Alola readers! I'm actually back with a chapter that is ready for its update on one of my deadlines! Granted it's my lone day off this week and it's another round of busy next. I don't have another day off until my cousin's wedding in early July! And on top of that, I'm about to turn 23. I'll get to the next chapter when I can, but there was just a sliver of time available for me to squeeze this through.
Quick note before I get started, I've modified the previous chapter titles to individual diary entry numbers instead of that 0-1, 0-2 crap. It was getting WAY too confusing and it was time for me to figure out a way to put in all these other chapters that I didn't write while drafting this story into the fold. Hope that cleans up things quite a bit.
So anyway, here's the next chapter.
Elio was quick to challenge Hala to a rematch after we got back and it was just like the other night. Everyone in Iki Town came out to see the big battle! I made sure to let him know that I was going to cheer him on. Even though the pokemon got hurt, I know that this is part of the battle and we all want to believe that Elio is a very special trainer. He already is. I see it. Hala sees it. Hau sees it. Professor Kukui sees it. You know what? Even Leilani sees it, especially if she took him out on that date…no…please don't let it be a date!…To the Battle Buffet.
You know what though? It might have been for the better anyway because he passed! He defeated Hala! Way to go Sun…whoops Elio!
As much as I was happy to hear that they were growing as trainers, it is a little saddening in that they will eventually be leaving Melemele Island for the others in Alola to continue their island challenge. Professor Kukui was definitely intrigued when I pretty much squealed with excitement after he told me that he was going to take them to Akala and Professor Burnet wanted to see me, so I'd be tagging along. I can spend more time with Hau and Sun…Elio! Maybe that thing with Leilani was just to get stronger. I hope that's the case.
"Hmm," Hala mused as he stared into Sun's eyes when the young boy had returned from his daily adventure to boldly challenge the kahuna to a rematch of the grand trial, asking him once again inside the man's house.
"Your uhane burns bright my boy!" He clapped him on the back, "But how do I know that you were not preparing your pokemon for battle?"
The question made Elio realize and wonder how much training he had actually put into the Battle Buffet in order to get a good grip on Rufflet's battling. Sure, they were now aware of each other's' strengths and limitations, but he hadn't used him in a trial yet. He wouldn't be used to that.
He needs experience and now the only way to give him that is to throw him in headfirst.
"Kahuna, I don't think I am ready for this battle. After I lost last night, I'm starting to not think that I ever will be, but that's also the best opportunity to prove myself wrong and dive into the challenge. Even though I have my doubts. I believe in myself and my pokemon enough to come out victorious."
"I see," Hala said, "Then the kaikamahine Leilani has definitely taught you something new. Very well Elio. I accept your challenge and will meet it with all the power in my uhane!"
Ever since getting word of the upcoming battle, Sun was getting wishes of good luck and encouragement from the townsfolk. Everyone was extremely friendly and all wanting him to succeed as Tapu Koko's waeia kekahi. It seemed now as if every time there was an event of some kind happening, the Alolan people used it as a reason to gather the entire community together in the gala of sorts and celebrate for who knows how long. Parties like these lasted until everyone had enough and turned in, which could mean well into the morning hours.
Sun's angst about moving to Alola was slowly being squashed by how everyone looked out, helped one another and they celebrated together. When someone fell down in a race, there was everyone else right upon their side to come and pick them back up, even carrying them to the finish line if need be.
"Kahuna, may I ask you a question?" Elio started as they took their place on the stage, "This has nothing to do with the battle though."
"Of course keiki. What is on your mind?"
"Kahuna…I'm sorry." I guess I have to break the habit of being too formal here, "Hala; when you said that this is where my destiny lies, but will completing the island challenge fulfill that? I see all these other people from Team Skull, who I've been told were trainers that failed to complete the Island Challenge. What if I fail too? Will I be in that same boat?"
The Melemele kahuna paused, certainly not expecting to hear such worried words from the boy, "Well, yes you do have until you are twenty to complete the island challenge, but many of those you see with this Team Skull are those that merely did not put forth the effort required when they were more than capable of conquering it. The Island Challenge is meant to test every part of your strength, knowledge, willpower and the bond you have between you and your pokemon, but it is not insurmountable. In fact, it is to be an enjoyable part and always to have fun! Unfortunately, something like this can be discouraging to some, such as those in Team Skull, who turn back and give up when the trail begins to get more difficult." He looked over at him, "When I see you Elio, I see a person who has a fiery uhane and is undaunted by the mauna that lies before you. I am a firm believer that you will one day hold a special place here in Alola…and Alola will hold a special place in your heart."
"Okay," Sun felt a bit of reassurance by that. It felt like he was able to easily defer to the kahuna for advice when it became trying times.
"'A'ohe pu'u ki'eik'e ke ho'ao 'ia e pii." Hala drawled before he glanced down at the boy again, "Do you know what that means?"
