Chapter 2:

Koko for Koko Battles

Location: Home

I practically scoffed down my breakfast that day; I wanted to see Professor Kukui first thing then get ready for the festival that night. The fact that I had met a Legendary Pokémon yesterday really put my ambition into overdrive!

"Calm down," Mum said. "If you don't slow your eating, you'll get hiccups."

"Elliott used excitement! It's Super Effective!" Yes, that was the best thing I could come back with. But could you blame me?

Location: Route 1

I walked south towards the beach. In Celadon City, there really wasn't a beach. Just buildings as far as the eye could see. You would need to cycle down to Fuchsia City for your beach fix.

"Blue skies, blue sea, white sand! I'm in Alola alright!" I then sent out Litten. It gave a small purr upon being summoned. "Litten, we are going to take on this region! And no amount of blazing heat with stop us!"

"YEEEAAAAHHHH!" I heard a voice coming from a house. It was Professor Kukui's Laboratory. Concerned, I ran over.

"Professor! Professor! Is everything alright?" I asked.

"YEEEAAAH! MY BODY IS READY!"

A slightly bruised Professor Kukui opened the door. "Professor Kukui! Is everything alright?" I asked.

"I'm fine," he said. "Just doing some research." Apparently that research included a few brusies.

I was a bit confused and concerned about what he meant by that. "What... kind of research?"

"Testing out the force of a Hydro Pump!" he replied.

"Isn't that... dangerous?"

"Come on in! Times a wasting!"

Location: Kukui Research Lab

The lab was amazing. There was a tank filled with Luvdisc just bobbing around, minding their own business. There was a ladder going up to the attic, and a table with lots of tubes and other stuff.

"Welcome to the Kukui Research Lab," Professor Kukui said. "I didn't drag you all the way here for nothing. I have something to give you." He then looked at Litten. "My my, your partner is looking happy and healthy!"

"Yeah!" I said. "Me and Littten have really been getting on. We're a perfect match!" I stroked Litten's fur; it felt warm.

"Well, there's more to be excited about," Kukui replied. The Professor went into a drawer and took out a red tablet with a screen on it.

"Is that… a Pokédex?!" I shouted. "Professor, thank you so much." I tapped the screen. "Huh? It's not working."

"We need the final touch then!" said Professor Kukui. "Rotom?"

Suddenly, from the attic, appeared an orange Pokémon with two lightning bolts coming off of it.

"Wow!" I said. "A Rotom!"

"A delivery from the Sinnoh region," the Professor said. "They're not found in Alola, but I'll give you a rundown."

Rotom (ロトム)

#479 (National)

Electric/Ghost Type

Plasma Pokémon

1'00" (0.3 m)

0.7 lbs (0.3 kg)

Its electric-like body can enter some kinds of machines and take control in order to make mischief.

Whilst it's not known to evolve into anything, Rotom has been shown to change form and Type when inhabiting an electric fan, microwave oven, refrigerator, lawn mower, a washing machine and for the first time ever…

Rotom suddenly went inside the Pokédex I was holding.

"Woah!" I said, dropping it. That made me panic even more.

Before it hit the floor however, it started floating. "I think it's worked…" the Professor said to himself.

The Pokédex started floating up. Then, it seemed to grow two hands. It also got some eyes and a mouth.

"Zzt…zzt… Where am I? Roto! I mean, Roto- what is thizz? Ztt ztt! Wait, I'm in… a Pokédex!"

"Unbelievable!" I said. "And this Pokédex is going to be mine now?"

"Yep!" Professor Kukui. "I present, Rotom Dex! I've registered you as its holder as well as the info for Rowlet, Litten and Popplio."

"Can I try it on a different Pokémon?" I said.

"Be my guest!" Professor Kukui said. "Try it on this one!" Professor Kukui threw a Pokéball and sent out a panting quadruped brown Pokémon with a white collar. It had small stones on it.

Rockruff (イワンコ)

#126

Rock Type

Puppy Pokémon

1'08" (0.5 m)

20.3 lbs (9.2 kg)

When it rubs the rocks on its neck against you, that's proof of its love for you. However, the rocks are sharp, so the gesture is quite painful!

Rockruff immediately came up to me and started rubbing its rocky neck against me.

"Ow!" I said as it rubbed its pointy neck on my ankle.

