Alola readers. I know it's been almost a month since I last updated, but I hope this chapter turns out as good as I worked it out to be. This one took me a little longer to edit and finish as you can tell.

Before I get started here; we've got some extra news regarding Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. Plus a couple other questions shot to me via PM and there's a few things for me to go over.

But I do have to say the USUM looks really exciting to play and I can't wait until they're released in November. As for me inputting stuff from those upcoming games into the story...well we'll see. I mean, neither one is available to play for two more months...a little less. But given some of the new footage and teaser images we get bit by bit means that there is a much darker and intense storyline than the first two Sun and Moon games. I do plan on taking a more dramatic twist on things which I'm particularly excited to write about. Those of you who have played the games know where a lot of that stuff is going to happen.

I'm going to keep myself completely open minded and creative, so it is very possible that I bring in stuff that happens in USUM into the fold. Now I'll have to keep it logical and balanced as best I could, so obviously anything up to this point that occurs in the alternate universe can't happen. If stuff down the road is influenced by a part that I've already gone past...well I may have to pass it up, no matter how awesome it would be to add it in.

Now I don't anticipate me getting a lot further into the story by the time USUM releases. (I still have no idea how long I'm planning to take this! :P) Things are getting tougher for me to write again and you all already know that I've nearly given up on keeping a set schedule on updating. In a way, that will work in my favor since I can put more stuff from USUM if I feel like it in here. I estimate that by then we MAY get to the Totem Wishiwashi battle. (Which I am super excited to write about) Hopefully nothing too important happens so that integrating it in won't be an issue. Other things like the different pokemon species I will probably add in at wherever I am. Despite that, I'm already set on the teams planned out for each character and none will be changed. (If I had Elio pick Rowlet or Popplio instead, I'd be down to changing stuff for him since Larvesta and Volcarona happen to be two of my favorite fire types in the game and they're two I know that are set to appear in USUM! I'll end up with one on at least one playthrough guaranteed!)

Like I said...we'll see. But I will say that the Mantine surfing part looks plain amazing and it really could go very well with what I have planned soon.

So I'll step off my soapbox and let the chapter be told. Enjoy guys.

I was surprised to get a letter from Elio this early! Even though he said he'd only be in the Paniola area for a couple days, it seems like he's having a lot of fun!

Dear Lillie,

I hope everything is going well back in Heahea City. I heard that there are a lot of nice pools there at the Tide Song to relax and unwind. Lots of places to eat too! Since everything's been tense with Nebby and all, you certainly could use the relaxation!

I never really expected farming to be such a huge business on a place like Alola, especially somewhere like Akala Island, but here it is, I suppose! All this land at the foot of Haleakala is all dedicated to agriculture and run by ranchers for generations! This really reminds me of those awesome old western movies! So Hau and I decided to "reenact" those awesome standoff scenes from movies like The Lone Ranger with all the gunfighting and quickdraw duels! It was pretty funny and it seems that all the people who live here seem to get a kick out of all the tourists imitating the same thing. There's actually quite a few of them here too!

Did you know that "Paniola" is Alolan for cowboy? So this place is literally called the Town of Cowboys! Even though this seems right out of one of those Lone Ranger movie sets, there's evidence that this place isn't completely cut off from the outside world! They've got cars, running water, electricity, intranet and most technology that all the cities have. No paved roads though. They're all colored in this red dirt. I've never seen anything like it.

Anyways, I made a new friend here! People here are dressed for the harsh kind of thing. Given all the interesting clothing that people wear around here, you might fit in as a fine lady! It's really remarkable how much the landscape has changed just by going a little bit inland! The cool thing is that I got some souvenirs from the shops, a Stetson cavalry hat and this cool shirt that has the red dirt rubbed into it. Aren't you supposed to have dirt out of a shirt though?!

The first trial is up ahead at a place called Brooklet Hill. We're headed up there tomorrow through the Paniola Ranches to take it on. Again, just take things nice and easy like I said the other day. Alola is a place to relax and have fun!

I miss you.

Sincerely,

Elio

"Woah." The boys said at the same time.

They stood at the dirt road by the main one that led right into a single road with a multitude of old-time looking wooden buildings lining either side. There was a tall arch that spanned the two closest structures, showing some dark font as a welcome sign.

"Pomaikaʻi i ke kulanakauhale Paniola." Hau read out loud. Turning to Elio, he rephrased it in Basic. "Welcome to Paniola Town."

"Just wow." Elio glanced around.

It was as if they had stepped back in time to an old rustic Western settlement. The firmly packed dirt that split the town in two was a rural throwback compared to the rather modernized urban Heahea City they had left earlier that day. The few townsfolk around outside were in long sleeved clothes, starting the day by lounging in the shade of the stilted roofs.

To their right in between two of the large buildings was a water tower that loomed over the townscape, all parted by a thicket of trees stretching further back into the backcountry. The road that led north gave a fantastic view of the massive mountain that Elio saw towering over the entirety of Akala Island. From his point of view, the Mauna Haleakala had vibrant green vegetation around its base before dropping away roughly halfway up. The summit was just shy of a couple overhanging clouds, a dark brown peak devoid of vegetation.

The lone street that bisected the long settlements twisted to their right before heading into a clearing that must've gone to the main highway that encircled the island. The only vehicles seen were a pair of battered trucks that probably were being rolled off the assembly line when Elio's mother was being toilet trained. One of them was sputtering and had a coughing engine that belched a cloud of acrid smoke before its driver had pulled to a stop in front of a large shed on the left side to unload massive brown sacks.

Weather here was just like the rest of Alola and a sweating Elio instantly was reminded of its discomfort. The heat was relentless, oppressive and humid. Three things he didn't particularly like.

This place didn't seem like it had any form of air conditioning, so he already suspected the buildings were either going to be hot, stuffy or both.

"Woweee!" Hau glanced around happily at the settlement. "So this is Paniola Town huh? It's totally like a throwback to the old times huh?"

"Yeah it is." Elio glanced around as they had made their way over to the center square. From here, the roads had intersected and led back off into a few more homes that lined either side of the branching street.

