain. "I did. I can see he hasn't changed a bit following their exile," Sarah sighed.
"But, why is he so obsessed with Prof. Kukui of all people and bent on destroying the Pokémon League?" Lillie pondered.
Kukui was too distraught to say anything to the group but Hala came over and put a reassuring hand on his left shoulder, the two of them mentally agreeing that everybody deserved how Guzma became the broken and vengeful man he is now.
Sighing heavily and filled with shame and self-loathing, Hala told everybody, "A long time ago, Guzma and Kukui were both students of mine...…"
Everyone gasped in shock and surprise as the Melemele Kahuna continued to speak, "...…But, Guzma never wanted to accept any of the lessons that I tried to teach him and Kukui."
(Flashback)
And, finally, one day...…
It was a dark and stormy day at Hala's house in Iki Town and it would turn out to be the most tragic and disappointing day he and Kukui ever had in the Alola Professor's youth. After some time learning under the Melemele Island Kahuna's tutelage, Guzma finally had enough, vowing to become a strong trainer without learning about Alola's culture much to Kukui's displeasure. All the while, Hala could only watch in sadness and disappointment as Guzma and Kukui's argument finally came to a head.
"I can't stand that fake 'hero' act and your pathetic 'justice for all' garbage you're always talking about! Where's the justice, where's the hero?! It's worthless! Who cares about Alola's 'natural world'?!" Young Guzma spat.
"Guzma!" Young Kukui replied as he tried to approach him only to gasp in shock as the irritated Guzma swiped his arm away.
"It's all WORTHLESS, GET IT?! I don't need your stupid Z-Moves or Z-Rings! I'll get stronger in my own way! I'll show you!"
"Guzma!" Kukui cried as Guzma ran out into the rain and disappeared.
(Flashback End)
"No way..."
"That's horrible," Lillie and Hiccup breathed in stunned horror on behalf of everyone.
"I realized my mistake too late and didn't try to make things right between us. This is all my fault; my failure as a teacher caused all of this. I couldn't figure out how to reach him in a meaningful way and one that he would understand," Hala frowned sadly, blaming himself for Guzma's fate.
"No way, Gramps," Hau breathed reassuringly.
"It wasn't your fault, Hala. If only...… If only I had been able to convince him," Kukui admitted in shame.
Sarah frowned sadly for them as she approached the pair and told them, "No, Hala, Kukui, neither of you is to blame for what happened that day. Teaching usually goes both ways; it's one thing for a teacher to teach his or her student but it's another thing to remember that students either accept or reject the lessons they're given if they don't understand. Kukui and I and my friends, we're all examples of that; your Grand Trial two years ago helped me and Silvally break off his control mask as you knew we'd make a great team as long as we trusted each other. Prof., you taught us everything we knew about Alola's culture the only way you knew how and it was those same lessons that led us to where we are now and the return of my blood family."
She then sighed as she gave a disappointed frown regarding Guzma and his actions, "Guzma just doesn't understand how things and Pokémon battles work in Alola; he made his choice and rejected everything you tried to teach him when he ran away, Hala. He just wanted things to be done easily and without any formalities just so he could get his way. That's why he ran away and never finished what he started; he just didn't want to open his heart and reach out to others for help just as you guys did. He's also too proud to admit when he's wrong and what he's doing just isn't right...…"
Kukui and Hala were silent but they agreed with what Sarah told them until Cobalion decided to speak up.
"The princess is right, you two. Despite how roughly I've treated Keldeo throughout our lessons together, all I wanted was for him to do his best and prove his worth as a Sword of Justice the right way and not the easy way. As I've told him each time he lost, 'It is what you learn from your defeat that is truly important'," the Iron Will Pokémon told them as he approached with Keldeo beside him.
"Yeah, I made some mistakes throughout my training and I did challenge Kyurem prematurely when I should've realized I was not ready to face him yet. But, I remembered everything Cobalion, Virizion, and Terrakion taught me and admitted my mistakes while I worked to make up for them. Guzma, on the other hand, just gave up and ran away when he didn't need to. That's his greatest weakness," Keldeo added in agreement.