"Well," Rotom Dex said. "I guess that meanzz it likezz you! Roto!"

"That's nice," I said, stroking Rockruff on its head. Professor Kukui then gave me some food for me to feed to it. It ate them happily. "Hey Professor, is Lillie here today?"

"Yes!" she said, waving down to me from the attic. "Hold on, I'm coming down." Lillie climbed down the ladder, her duffel back by her side.

"Zzt. Well, thizz is interezzting. A girl? Roto?"

"Oh, shut up," I said. "She's just my friend Lillie. Her partner is a Pokémon named Cosmog, but she calls it Nebby."

At that point, Nebby popped out of Lillie's bag. "Zzt. Fazzcinating! I have to scan thizz!"

"Don't," I said. "Not to be rude, but Lillie likes her Pokémon kept secret. I think… nevermind."

"Yes, I do," she replied. "Nebby, that means back in the bag with you." Nebby reluctantly went in once again. "I'm coming to the festival tonight by the way."

"Great to hear!" said the Professor. "And you can watch Elliott and Hau have their battle!"

"Oh," Lillie said, looking at the floor. "I don't really like watching battles."

"That's fine," I said. "You could always just watch the performers."

Lillie smiled. "It's fine. I will happily be there to support my friend!"

"This is big," the Professor told me. "Lillie NEVER opens up to anyone like this. I think she might need a mentor like you in the path ahead."

Secretly, I knew that she needed protection to. If that dream was anything to go by, that girl would be in danger.

Location: Route 1

When evening broke, and it was time to start heading towards the festival in Iki Town. I could already hear the music, but I wasn't late or anything. With my match not being till a fairway in (and some more unpacking to do in the Living Room), I saw no point in going the minute it started.

"Hey, Elliott!" shouted the Professor. "You got a minute?"

I ran over, Rotom Dex floating behind me. "What is it Professor?" I asked.

"I'm here to teach you how to catch a Pokémon," he replied.

"Zzt! Thizz is exzzciting! Roto!"

"Follow my lead," he said, walking into the tall grass.

The Pokémon Professor Kukui encountered was a Yungoos.

"Hey Rotom, we saw one of those yesterday!" I told it.

"Well, let'zz give it a scan!" it said.

Yungoos (ヤングース)

#013

Normal Type

Loitering Pokémon

1'04" (0.4 m)

13.2 lbs (6 kg)

With its sharp fans, it will bite anything. It did not originally live in Alola but was imported from another region.

"Rockruff, go!" the Professor shouted, sending out his Rockruff. "Use Tackle!" Rockruff charged into Yungoos, bringing it down to yellow health. Yungoos used Tackle back, but it didn't do that much.

"Zzt. Little damage! Normal Type moves don't work that well on Rock Types after all!"

"Okay Pokéball, go!" shouted the Professor. He threw a Pokéball at Yungoos, and it went inside. It shook once. It shook twice. Delayed the third time…

Yungoos was caught!

"Congrats Professor!" I said.

"And that's how it goes," the Professor said. "However, there is no guarantee that it will stay inside. The weaker a Pokémon is, both health wise and Level wise, the easier it is to catch. Here, let me give you these." The Professor gave me a couple of Pokéballs.

"Ztt. Izzn't thizz exciting?" Rotom Dex said.

"You bet," I said. "Come on Rotom, let's find some more Pokémon!"

I wondered on down Route 1 and into the tall grass.

"Zzt. What are we going to find? Roto!"

I ran around the grass, hoping to find something interesting. Low and behold, I did! It was a round Pokémon with red wings and black spots on its back. It had six arms with white knuckles on the end.

Ledyba (レヂバ)

#020

Bug/Flying Type

Five Star Pokémon

3'03" (1 m)

23.8 lbs (10.8 kg)

This Pokémon is very sensitive to the cold. In the warmth of Alola, is appears quite lively.

"Okay Litten, go!" I sent out my partner Pokémon. "Ember!" Litten fired a flame at Ledyba. It almost brought it to yellow health, but not quite. Ledyba then came back with a Tackle. It charged into Litten, but it didn't do that much. "Let's bring it down to red health! Litten, Ember again!" Litten fired another flame at Ledyba, and it almost knocked it out! But it also burned Ledyba. "Oh no," I said. Ledyba got in a weaker Tackle this time, before it fainted from the burn.