Even though it looked as if the settlement had been built before their grandparents had been born; there was clear evidence that it was still in touch with the modern world. Besides the cars, a couple people had phones and tablet pads. Perhaps the biggest standout was the contemporary pokemon center that sat on the northeast part of the main square.

It's strange seeing something like that in the middle of this place. But it's what we do need right now.

"So Hau," Elio started. "Why don't we get our pokemon healed and we can do our battle once it's done?"

"Yeah sure."

The Paniola pokemon center had a similar modern interior to the others they had been to, with the exception of dark wooden walls and more antique furniture. The semicircular receptionist desk was tended to by another identical pink haired nurse who each had just ever so slightly different features from the others running the other centers.

Thankfully, the only serious issue was Hau's eevee who had contracted paralysis when Pikachu had its static ability triggered by physical contact. While a cheri berry had cured it for the most part while they were in the forest, the nurse gave it a look over anyway and confidently said that it had been fully cured prior to her inspection. All the other pokemon for both trainers were set in a special quick-healing machine and brought back up to full strength.

"Now how about that battle?"

"You bet! Let's go do it outside!"

Both boys thanked the nurse on duty and practically sprinted towards the glass door eagerly. Just as the sensor up top had recognized them and opened outward, they ran right into another tall figure. They had both been to intent on getting back outside that the collision nearly knocked them both over. The other man merely grunted, barely even moved by the force.

"Oh." Hau stumbled back while Sun managed to catch his balance by grabbing hold of the top of a nearby chair.

"S-sorry sir!"

Elio was about to make an apology himself when he saw the man. His appearance was a bit…off-putting.

His build was rangy and the plaid shirt and long legged pants he had on was a huge giveaway that he was one of the herders and native to the town. A wide brimmed Stetson hat sat atop his head and the two eyes gave both surprised boys a penetrating stare, although they were hidden by a pair of sunglasses.

Perhaps what put them on edge the most was the bright red bandanna concealing his nose and mouth. The aggressive stance and hiding of his features made him quite an intimidation.

"Sorry." Hau managed to squeak. Before Elio could say anything else, the kahuna's grandson grabbed the other boy by the wrist and dragged them outside.

He breathed a sigh of relief when they reached the center square again.

"Hau what's going on?" Elio finally managed to free his wrist from the other boy's surprisingly iron hard grip.

"Did you see that guy Sun?!" His eyes went wide. "He's an outlaw!"

"Outlaw?! The guy was wearing a bandanna."

"Yeah! Don't all the outlaws wear something like that?"

"Are you talking about like Team Skull?" Elio glanced back at the pokemon center as if the masked man was going to walk out to their conversation. "Those guys are so noisy; you can hear them half a mile away! I'm going to tell you right now that guy is not one of them!"

"I dunno brah. He didn't seem sketchy?"

"The only thing I'm finding sketchy is you being sketchy."

Hau gave him a blank stare. "What is that supposed to mean."

"How am I supposed to know? I don't make the script." Elio sighed. "Aren't we gonna battle?"

"Oh right." He put his hands behind his head and took one of the poke balls off his belt. "Having a battle right here in Paniola Town makes us feel like we're in some old-fashioned showdown! Awright Pikachu and team! How about we show this newbie what Alola's got!"

I've already beaten you three times. Elio thought to himself. I wouldn't exactly be called a noob.

"Anyway, Rotom, you gonna ref?"

"Of courzze!" A rip of a backpack zipper and the animated device flew out to the center in between the best friends. "Aren't you two gonna do a typical showdown like in the wezztern movies?"

"Ya mean like this?" Hau bent his knees slightly and spread his arms apart, flexing his fingers as he apprehensively began to walk laterally while continuing to face Elio. The dark haired boy mirrored his movements.

"This town ain't big enough for the both of us!"

"That'zz the zpirit!" Rotom waved its arms. "Thiz iz a three on three pokemon battle between Elio Northztar and Hau Kealoha. The battle will be concluded when all three pokemon on one trainerz' zide are incapable of further battling! Hau do you accept theze termzz?"

"I do!"

"Elio, do you accept theze termzz?"

"Yes."

"Then let the battle begin! Trainerzz zend out your pokemon upon my command! Bzzt!"

"Yer gonna have ta wait on that!" Hau said, keeping his arms in a ready stance. Just like in the usual western showdown; the two gunfighters would engage in a match of reflexes. Who would be the first to draw their revolver out of their holster and shoot the other?

Of course, no guns were present in this duel and it was out of pure fun rather than the intent to hurt. Elio's hand drifted close to his first pokemon choice. He had to keep it close to throw it out quick, but too early and he'd be disqualified.

Rotom raised its hands into air, having the attention of both participants.

As if it was an actual duel; Elio found his palms began to sweat and a feeling in his gut began to surface, but he wasn't able to tell if it was from nervousness or excitement.

The red arms came down.

Hau reacted just as fast as Elio. "Let's go Pikachu!" He took out a poke ball in his preferred throwing style, tossing it up in his right hand to cast it out.

I gotta figure out a style on how to throw poke balls. Just as much as trainer customization there was from newly minted ones to the professionals; it even extended to how they threw the poke balls to release their pokemon onto the battlezone.

If he had to credit anyone in particular for a favorite; Elio was a big fan of Brendan Maple, the incumbent champion of the Hoenn region. His throwing action was a half toss, half shotput upwards. The action had just enough flair to it in order to entice the audience.

It was then when the other boy noticed a familiar white band on his left arm as he threw Grimer out to meet Pikachu.

"Hau, did you get a Z-Ring?"

"Yup!" He held up his fist proudly. "My gramps thought I was good enough after all on his grand trial to take it!"

"That's awfully nice of him!"

"Yeah it is! Just remember, I'm still gonna beat you one of these days!"

"You're welcome to try." Elio smirked before gesturing to Pikachu. "Grimer, let's start this out! Get close and bite it!"

"Grime!" His sludge pokemon began slithering over with fangs bared. On Hau's side; Pikachu tensed before nimbly jumping out of reach again.

Wow. It's gotten fast.