"Look, don't worry about Guzma too much. It doesn't do either of you good to dwell on what happened in the past. What's done is done and we can't change the past," the little princess finished before she continued, "I'll tell you what we'll do; once we're all signed up tonight, I'll try and get to him while we battle in the Pokémon League from tomorrow. And, when we do meet, I'll try and figure out why he ran away like he did and teach him a lesson that he'll never forget."
"Now, that I believe."
"Yeah!"
"She'll take down that meanie!" "You bet!" Tot, Nano, and Mini agreed cheerfully.
"My girl's been grinding her gears off for this contest since day one. She's got his number already and she'll hack him down before you know it," smirked Liberty in agreement.
"You said it, Sarah... You'll do us all proud!" Kiawe smiled, shedding tears of pride for Alola's princess.
"Nobody messes with the Alola Pokémon League and we'll help, too!" Mallow added.
"Not if we have anything to say about it!"
"We'll work hard!"
"We're ready!"
"And, we'll win it, too!"
"Count me in!" Lana, Ash, Lillie, Sophocles, and Hau concurred proudly as everyone else agreed.
Hala and Kukui were touched by the devotion to them and the need to stop Guzma and find out why he keeps running away by their friends/students as they smiled warmly.
"Everyone...… Thank you," Kukui sniffed, feeling grateful.
Night had fallen and following the opening ceremonies (which went off without a hitch), Prof. Kukui kicked off the reception following a rousing speech, "Welcome to our reception, ladies and gentlemen, for the first-ever Alola Pokémon League! So, eat all you want and have a ball! You'll want to be stocked up and stoked for the big day as we begin the tournament from tomorrow!"
Everybody cheered as Meatlug could hardly contain her excitement, "Finally, food!"
"Now, Meatlug, don't overdo it, okay? I don't want to force Fishlegs to put you on a diet if you can't control your appetite," Sarah warned the female Gronckle as she picked up a bowl of fruit and a plate of sandwiches.
"Don't worry, Sarah. When have I ever not overstuffed myself?" she grinned.
"Looks great! Everybody signed up for the Pokemon League?" Ash asked, grinning at the food and getting nods from everybody with him. "Then, let's dig in! Come on out, everyone!"
He then proceeded to let his entire team up along with the others as they all indulged themselves on the massive banquet that was held in honor of the Alola Pokémon League. Stocks and piles of food were laid out on every table including the main buffet table as everybody enjoyed themselves. There was even an array of giant bowls of Pokémon food and/or fish for Sarah's Pokémon and her dragons along with some fish-flavored Masaladas for Toothless and the other dragons of Berk.
"Here you are, Toothless, guys," Sarah called to Toothless and his friends as they happily joined in on the festivities. "Eat up, Snowy!" grinned Lillie to her partner.
"Wow, yummy!"
"Mm-hmm!" smiled Ash and Hau as they ate before they were taken by surprise by what looked to be an Alolan Exeggutor when Ash yelped, "WAH! Exeguttor!?"
However, to their surprise, the Alolan Exeggutor revealed himself to be Principal Oak in an Alolan Exeggutor costume as he chirped happily, "Oh, so there you are! Have you kids tried the Okra-ttata? Mellow-etta!"
"Hey, it's Principal Oak!" Ash squeaked.
"Have you come to cheer us on, Principal Oak?" Lillie greeted happily as Sarah joined them and Hau watched on, looking flabbergasted.
"Not this time, dear Lillie. I'm competing with you children in the Pokemon League, see? It would be a waste if I didn't participate in it with such a competitor influx-ray! 'Scuse me!"
The others were left surprised and embarrassed as Principal Oak left to get himself signed up, leaving Hau to only mutter, "What a strange old man."
"Old he may be but he sure got a spring in his step," sighed Sarah in agreement, shrugging sheepishly.