"Litten we were supposed to weaken it, not faint it!" I said.

"Now hold on, Roto!" Rotom Dex said. "What'zz the point of blaming your Pokémon for thizz? You were the one who commanded Ember. Yezz, if it hadn't burned Ledyba, it would have been in prime catching pozzition. But no. YOU were the one who took the rizzk. Litten was simply following orderzz."

I knelt down to Litten to pet it. "Sorry about that. I was just a bit excited."

Litten nodded emotionlessly. I took that as a sign of forgiveness.

"Zzt! Hey! Don't sweat it! Alola has many Pokémon! Let's find another one!"

I straitened my hat. "You're right, let's go find ourselves another friend!"

I was about to march on, when someone noticed me. "Hey, you were watching our battle yesterday! I lost that one, but I'll win against you!"

Elliott Vs. Youngster Jimmy

"Litten, I choose you!" I shouted.

"And I'm using Rattata!" Jimmy replied, sending out the Dark Type Rattata I remember seeing yesterday.

Rattata (Alolan Form) (コラッタ)

#015

Dark/Normal Type

Mouse Pokémon

1'00" (0.3 m)

8.4 lbs (3.8 kg)

With their strong capacity for survival, they can live in dirty places without concern. Left unchecked, their numbers multiply rapidly.

"Okay Rattata, Tackle!" Rattata ran up to Litten and rammed its whole body into it.

"Come back with Ember!" I shouted, as Litten fired a flame at Rattata. It did a lot of damage.

"Tackle again!" Rattata used another Tackle on Litten.

"Now use Scratch!" Litten scratched at Rattata in the face, knocking it out.

"Aw man! How will I ever win?"

"Well Litten, you are something!" I said. "Okay, onto another catch!"

I went into the tall grass and started running about. My mind was racing about what Pokémon I would find. And guess what? I found a new one! It was a feathery Pokémon that was black, white and red in colour. It had a sharp-black beak.

Pikipek (ツツケラ)

#010

Normal/Flying Type

Woodpecker Pokémon

1'00" (0.3 m)

2.6 lbs (1.2 kg)

It pecks at trees with its hard beak. You can get some idea of its mood or condition from the rhythm of its pecking.

"Litten, go!" I shouted. "Use Ember!" Litten fired a flame at Pikipek, who went down to red health. Thankfully, there was no burn! Pikipek then flew up to Litten and used Peck in its face. "Okay. Let's go Pokéball!" I threw it at Pikepek who went inside. The Pokéball shook once, then twice… but Pikepek broke free!

"Zzt! Don't give up Roto! You can't get Pikipek any weaker than that without knocking it out!"

After Pikipek used Peck again, I threw another Pokéball. I watched it shake on the ground… and stay put!

"Alright!" I shouted. "My first catch!"

"Congratulationzz!" Rotom said, as fireworks burst on its screen. They burst into the shape of Pokéballs.

"Hey, we should try it in battle," I said. "Mum supplied me with Potions before we went out." I sent out Pikipek, then sprayed some Potion on it to heal its wounds. "Welcome to the team."

We walked on, and it wasn't long before I was spotted by a Lass.

"Well, if my eyes don't deceive me, it's the Trainer who will be battling for Tapu Koko!"

Elliott Vs. Lass Audrey

"Caterpie, go!" Audrey yelled, sending out a squirmy green Pokémon with a red horn on its head.

Caterpie (キャタピー)

#017

Bug Type

Worm Pokémon

1'00" (0.3 m)

6.4 lbs (2.9 kg)

It's easy to catch, and it grows quickly, making it one of the top recommendations for novice Pokémon Trainers.

"Pikipek, go!" I shouted. "Use Peck!" Pikepek came forward and attacked Caterpie with a Super Effective Flying Type attack.

"Tackle it back!" Caterpie jumped up and rammed Pikipek.

"One more Peck!" Pikipek used Peck back, and Caterpie was defeated.

"Put up a performance like that and the Island Challenge will be a breeze!"

Me and Rotom Dex continued to walk along the path. I had so much to tell Rotom, and that was a good thing; it had questions for me.

"So, where you from?" Rotom Dex said.

"Celadon City," I replied. "That's in the Kanto region. I tell you what, Pokémon from the Alola region are not found in Kanto, and there are certainly Pokémon from the Kanto region that you wouldn't even dream of finding in Alola!"