"You're gonna have to be faster than that if you want to hit Pikachu!" With a snap of his fingers; the mouse pokemon charged its body with electricity before launching a jolt of it across the field. Grimer had been too slow to dodge the incoming attack.

He had received some damage, but thankfully the blob's general resilience to attacks was proving to be useful. On the other side of the field; Elio saw Hau narrow his eyes as Pikachu landed in front, analyzing his opponent.

What's your game plan Hau? If I suspect right, you're going to try a paralysis and electro ball combo. Sun knew right away that it was a deadly tandem for electric type of pokemon. They were speedy enough as is and electro ball was a move that increased in power if the attacker was faster than its foe.

Paralysis aside from confusion was his two least favorite statuses.

Then we'll take that advantage away.

Grimer retaliated with belching some greenish poison gas to blanket the field. Pikachu's reaction was merely to jump over its low hanging dense fog and unleashing another thundershock. This time around, Grimer's outcry was a little more strained and it seemed to have taken some toll on him.

"Thunder wave!"

There it is. Now that Hau had shown his hand, it was time for Elio to make his own move.

"Stop attacking." He calmly ordered. "Use minimize to escape."

Wordlessly complying, Grimer quickly shrunk himself down low to the ground to a fraction of his normal size. As he did, Pikachu unleashed another wave of electric energy, but this time it was much more faint and grew in size with its ringlike shape. Thankfully he came out unscathed.

"Back on the offensive buddy!" Sun called out.

"Grime!" He grew right back up to his normal size, greeting Pikachu when it unleashed another thundershock. Just as quickly, the jagged jolting strike caused him to shrink back down and regain his size one more to deliver a decisive bite right on its tail.

"Pika!"

"Thunder wave again!"

Oh crap. It's too close to avoid it!

Sun had to pull him out. "Grimer, return!"

As the reddish beam captured the creature and pulled him back, Elio spun Torracat's poke ball just after Pikachu unleashed its attack.

"Wow!" Hau's eyes went wide after seeing his different starter. "You evolved your litten!"

"I sure did!"

"Tor! Torracat!"

"Well I can't wait to see what it's all about! Pikachu, electro ball!"

"Get ready buddy."

"Pi!" Pikachu launched himself into the air, forming a good-sized sphere of golden energy that crackled in its surroundings. With a swoop of its tail, it was launched, accelerating towards Torracat with amazing speed.

His starter pokemon used his more developed hind legs to propel himself out of the way. The electro ball slammed into the ground, kicking up a thick cloud of dirt. Torracat stopped short, opening his mouth and firing a single ember. Pikachu's cry from the other side told him that he had hit its mark.

"That's it!" Elio cheered. "I knew you could do it!"

"Tor!"

On the other side; Hau was getting a little uneasy. "Pikachu, let's go defense!"

You want to play that game Sun? So can we!

"Light screen!"

"Pi!" Just as the dust was beginning to settle back down, Elio saw Pikachu wave his hands. At the notion, a big familiar barrier formulated in between them, sparkling with an iridescent sheen in the bright sun.

Torracat's next ember he shot was aimed right at Pikachu, however the light screen wall completely absorbed the fire across its smooth surface before dying out.

Nice move Hau. Sun had to really hand it to him for the ingenious tactic. Light screen neutralizing all my special moves so that I have no choice but to move close and fight physical. But if I do that, I risk getting Torracat paralyzed with that static ability. I see you're playing into that.

He had no choice. I have to take that risk.

Torracat seemed to understand his trainer's thoughts and immediately dashed forward through, baring a fire fang. Hau was caught off guard as Pikachu let out a startled scream from the force of the bite.

Please no static. Please no static.

His luck seemed to hold out after disconnecting as the ability hadn't been triggered.

Pikachu landed on the ground, breathing heavily, but still on its feet with a determined expression on its face.

"I never would've thought you'd send out Torracat." Hau said. "You usually face Pikachu with Grimer."

Elio grinned back. "Trying something new."

Hau gestured forward, causing Pikachu to dash ahead. Right behind him, Torracat kept pace, firing off a couple of embers which were suppressed by the light screen barrier.

After a few moments of them playing a dodging game of electro balls and fire fangs, Pikachu's luck finally ran out. His trainer had been banking on the fact that Pikachu's higher speed would give it the advantage over Grimer's defensive prowess. He was not expecting Elio to use Torracat so quickly and was figuring out that it wasn't going to be as slow as its previous Litten.

The light screen is still up. "Torracat, finish it with fire fang and toss it down!"

"Tor!" With a final burst of speed, the fire type leapt forward, overtaking a very surprised Pikachu. He cloaked his teeth in red hot fire and sunk them right into his side.

"Pikaaa." Pikachu let out a weak moan as Torracat dropped his defeated opponent on the floor.

"Pikachu izz incapable of battling! Torracat iz the winner. It izz a three on two matchup!" Rotom declared as the referee, waving his arms.

"Yeah. Way to go buddy." Elio made a triumphant fist when he noticed that Torracat hadn't responded to his compliment.

I guess I wasn't so lucky to avoid static after all.

As a final send off for Pikachu, Torracat's newly contracted paralysis coated his skin in occasional flare ups of mini volts of electricity.

"Pikachu, return." Hau sighed and gave off a sad smile while placing the ball back on his belt. "I…I thought that he would be able to battle well."

Even though they were rivals of sorts; Elio immediately felt a pang of guilt for winning so handily. He knew that Hau really had a lot of fun battling and it crushed him just slightly inside for ruining that fun by him continuing to crush his rival. They were supposed to be best friends.

Ohana first. Rivals second.

"Hau," Elio started, trying to find a way to encourage his friend. "Pikachu did really good."

"Yeah he did. Thanks brah." Even though the compliment had been accepted, he still felt that the sting was still nagging at Hau's side. "Just gotta keep on going huh?"

He fingered a second poke ball and washed away his dour mood with another contagious grin. "Okay, let's do this Eevee!"

The device split open, materializing the small brown creature in a flash of morphed light. Eevee gave out a yawn that even Elio had to admit was adorable before crouching down in a battle stance to face Torracat.