Elio's face lit up as he recognized the old Alolan proverb, "Yes I do. No cliff is so tall it cannot be climbed."
This earned a rare open smile from Hau's Tutu, "I'm glad you are getting a grasp on our native language. You are slowly becoming an Alolan."
"Mahalo kahuna. Owau no ke aʻo 'ana."
"The point is; that any challenge, whether it be a trial, grand trial, island challenge or any of its own is never impossible. Even when you cannot conquer the mauna by yourself, you will have the support of those close to you; your friends, your family and your pokemon. And even when you are ineligible to complete it, should you fail, as long as you tried without regrets, then nobody here will think any less of you."
Voices drifted just outside the kahuna's home as Hau opened the front door, walking inside to find them.
"Howzit Elio?" He waved his hands to his best friend, "Are you ready to battle my gramps again brah?"
Sun grinned back, "You know it and I'm going to win this time!"
"Yeah!" The two boys slapped their hands together in a "brah" handshake before Hau pulled him in and they did a customary slap on the back. Sun had done it before with many of his sports teammates back in Kanto, but with Hau it was different. In a matter of a couple of weeks, the duo had grown from friends to rivals to the point where Elio considered him almost as a brother.
Would that make Lillie kind of like a sister? Leilani?
Hala laughed heartily at their antics, "Ah, you two amuse me very much! It seems that the rest of your friends are here to give you advice and wish you luck. Very well! I shall await your challenge at the stage where we had battled yesterday. Come there once you are ready."
Just like the previous night, the many folks of Iki Town were all starting to crowd around the center square where Hala and Sun were about to commence their rematch. The audience gathered around with many setting up tables at the same area where the festival had been just a few weeks ago and brought out full dishes of different foods for everyone to feast on.
Unlike the previous time, both sides had an even number of battlers, but he knew better than to let his guard down.
As Hau separated from the group to go talk to his grandfather on the stage's other side, Professor Kukui and Lillie walked up to Sun's.
"You ready cousin?" He asked, giving off his signature smile.
"No," Sun joked back, "I think I'll have overdone it if I ever was."
"The kahuna's still a strong trainer yeah; I've never seen him hold back against anyone except for Hau."
"Why's that?"
Kukui shrugged, "I really don't know. He just does…but you also have to remember that the pokemon you've faced in the grand trial are specifically used for that. Trust me when I say that if he truly never held back, he would decimate you easily."
"Don't worry," Lillie assured him, "Everyone here wants you to win! Even the kahuna, but he's going to do everything he can to make sure it's as challenging as possible! It's called the grand trial for a reason."
"That's how I want it too," Sun agreed, "I'd rather win against an opponent who went all out rather than held back,"
Their conversation was interrupted when Hala strode across the platform to their side. His face remained impassive, yet quickly broke out into a smile. Almost immediately, the crowd surrounding them had all quieted down, leaving only the night sky and the crackling of flames illuminating the stage to resonate on the island. Not even the sounds of the city were audible.
"My boy Sun…are you ready to retry your grand trial in a pokemon battle?"
The boy straightened his posture and turned to face him directly, regarding his upcoming opponent. "Yes sir…I challenge you kahuna of Melemele Island to a battle in order to complete the grand trial!"
"Excellent." There was a twinkle in Hala's dark eyes, "I am eager to see the fire in your own eyes burn bright enough to overcome your final trial on this island!"
They took their spots at opposite ends and each held out a pokeball. Talking among the audience began to quickly dissipate as they gathered beside the stage in anticipation.
The match's referee stepped forward, "And now…the grand trial of Melemele Island shall begin between our challenger Elio Northstar!" At the introduction, the surrounding observers cheered lightly and Elio saw his mother, Hau, Kukui and Lillie waving frantically. There was even the familiar pink hair of Trial Captain Ilima showing up to watch.
"You can do it Sun!" He heard his mother above the claps and shouts of encouragement.
"Go Sun!" Leilani's voice added from another area, although he didn't see her.
I should cheer him on too. Lillie thought from her spot in the audience. "I believe in you Elio!"
"And opposing him is island kahuna Hala!"
When his name was announced, the rest of the crowd let out a low throaty "HO-AH!" It was sudden, loud and pierced the tranquil night air around them like a flying spear. Hala stomped the ground twice, widening his stance as part of the traditional ritual to intimidate his challenger.
"The grand trial will be completed when all pokemon on one participant's side are incapable of battling! Both sides may only have one pokemon on the field at a time. The challenger is allowed to use as many as six pokemon during the battle and both parties may switch at any given time!"" The ref turned to Sun, "Do you accept these terms?"
"Yes."
"Kahuna Hala, do you accept these terms?"
"Yes."
"Then let the battle begin! Trainers, send out your pokemon! Sun, your grand trial starts now!"