"I bet," Rotom replied. It looked out to sea and saw the Wingull drifting on the wind.

Wingull (キャモメ)

#047

Water/Flying Type

Seagull Pokémon

2'00" (0.6 m)

20.9 lbs (9.5 kg)

Fishermen keep an eye out for Wingull in the sky, because wherever they're circling, the ocean is sure to be teeming with fish Pokémon.

"I want to see Kanto one day," Rotom Dex said. "And Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova and Kalos!"

"Calm down," I said. "I think we should check out the Alola region first. I can't wait to get out there!"

As we approached the Iki Town gates, a Youngster spotted us.

"No fair! I want to take on the Island Challenge instead!"

Elliott Vs. Youngster Kevin

"Okay Litten, go!" I shouted.

"You're up Grubbin!" Kevin replied. He sent out a grey Pokémon with two orange pincers on the front of its mouth.

Grubbin (アゴジムシ)

#034

Bug Type

Larva Pokémon

1'04" (0.4 m)

9.7 lbs (4.4 kg)

If you find a nest, you shouldn't stick your hand inside. You'll get bitten by an irritated Grubbin.

"Litten, use Ember!" Litten fired some fire at Grubbin, doing a lot of damage.

"Use Vice Grip!" Grubbin leapt forward and clamped its pincers onto Litten's nose.

"Use Ember again!" Whilst in close range, Litten fired another flame at Grubbin. It was defeated.

"Wait, don't you have to be eleven to take the challenge?"

"Hey!" We heard Hala waving us over from the Iki Town gates. "We have an hour before your battle! Come and join the party!"

"Be right with you!" I said.

Location: Iki Town

Iki Town during a festival was very different to when I was there yesterday. There were hula dancers, fire dancers and lots of tasty looking food.

"Ah, Elliot!" said Professor Kukui. He was with Lillie. "Alola!"

"And Alola to you two to!" I replied. "Wow! So, this is how the people of the Alola region party!"

"That's right!" said Professor Kukui.

"Hey Lillie, you don't have to watch our battle if you feel uncomfortable with it."

"No no," she said. "It's fine. I want to watch to support you. It means a lot to you."

"Thanks," I said, just a big shadow blocked the setting sun. I looked up and saw what I believed to be an Exeggutor. But its neck was veeeeeerrrryyyy long. It also had a fourth tail with an extra head on it.

Exeggutor (Alolan form) (ナッシー)

#356

Grass/Dragon Type

Coconut Pokémon

35'09" (10.9 m)

916.2 lbs (415.6 kg)

Alola is the best environment for this Pokémon. Local people take pride in its appearance, saying this is how Exeggutor ought to look.

Exeggcute -Leaf Stone- Exeggutor (Alolan form)*

*Exeggcute from other regions evolve into the non Alolan variety in the same way, which is a Grass/Psychic Type.

"Zzt! It'zz huge! Roto!"

Exeggutor bent its neck down. "I think it's offering you a view!" said the Ace Trainer with it.

"Really?!" I replied. "Want to join Lillie?"

"I'm fine," she said. "I'm scared of heights."

Part of me thought she was just lying to prevent herself from being seen by the people in my dream, so I didn't pressure her. "Suit yourself," I said. I got onto Exeggutor's head, and it lifted me up. I got a great look at Melemele Island. The great sea, Hau'oli City and, in the distance, another island. The Pikipek and Wingull flew passed me. "This is where my journey starts!"

Exeggutor took me down and I got off. "Fun?" Hala asked.

"You bet!" I said.

"Well you have some time before the battle with Hau," said Hala. "Feel free to enjoy yourself for now!"

"I will!" I replied.

Eventually, the time came for the battle between me and Hau. We stood on each end of the battle podium whilst Hala gave some announcements.

"People of Melemele Island," Hala boomed. "You are all in for a very special treat today! We have a battle that we hope will please Tapu Koko, the Guardian Pokémon of Melemele Island. Let me introduce them to you. First, having moved from Celadon City recently, it's Elliott Mitchell!" I walked onto the podium as everyone cheered.

"Thanks everyone!" I said.

"Good luck! Roto!" Rotom Dex said, walking alongside me.

"And on the other side, it's my very own grandson, Hau Pani!" Hau ran on from the other end, waving at everyone.