You're not facing this thing. I need you for Rowlet.

"Torracat return!" Hau had a look of curiosity on his face as Sun recalled his pokemon and sent Grimer back out.

As the blob of sludge emerged from his resting place, Hau was already in command of Eevee, making it dash forward in a quick attack.

Grimer reacted with a pound, however Eevee had quickly anticipated this and smartly jumped out of the way.

"Eevee, sand-attack!"

"Ee!" The pokemon stopped and flung its paw outwards, scraping the ground as he hurled a clump of dirt right into Elio's pokemon's eyes.

"Grime!" He angrily scratched his face in frustration.

"Snap out of it buddy." Elio remained a bit calm and hoped maybe he could draw Eevee in to where he could slow it down just enough.

At his trainer's urging; Grimer shrunk himself back down as Eevee dashed forward for another quick attack. However, he had been so small that it was easy to miss. His evolution pokemon followed up with a bite that was just as easily avoided. Grimer grew right back up to his original size, opening his own maw. The poison fang clamped down on Eevee, causing it to let out a rather cutesy cry of pain.

"Eevee no!"

As he disconnected, allowing the brown fox to jump away, it shivered from some unknown substance. A thin oily liquid was coating its body, bubbling noxiously.

Good job buddy! You poisoned it!

The look of grim determination gave away that Hau and Eevee weren't going to be beat again without something to say about it. He closed again in a quick attack.

Grimer quickly shrunk right back down to avoid it.

"Just as we planned!" Hau made a fist. "Eevee, swift!"

"Eevee!" It jumped up in the air, rotating around to face his downsized opponent. Opening its mouth; it sprayed a flurry of fast moving star projectiles that descended at an alarming rate.

Grimer's minimized body seemed to have zero benefits since the swift attack curved like a mind of its own. The attack battered him until a flash of light burst forth, producing a thick amount of smoke that curled into the air.

"Grimer izz incapable of battling!" Rotom declared. "Eevee izz the winner! The match izz now a two on two!"

A sudden round of applause erupted from all around them with a few chorus of whistles and shouts.

"Huh?" Elio and Hau finally had taken a glance around, now noticing that there was quite a crowd being drawn to the battle being staged in the center.

He laughed at it. They had been so engaged in the fight that neither had paid much attention to all the bystanders. Sure Elio had seen a couple, but didn't expect a crowd of a couple dozen. Some of them had their phones out and likely recording the match.

Hmm. Elio thought to himself. Hau actually outplayed me on that one.

"Ztay focuzzed trainerzz! Bzzt! Elio! Zwift izz a move that can always hit your foe! Bzzt!"

"See?" Hau gestured to everyone around them and unaware of Rotom's comments. "Look at all these people recording us! This is why you need to get an FP account!"

"FP?"

"Yeah, Festival Plaza! It's a huge social trainers website where they post battle tactics, help with abilities, moves and type matchups! You can even get advice from other trainers and follow other people!"

"It sounds interesting!"

"Yeah it does! My gramps has one and he helped me set mine up too! We can do it later if you want!"

"Maybe after our battle." Elio said. "Grimer, return." He held the poke ball close to him. "Thanks a lot friend for your hard work. Now take a break. You've earned it."

He made his decision on the next contestant. "Okay, Torracat, let's go!"

"Tor!" The fire cat's bell at his throat ignited in a yellow hot blaze.

"Eevee, you need to stay strong." Hau assured his new pokemon. "Elio's Torracat is his strongest pokemon!"

"Eevee!"

With a growl that came out more as a low sounding meow; Torracat dashed forward, although the paralysis contracted by Pikachu's static earlier erased the aghast expression across Eevee's face. He jumped aside right on time to avoid the cat's snapping fire fang. Dashing aside, it retaliated with a quick attack to his rear and easily moved out of the way when he tried to bite back.

Torracat shot an ember, which was countered by Eevee's swift. The two attacks collided, causing an explosion and rush of air to push aggressively against the trainers, their pokemon and all the bystanders.

Neither was giving up.

Eevee shuddered again from the poison that ate away at it. Elio saw a bit of worry cross Hau's features and he knew that he just had to outlast it in order to put him down to Rowlet. Even though Torracat and Rufflet had an advantage over Hau's starter pokemon, it still wouldn't be easy since it was his strongest.

"Can you try using refresh?"

What's refresh?

"Ee! Vee!" Eevee stood in front of Hau and began to glow white, causing everyone to cover their eyes from its harshness. For just a couple of moments, Elio thought he was evolving, but that was put aside when it had faded back into a bearable state. There was now zero evidence of any poison eating away at his health. It was as if the refresh move had actually used Elio's refresh kit to automatically heal the status.

Oh come on! How come Torracat doesn't have a move like that?!

"That won't matter!" Elio pointed. "We're still going to win right?"

"Tor…" His starter weakly replied. The boy quickly remembered that he was still paralyzed.

A smile etched itself across Hau's mouth as he saw the opportunity to take Torracat down. Eevee followed his trainers' instructions, firing off an unavoidable swift. Even though he was unable to dodge it; Torracat managed to struggle briefly though the paralysis, running to meet Eevee as they both clashed with a nasty bite attack. Hau's side was a little less successful, as Elio's larger pokemon had the flexibility to chew down Eevee's back while remaining out of the jaws. Tiny paws flailed before he suddenly broke free and tackled his foe down. The bite was on Torracat's leg, causing him to yell angrily.

"You're not going to let him do that to you right?!" Elio yelled. "You're stronger than that!"

His words seemed to motivate the fire type as he rolled up, shaking off the smaller Eevee. As it tumbled to the middle of the field, he had gone after it, readying a fire fang.

"Eevee, swift!"

"Eevee." He was weakly stirring after being a bit jarred from the toss Torracat had done to throw it. The refresh had cured its poisoning, but it hadn't given it anymore strength.

Even with the paralysis working against him; Torracat's fire fang quickly finished the normal type off.

Again, Elio felt another bit of bittersweet remorse when everyone heard the cry of pain. Eevee was lying on its back, fur singed in some areas although it didn't look to be burned. But the other wounds from the bites it had traded with Torracat looked more serious.