Then, the heroes and Hau were startled as two girls passed by them, screaming with delight. More screams followed and they turned before they found Ilima amongst the giant crowd of fangirls who heard that he was coming to the Pokémon League and fawned over him when he showed up.
"Look, it's Ilima!"
"He must be a contestant, too."
"Still as popular as ever," Lana, Kiawe, and Sophocles noted.
"Oh, come on! I'm the most popular Viking in all of Berk! So, why is he drawing in the cool babes and I'm not?" Snotlout whined as he crossed his arms and pouted in annoyance.
"It' a mystery," smirked Astrid, earning only an irritated huff from the cocky Viking teen.
"Maybe I'll go and say hello," Ash offered as he went to see Ilima only to be thrown into the air after four more girls steamrolled him to meet the former Trial Captain.
"Ooh...…"
"Ash!"
"Are you alright, Ash?" Hiccup, Zenna, and Lillie gasped as the battered Kanto Trainer groaned in pain and the others looked on sheepishly and worriedly.
"Say 'hi' later, OK?" Mallow suggested before Ash noticed Gladion and his Lycanroc coming over to the group and smiling at him.
"Hey, Ash," he chuckled.
"Gladion, Lycanroc!"
"Gladdie!" Snowy cheered happily, getting Lillie's attention as she gasped and went to her older brother with a smile with her Magearna in tow.
"How are you?" she asked cheerfully.
"Good. And you, Lillie?"
"I'm fine!"
Her Magearna beeped happily as Sarah and Dusk came over and grinned knowingly at him and Lycanroc, "Let me guess, you can't help wanting to compete in the Pokémon League as well?"
"Right. And, I'm going to be the one to win it, too," Gladion grinned back determinedly, getting a daring smirk from the princess.
"You'll have to get through me if you want to reach the top, then."
"Yeah, you'll have to beat me too, man," Dusk grinned at Lycanroc.
"I'll look forward to it," chuckled the Dark/Rock Type in response.
"Hey, don't forget about me!"
"Me, neither!"
"The league is all mine!" Kiawe, Hau, and Sophocles barked, determined to win as well.
"Here we go again."
"Uh-huh," sighed Mallow and Lana, both of them amused but raring to battle as well.
In the midst of the celebration, Guzma and Plumeria were amongst the audience and contestants. Guzma gave off an evil chuckle and a sneer as he eyed Sarah, Hala, and Kukui but the Team Skull admin couldn't help but look worried for him as she started to realize he was taking his rivalry and grudge against the trio a little too personally (even if she didn't show it let alone speak her thoughts for his sake).
Then, when everyone was ready, Kukui returned to the stage to make his next announcement, "Welcome to the first-ever Alola Pokemon League competition! First off, to learn how the preliminary/elimination rounds are set up for this tournament, we're joined by none other than the Masked Royal!"
He then directed everyone to the giant TV monitor as everybody (save for Sarah) gasped in amazement as the lights went out and the Masked Royal (once again played by Zorua as he and the princess planned ahead of time) appeared to explain about the league's preliminary rounds.
"Thank you for inviting me, cool cats!" the Masked Royal smiled broadly.
"Alright!"
"THE MASKED ROYAL!" Ash and Burnet cheered, the latter gushing yet again and having hearts for eyes despite still being in the dark about her husband's alter ego.
"The preliminary/elimination round...…..will be a battle among everyone!" announced the Masked Royal as he jumped from his podium and onto the ring. "And, the Top 16 competitors who blaze their way through will continue on to the main tournament! It's...… THE BATTLE ROYALE!"
Everyone on the heroes' side was shocked as they realized a Battle Royale free-for-all will decide the Top 16 to compete in the main tournament while Ilima and Hau gave silent but determined looks. Guzma sneered with an evil grin on his face but Sarah and Kukui smiled before they looked at each other and nodded, the two of them knowing that the Alola League was going to be the wildest Pokémon League competition around compared to the Pokémon Leagues of the past.
The Alola Pokemon League is finally about to begin. I predict trouble from the start but how will it all end once the competition is over? Stay tuned as the journey continues!