"Give it your all!" Hau told me.

"I plan on it!" I replied.

Elliott Vs. Hau

"Go Pichu!" shouted Hau, sending out a small yellow Pokémon with triangular ears.

Pichu (ピチュー)

#031

Electric Type

Tiny Mouse Pokémon

1'00" (0.3 m)

4.4 lbs (2 kg)

It still can't use electricity well. When it's surprised or excited, it discharges electricity unintentionally.

Baby Pokémon

"A cute new addition to your team deserves a good battle. Litten, go!" I shouted. "Ember attack!" Litten fired a flame at Pichu. It was a direct hit.

"Pichu, Thundershock!" Pichu fired a small jolt of electricity at Litten. Upon impact, Litten was paralyzed.

"Oh no!" I shouted.

"Now Pichu, Thundershock again!" Pichu fired another jolt of electricity at Litten. This one was a Critical Hit. Suffice to say, Litten wasn't doing too hot.

"Ember it!" Litten managed to pull of a final Ember, fainting Pichu.

"Thanks a lot, Pichu. Rowlet, I choose you!" Even with a Type advantage, I was concerned. Litten was weak AND paralyzed. "Use Tackle!" Rowlet charged forward, but it thankfully missed.

"Ember!" Litten managed to hit Rowlet with a small flame.

"Use another Tackle!" This time, the Tackle made contact. Litten fainted.

"Good job my friend," I told Litten, as I returned it. "Okay Pikipek, take it on!" Out came Pikipek, which also had the advantage over Rowlet. "Peck it!" Pikipek flew over and pecked Rowlet on the beak.

"Come back with Tackle!" Rowlet tacked Pikipek onto the wooden platform.

"One more Peck!" Pikipek lunged up and hit Rowlet once more. Rowlet was finished.

"Aw man, I lost! Tapu Koko must be disappointed."

Hala clapped. "That was a fantastic battle from both of you!" he boomed. "But… did you impress the Island Guardian?"

There was silence. Only the buzzing of the Ledyba could be heard.

…

…

…

"KOOO KOOOOOOOOOO!"

"IT LIKES IT!" Hala boomed!

"Zzt! Great job from both of you!" Rotom Dex shouted.

I walked up to Hau and held out my hand. He shook it. "Great battle," I said.

"You to," Hau replied.

"Quite," said Hala. "I have something for both of you." Hala held out two black rings.

"Are those… Mega Rings?" I asked. "Hey, maybe the evolved forms of Litten and Pikipek have Mega Evolutions!"

"Zztt. No-to," Rotom Dex said. "Litten'zz final form is Incineroar. Pikipek's final form is Toucannon. Neither have Mega Evolutions. In fact, no Pokémon originating from Alola are capable of Mega Evolving!"

"It's a good guess though," laughed Hala. "These are Z-Rings, which I used from the material that Tapu Koko supplied to you."

"Z-Rings?" I asked.

"They're for Z-Crystals!" Hau told me. "You get Z-Crystals from completing trials around Alola, though some are hidden in other places. There is one for each corresponding Type. Ground, Poison, Water, Fairy and so forth. When you equip the Z Ring and have a Pokémon hold a Z Crystal, you can pull off amazing moves called Z-Moves!"

Hala nodded. "And that is what the Island Challenge is all about. But I believe that you have School this week, so please start your challenge afterwards."

"I go to Hau'oli Middle School to!" Hau told me. "I could be your personal tutor!"

"It's fine," I said. "But I would much appreciate it if you could show me the ins and outs."

Hau put his thumb up. "I'd be more than happy to!"

And so, my Alola region adventure began…

Professor Kukui's move Dex:

Today Elliott caught his first Pokémon; a Flying Type Pikipek. So today we will look at a Flying Type move:

Aerial Ace.

Aerial Ace only has a base power of 60. Is that strong? Not particularly. But why is it worth using? Because it never misses! Many Trainers like to have this move in their arsenal because its reliable.

Pokémon that can use this move include Fearow, Braviary and Heracross. Additionally, many Pokémon such as Weavile, Flygon and Passimian can learn it via TM. Aerial Ace may not be the strongest move in the world, but it sure is versatile!

Sorry I'm late! Zzt!

Rotom Dex, what are you doing?

Oh, that'zz right! I'm replazzing you!

Oh, okay Rotom.