"Eevee izz incapable of battling! Bzzt!" Rotom waved his "arm" towards Elio's side. "The winner izz Torracat! The battle izz now a two on one!"

Hau sighed, but still kept the grin. "Eevee. Return." He recalled it back to its poke ball. "You were awesome out there buddy! Don't you worry! We'll get stronger in no time!" Looking back over at Sun, he put his hands behind his head again. "I gotta admit brah, you've definitely gotten a lot stronger too! But so have we! C'mon out Rowlet!"

With a flick of his wrist, Rowlet appeared in a flash of light, flapping his wings to land in front of his trainer.

"Rowlet! Row!" He cooed eagerly before his entire body began to pulsate. Spreading his wings, the tiny grass quill pokemon opened its beak, cloaking itself in a harsh light that even caused their trainers to look away.

It was hard to tell what was happening, but Elio knew exactly what it was. Rowlet's form began to morph into something larger, growing longer legs and spreading its new wings that had now more than doubled in length. The remainder of his body had increased in size, forming a thin crescent plumage on its right side.

"Dartrixxx!" The new pokemon screeched loudly as the last of its evolving light faded away.

"Woweee! You evolved into Dartrix!" Hau jumped up and down. "We did it brah!"

"Referee Rotom going offline becauzzze a new pokemon hazz been detected! Bzzt!" He flipped screens to a static image display of the evolved Rowlet. "Dartrix. Blade quill pokemon. It is the evolved form of Rowlet. Dartrix are prissy pokemon, spending long hours to groom and maintain a pristine appearance. With a flick of its wings, it can send razor sharp quills at its foes, bending them to even hit targets behind other objects. Dartrix is a grass and flying type. Additional information is available upon catching this pokemon."

"All right Dartrix!" Hau cheered again. "Let's show them what you can do!"

On the other side, Elio cupped his hands to his mouth. "Get your game face on Torracat! We may still have a type advantage, but we haven't seen a Dartrix before! Expect anything to happen!"

Nodding back to his trainer, Torracat appeared to test the waters by firing off an ember. With movements that seemed swift and graceful, the larger bird smoothly darted out of the way, retaliating by a razor leaf attack, swinging its wing and launching it at a rapid speed.

Torracat's paralysis had made itself known again when it prevented him from moving to dodge the incoming razor sharp projectiles that came at him like thrown knives.

He let out a yelp of pain as they pelted his body, some clipping parts of his fur in an orange poof and some of the more ramrod leaves embedded themselves in his side. With a growl, he snagged them with his teeth, tearing it out as best he could.

The fire type closed in readying a fire fang and again, Dartrix nimbly avoided the charge while spinning and unveiling its wing again with another wave of razor leafs.

That Dartrix is fast!

"Torracat be patient." Elio reminded him, clenching a fist as he scrambled in his head to figure out a solution. "You'll get your chance!"

Hau's pokemon spread its wings out again and flung them forward, firing off a stream of leaves again in a leafage attack. In response, Torracat opened his mouth and got an ember off. The tiny ball of flame intercepted the first of the leaves, easily catching them aflame and neutralizing all the following ones that were quickly burned up in dark smoke.

At his normal speed; Elio's own starter would've been able to keep up with Hau's speedy Dartrix. But with the paralysis severely hindering his efforts, it was just not possible. The owl was too fast, avoiding Torracat every time he tried to close in for a physical strike. The ranged ember wasn't that effective either. Dartrix easily flew out of its way, retaliating with a leafage attack. Even though the fire type resisted all the grass attacks, Elio knew that his own pokemon would get worn down eventually by the numbers.

Paralysis is coming up alongside confusion as my least favorite status condition right now.

Torracat had sensed his trainer's frustration, but continued to struggle despite its crippling effects. In a lucky break for him; he had lunged when Dartrix had flown too close in a bite, causing the avian to quickly change its flight course directly upward. Torracat landed on his back facing the sky and shot up a single ember that was failed to be countered. Dartrix screeched loudly with surprise from the hit and he fell to the ground, spreading out his smoldering damaged wings just in time to arrest his sharp fall.

Elio had already gone with another bite to follow up and his own pokemon took as best advantage it could, rushing right to where it was bound to land in order to deliver the toothy blow.

"Dartrix peck!" Hau cried out, desperation etching into his tone. The joyous look on his face was replaced by nervousness as the thought of losing again was creeping into his mind. He didn't mind it though as being in this intense close battle was all part of the thrill.

"Darr!" The owl's beak glowed white and he thrust his head out right to meet Torracat, jabbing it sharply into Torracat's forehead. Elio saw a trickle of blood from where it had struck.

"No!"

"Okay Dartrix!" Hau exclaimed, flashing his Z-Ring while it returned to his front. "Show them the potential in your Z-Power! Using all of our strength, endurance and courage!"

The device flashed a brilliant yellow as he made the signature "X" pose, opening out both arms and crossing them back together; his left hand parallel to his forehead and his right just above the stomach.

Hau felt an amazing amount of power begin to form all throughout his posed body, fed by the Z-Ring that branched it out in arcs before flowing right to Dartrix. He flared up in a powerful aura and took one step ahead with one of its talons.

"Go Dartrix!" Hau yelled fiercely, now cranked up by the increase from the Z-Power. "Use tackle and into BREAKNECK BLITZ!"

"Darrrr!" With a flash, it exploded forward accelerating even faster along its route as it closed the distance to Torracat, lashing outwards with its twin sharp talons.

"Tor." Elio's pokemon weakly groaned, gritting its teeth to try and escape, however the paralysis had worn it down to the point of immobility.

Torracat's a sitting ducklett.

Dartrix's extended claws slammed into him center mass with the extreme force of a truck. The blow made a loud wet smack and Elio's heart nearly stopped when he saw Torracat crashing into the side of a nearby building deck with enough speed to cause a spiderweb of cracks in the foundation.

"Tor…" He moaned weakly before lapsing into unconsciousness. Sun's face fell when the enormous cloud of dust began to settle, showing his starter pokemon battered and bruised, lying limply against the broken concrete.

"Torracat izz unable to continue battling! Bzzt! Dartrix izz the winner! The battle izz now a one on one! Bzzt!"

Elio's breathing increased as he sprinted right out to his pokemon's side and dropped to his knees.

"Torracat?" The trainer got a pained meow in response as the fire-type stirred, avoiding his gaze in shame from losing while having.

"Hey," He assured him with a thin smile. "Don't worry so much about it. You did awesome out there."

"Tor…" Torracat said, purring softly to tell his trainer he wasn't upset at him. "Torracat."

Elio pulled out his poke ball. "Return. Take a nice rest and I'll have you looked at once we're done."

He stood up and returned back to his side, now aware of the gathering crowd all had their eyes on him.

"I'm sorry." Hau said, expression turning slightly serious and concerned. "I hope Torracat is okay."

"He will be." Elio confirmed, reaching for his final pokemon. "Let's get our pokemon looked at once we're done." When the other boy gave a nod in response, Rufflet was thrown out, letting out a war cry before settling right on the ground and warily eyeing Dartrix opposite him.

"Okay then." Hau pointed at Rufflet. "Dartrix, open this up with leafage!"

"Darr!" He jumped up, spinning around to unleash a flurry of glowing leaves.

Elio didn't have to issue a command as Rufflet adjusted his flight once taking off to avoid the streams harmlessly passing by. As it finished the attack; the eaglet dove forward, beak glowing to deliver a well-placed peck right into Dartrix's chest. The owl let out a terrified screech and although it was relatively unharmed, glared at Elio's bird as if it had violated its dignity.

"Don't let it do that to you buddy!" Hau yelled. "Keep your guard up!"

"Dar!"

"Ruff!"

Elio went on the offensive again, having Rufflet attack with a series of jabbing pecks. It kept Hau from firing off the fast moving leafages and razor leafs and instead hitting him back with a couple of pecks. While it remained an effective option, his hidden ability of hustle caused him to miss a couple of wing attacks, giving Dartrix an opportunity for its more powerful razor leaf attack.

Sun noticed that Dartrix was getting quicker, twisting out of the way from a divebombing Rufflet and at the same time, unleashing three or four razor leaf quills that shot out at an alarming speed.

Hold up, I've got an idea.

"Rufflet, use fury attack!"

His bird cawed and sped down towards Dartrix, closing up the distance between the two of them.

"Get ready!" Hau yelled from the other side. As Rufflet was a second from hitting, the owl spun out of the way, opening its wing to fire more quills in a razor leaf.

Now it's exposed!

"Rufflet, go! Peck it now!"

"Rufflet!" He screeched, beating his wings once to change direction. There was no way to avoid anything now.

Dartrix's flight stopped and he crashed to the ground.

"Now's our chance!" Elio made a fist, not taking his eyes off the wounded foe. "Wing attack Dartrix before he has a chance!"

"Rufff!" He screeched, swooping right down with two glowing wings and slashing right past.

"Dartrix!" Hau cried out as his own starter pokemon jerked abruptly from the blow. As Rufflet landed in front of Elio awaiting his next task; his rival across the field stared mouth agape as the blade quill pokemon stopped moving and fell onto its side.

"Dartrix izz incapable of battling further!" Rotom waved an arm. "The winner izz Rufflet! And the Elio winzzz the match!"

The crowd surrounding them broke out into a big round of applause and a couple of high pitched whistles. Both boys were on the receiving end of a bunch of congratulatory shouts.

Hau chuckled to himself as he returned Dartrix. "Aww man. You're just too good man!" He glanced back at the poke ball. "Thanks pal. You were amazing out there."

Both boys met in the center to shake hands, before slapping their hands together and pulling one another close in a "brah" hug that was closed out by their ritualistic slap on the back.

"Woweee! Oh man brah, that was some kinda battle! And all our pokemon looked like they had a blast too! I know mine did!"

Wait a second Hau, you know you lost right? Elio thought to himself. You haven't won a single battle against me and you're not even angry?

I wonder what Lillie's up to.

"Um yeah." He said absentmindedly as Hau was talking about something else. "It was a pretty amazing feeling."

A familiar smirk came across his features at the reply.

"Heh. I bet you would say that if Lillie was in your arms."

What?

"H-Hau? What are you talking about?" For some reason, Elio felt his face heat up and reddened cheeks.

"I asked if you noticed how the Totem Pokemon we faced in Verdant Cavern had that surrounded power aura."

"Yeah I know."

"Really?" Hau's smirk returned. "Then why would you say it's a good feeling? I mean, battling is awesome as always, but that's hardly an answer I'd expect out of you. After all, you do get that kind of look when you're around Lillie or you're thinking about her."

"Oh."

"I thought we were going to go on our island challenge. I get Lillie is our friend and all, but we have to focus right?"

"Well…um yeah."

Hau shrugged. "It doesn't matter to me what you want to do. You're still free to go back to Heahea City and see what she's up to. Just remember, I'm gonna win all the trials and beat you one day!"

As much as I want to go and see Lillie again; Hau's right. I need to keep getting stronger through the island challenge if I am to stay ahead of the game.

"I guess Lillie can wait." Elio said a little longingly. "We still haven't tackled the first one yet though. But I think with this battle, we'll be able to take it on easily! I'm sure of it!" He glanced back up at the pokemon center. "Anyway, I really don't know how to say this but, I'm sorry you lost again."

Wow…like that wasn't cringe worthy.

To his surprise…or not, Hau gave a simple shrug and another toothy smile. "Well hey; you know what? Pokemon battles are like that! Sometimes you're going to easily win. Sometimes you'll lose. But you're only a real loser if you don't have fun while you're at it!"

Elio had to enjoy that part of Hau's rather simple logic. You know what? I wish I could share that kind of optimism in the face of losing. There's always going to be someone better.

Hau was right. Elio had always been quite a competitor since he was young, so it really meant a lot to him about winning. At the same time though; he had lost a handful of battles with other trainers. Sun was never a big fan of losing, but patience and discipline through being competitive in sports and as a trainer had taught him to be gracious or humble, even if he didn't top the scoreboard.

I should be happy when I win. So why do I feel bad whenever I beat him. He's supposed to be my rival right? It's almost like every time I win against him, he's falling farther behind and don't want my friend to keep losing.

Maybe it was because Elio happened to pick Litten, who had the type advantage over Rowlet. It wasn't uncommon for childhood friends as newcoming trainers to pick starter pokemon in one another's company. Rivalries would be born after whomever made the second choice would take the starter that had a type advantage over their friends'.

I had no idea Hau had a Rowlet when I chose Litten. If we were picking our starters together, would I have made my choice knowing his? Would I purposely pick the pokemon that has a type advantage over Hau just so I can have a foothold every time we battle?

Would he do the same?

"You're not thinking of Lillie again are you?" Hau snapped his fingers right in front of Elio's face. Blinking his eyes, he glanced back at the tan skinned boy who was staring at him inquisitively. "Anyway now that I have your attention after mentioning your crush, I'm heading off to Brooklet Hill after a quick stop in the pokemon center! Are you gonna come?"

Elio glanced up at the sky. It was nearing the evening time. "Well don't you think that we should take a break? I mean, if I'm reading the map on Rotom right; Brooklet Hill's all the way on the northwest side of the mountains." At the mention of Haleakala, they both glanced up at its tall peak. "It's going to take us at least two hours to get there."

"I know." Hau said. "But still! I can't wait to take on the next trial! My gramps gave me the location of all the pokemon centers here in Alola! I'm pretty confident I can do it or at least stop at a rest area by one of the ranches!"

"It's your call buddy. I'm going to stop probably somewhere around there and see if there's a spot to crash for the night. If not, then I better book myself a room at the center here."

"Sweet!" Hau glanced around at the town. "Maybe there's a malasada shop around here."

"I don't know. To be honest, I am kind of hungry."

"What are you in the mood for?"

"Food."

"You're funny."

"I try."

Hau cupped a hand to his chin. "I know. Go and see if there's spam musubi! It's a quick easy meal that's really tasty!"

"Spam?" Elio asked. "You mean like the stupid emails?"

"No silly! Spam's a super delicious food!" Hau laughed as he walked away, towards the pokemon center. "See ya later brah!"

The other boy could only shake his head as his energetic best friend took off into the trainers' most visited building.

Wait, wasn't that guy that Hau called a thief or something still inside?

"Ruff! Rockruff!"

Elio's thoughts had been cut off and spun around in time to see a big brown blur zipping right up to his side.

It's a rockruff!

"Woah there! Bzzzt!" Rotom-Dex flew out to document it bounding right to the boy's legs, sniffing them curiously. "Be careful! Elio can only have one cool pokemon partner at a time! Bzzt! And right now, that partner izzz me!"

"Rotom you don't even battle." Elio rolled his eyes. "Go and fire off a thundershock or something and then we'll talk about being best pals."

"You what?!" Rotom gasped, placing one of its stubby red arms to its "mouth" in surprise. "I thought we were friendzz! You know what? Zince I'm a nice Rotom and all, I'll let that one zlide! You've got a new pokemon detected! But zince zomeone had forgotten to look for itz entry in the databaze, I'll go ahead and fill ya in brah!"

He shuffled to a static image of the rockruff. "Rockruff. Puppy pokemon. Rockruff is a very social pokemon and it greets others of its kind by rubbing the stones on its neck together. It is known for its tenacity and unquestionable loyalty to its trainers. Rockruff is a rock type. Additional information is available upon catching this pokemon."

"Hey kid. Alola."

Elio spun around right to find the guy in question running up to his side as a large canine pokemon, flanked by two others approached the rockruff checking out the newcomer. Once again, the hat, elongated clothes, sunglasses and bandanna scarf covering much of his face gave off a very unwelcoming vibe that Sun didn't like at all. It was like something from Team Skull.

"Uh hi. Sorry…Alola." Hau's accusations of this guy being shady immediately surfaced at the back of his mind.

He had been caught off guard once again when the man reached up to remove his bandanna, revealing a handsome face with stubble and slightly weathered features. Bright blue eyes sparkled with warmth and he had whitened teeth that broke out into a quick smile.

"Ahm sorry about Rockruff there." The man started, having a strange accent that sounded like he had some strange twang. "He loves to watch all the trainers who come in and battle in those western showdowns and it gets him all excited."

A lower huff brought them out of the conversation as the large canine wolfish pokemon slowly trotted forward, lowering its snout down and giving the pup a gentle sniff. It had white and brown fur with longer ears and snout with a long mane that covered its body in tufts of fur.

"It's alright bud." The cowboy assured his pokemon. "Rockruff was just wantin' to see the new trainer in town." He glanced back up. "Yer a trial goer right?"

"Yeah." With his nerves at ease, Elio found the man's persona to be quite interesting. Maybe even charming to a point.

"Well Ah gotta say that it's always a pleasure to see new trainers comin' through here." He stuck a hand out. It was calloused from all the labor this person did every day. "Ahm Dallas. Last name's Kahananui."

"Elio Northstar. Although I've been called Sun. Either one works for me."

"Elio huh?" Dallas repeated. "That's a nice name."

"And I'm Rotom! Bzzt! Elio'z truzty partner! Howdy!"

"Well howdy alola back to you! Ah've never heard of a talkin' pokedex before!"

"They do exizzt! By the way Elio, I've detected a new pokemon too! Bzzt! I'm getting lucky today!" He shuffled to an image of the wolf. "Lycanroc. Wolf pokemon. Lycanroc can appear in multiple different forms depending on the time of day that it had happened to evolve. The midday form here prefers to hunt alone to avoid unnecessary conflict. In combat, it prefers to use quick movements to confound foes and strikes with the sharp rocks that line its mane. The midday Lycanroc is the only pokemon able to learn the move accelerock, which allows it to attack at a very fast speed. Lycanroc is a rock type. Additional information is available upon catching this pokemon."

"And you have two new pokemon too! Bzzt!" Rotom activated his camera and began to record footage. "Thizz meanzz you're gonna fill up my dex really fazzzt! Bzzt!"

He regarded the second doglike pokemon, which had dark orange fur and jagged black stripes. Along its chest was a larger mass of cream color and it sat on its hind legs, looking up regarding Dallas and his lycanroc in an endearing fashion.

"Growlithe. Puppy pokemon. Growlithe are incredibly loyal to their trainers and they generally refuse to move unless given direct orders by their trainers. While this pokemon is known for being very friendly, it will threateningly bark and snap at anyone who approaches its trainer or territory with ill intentions in mind. Growlithe is a fire type. Additional information is available upon catching this pokemon."

Rotom examined the second one. Its fur was a tad bit longer than the growlithe's but it had a mixture of brown, cream and dark colors on its back. "Herdier. Loyal dog pokemon. Herdier is the evolved form of Lillipup. The dark fur on its back is tedious and costly to groom, however if cared for properly; it is very bristly and can help in shrugging off glancing attacks that it receives. Although this pokemon faithfully follows its trainers' instructions, it will refuse outright to obey orders from anyone it doesn't respect. Herdier is a normal type. Additional information is available upon catching this pokemon."

"Ya sure know yer stuff Rotom." Dallas said. "As for you kid, yer sure lucky to have someone so informative for stuff like that. Ah wish ah had taken the initiative and gone on the island challenge when ah had a chance." The lycanroc affectionately nuzzled the paniolo's side. "But things have an interestin' way of makin' one's path. So my new island challenge is all takin' care of Kahananui Ranch, but since it's so much bigger than the other ranches nearby, we're all collectively called Paniola Ranch. Ain't that right Troy?"

Lycanroc gave a huff of approval.

"That's my main partner Troy." He gestured to the growlithe. "Emmitt." Then to the herdier. "Michael."

"Totally cowboy names." Elio said, grinning lopsidedly.

"You got it."

"Well it was nice meeting you Dallas."

"Likewise." He extended a hand. "Well actually, I've got a favor to ask of you. You're a trainer, so I think you might be some help, especially if you're explorin' Alola too. Your accent sounds Kantonian."

Sun nodded. "Yeah. I'm um from Cerulean City."

"Ahve always wanted to visit there. Heard it's beautiful. Anyways, if you could give me a hand down at my ranch, I'd love to have you over for dinner or something. It seems that Rockruff there has taken quite a liking to you."

Elio wasn't sure what to make of this stranger who was offputting to Hau a half hour ago now inviting him over to his house to work and eat. But Dallas was right, as the little brown puppy continued to nudge the boy's shin, clamoring for his attention. He was indulged by scratches on the head and he opened his mouth to let a long pink tongue hang partially out of his mouth and pant.

Well I can't cook and I guess I'll have to hold off Hau's spam thingy for another time. So I guess I'll take him up. I still want to look around though.

"Well sure. But can you wait? I still want to have a look around and sightsee."

To his surprise, Dallas gave a nod almost instantly. "Well sure! Ya gotta be sure to see all of what Alola has for the island challenge! If you do decide to take me up; I could use another hand around the ranch. It's straight ahead down the road and to the right. Ya can't miss it."

"I'll be sure to stop by." Elio said. "More than happy to help."

"Mahalo cousin." He waved his hands at the four canine pokemon accompanying him. "Let's get headin' back. There's a lotta work to do!"

Emmitt and Michael were quick to follow, but the rockruff had stuck firmly by Elio's side, sniffing even more and yipping happily. Only by the sharp bark of Troy did the little pup begin to trail them, but not before he cast a longing glance back in the boy's direction.

With the promise of a new friend and possibly a meal for the evening, Elio knew that he was going to head down to meet up with Dallas later that day. Even with that in mind, he was going to continue exploring around. People in Paniola were just as friendly as the rest of Alola, throwing their greetings as normal, but their much different wear that was suited to being outside all the time told him that the residents here seldom spent time inside in the air conditioning.

There was a small clothing store off to the west side of the main square, but instead of the fashion items he was used to in a normal store; he got long racks of shirts of all kinds, long sleeved to short…all covered in the reddish dirt similar to that found out on the roads.

"Made with one hundred percent Alolan red dirt." He raised an eyebrow in amusement while continuing to rifle through the different designs. A lot of them had some interesting Alolan symbols while others had funny little sayings.

What exactly is the point of having dirt in a shirt? You know what? I'm gonna buy one.

He stopped at one of them with a saying written out in black on its front.

"Winners wear dirt…losers eat it."

I like it. Should I get one for Mom?

He decided on that one for her, finding her size and tucking it under his arm. A couple shuffles later and he found one his size; it was one with a large Alolan border around ten different rules that he couldn't stop a snicker from thinking about.

Rule #1: Never judge a day by the weather

Rule #2: The best things in life aren't things

Rule #3: Tell the truth. You'll have less to remember

Rule #4: If you speak softly, wear a loud red dirt shirt

Rule #5: Loosen up...an unaimed arrow never misses

Rule #6: The man who dies with the most toys...will still die

Rule #7: Aging is relative. Because when you're over the hill, you pick up speed

Rule #8: There are two ways to get rich. You can either make more...or require less

Rule #9: What you look like doesn't matter. Beauty is internal

Rule #10: No rain means no rainbows

That's awesome. I'm totally taking the rules of an Alolan dirt shirt. They're to live by. Sun forked over the appropriate money after picking it out at the register and stuffed his new apparel into his backpack.

Let's go and see what our friend Dallas needs help with.

It was too good to resist with the nicknames and all. Kind of fit. Speaking of which; I'll be having each of Elio's pokemon nicknamed once they reach their final evolution. I wanted to fit a couple other things in here, but I'll leave it off for next time.

Translations:

Pomaikaʻi i ke kulanakauhale Paniola - Welcome to Paniola Town

Paniolo - Cowboy

Red Dirt shirts are another iconic tourist item from Hawaii. I have two of them and both of the ones Elio buys are based off the ones I got last time while in Maui.

As always, a big mahalo for reading and reviewing. You give my writing purpose. See you guys next time.

Elio and Lillie ship for life! :D

Brav