The kahuna held out the poke ball of his first battler, "My boy…I want you to pass this trial more than anyone here! But I will not make it any easier because of this! Mankey will make sure of it!" He threw out the ball, revealing a mankey, a furry pig-nosed pokemon that let out a battle-ready cry when it lightly landed on the floor before raising its arms and bobbing up and down in anticipation of the upcoming battle.
"Actually, you're wrong! I'm the one who wants to pass this the most!" Sun threw out his own pokemon. "Grimer! You're first!" He had chosen Grimer as his first contestant.
As the sludge pokemon emerged, falling to the deck with a wet slap, murmurs came around the crowd…he was using the same strategy as the last time. The other night he had led off with Grimer against the mankey and it hadn't fared well. Although he was more durable, Sun was forced to recall him after he suffered immense damage due to his lack of speed and used Litten to finish it off. He used the same strategy to take out Hala's Makuhita, but both were quite exhausted after defeating the two when Crabrawler had come out, making them easy pickings for the kahuna's ace pokemon.
"New pokemon detected!" Rotom buzzed, popping out of Elio's backpack to briefly interrupt the match, "Mankey…pig monkey pokemon. A single mankey's fits of rage can cause the entire colony to rampage for no apparent reason. A sure sign of it becoming enraged is when it visibly shakes and has rough breathing. Mankey is a fighting type. Additional information is available upon catching this pokemon."
He was starting off with a type disadvantage and everyone else knew it.
The referee waved his hands, affirming that both parties were ready to get started before backing off the center stage.
"Grimer, let's lead this off! Use pound attack!"
"Grime!" His long amorphous arms stretched quickly, growing to many times their original length and striking mankey with incredible speed before Hala could even order an attack of his own. Just as quickly, he shrunk back, retreating to his side of the field, remaining alert for a counter strike as well as Sun's next orders.
"Mankey, use karate chop!"
With its left arm, the fighting type lunged forward to close the distance between them.
"Bite its arm and pound it again!"
"Pursuit!" Grimer had no need to swiftly jumped aside from the swinging strike, it merely shrunk down before widening back up an arm's length away. For him though, the mankey stopped just short of the platform's edge after running ahead and went right after him, hitting its mark. Grimer opened his mouth to bite down, but the pig monkey nimbly moved out of his reach, also jumping right over his elongated arms that tried to go for the successive pound.
Could go for a poison gas. "Use poison gas!" He sucked in a breath of air before blowing it back out, covering his part in a green cloud of noxious fumes. "Good! Now bite it before it has a chance to attack again!"
Grimer bared his incisors again and they chomped right down onto mankey's tail. The pig monkey pokemon let out a loud howl of pain, flailing wildly before angrily ripping its tail free and shaking its body as the gas began to dissipate in the air. It sent a death glare at its opponent before letting out an animalistic howl.
"Oh crap," Sun had completely forgotten about mankey's anger point ability, maximizing its attack power if he had scored a critical hit on one of the pokemon's weak point or did more damage than normal.
Mankey's going to be a real problem if it's still on the field for much longer.
Hala knew the advantage was going back to his side and seized the opportunity, "Mankey, rock tomb!"
Mankey let out a snarl to tell everyone how pissed it was before it shot forward, thrusting its arms out and firing a barrage of good sized chunks of stone that accelerated downward at rapid speed.
"Minimize to escape! Go under it!"
Grimer easily avoided the attacking move by shrinking his own body down to a fraction of his original size before racing right underneath its charging legs. Confused at the sudden turn, mankey stopped its assault and looked down for its target.
"Do it again!"
"Mankey, use focus energy!"
"Mank!" His pokemon formed a pair of fists and stared intently around, prepping for another attack while searching.
I gotta finish this thing off. The longer it stays on its feet, the bigger chance I have losing. I didn't put in all this training for nothing!
"Use pound!" An idea stuck itself in his head.
"Grab it!"
As Grimer's arms came forth, the mankey's paw latched out in the blink of an eye, grabbing one of his forearms and clinging on with impressive tenacity. He automatically tried another pound with his other free arm, but the fighting type was quick to catch the second attempt, locking both in place and moving with it as he tried to use his slimy body to squeeze out of the grip.
"Get yourself free!" As the combatants listened to their trainers' orders, Grimer again tried to escape, finally slithering a sludge arm through the openings of the mankey's fingers. It let out a loud screech and slammed a karate chop right into his face in retaliation. The freed arm struck back in another pound, which allowed him just enough time to finally escape with his other arm.
"Mankey, rock tomb!"
As it launched another round of huge stone chunks, Grimer belched out a cloud of poison gas, quickly covering the stage in the foul smelling stench. The rocks clattered on Sun's end of the field, yet he never heard them hit his pokemon nor it cry out in pain.
"Grime!" Mankey's screech came out abruptly when it was apparently surprised at its foe's sudden appearance.
"Alright Grimer!" Sun made a fist, "Let's finish this with bite!"
"Grime!" He stretched above his victim, but instead of biting with his normal teeth, they glowed a bright purple, chomping down right atop Mankey's entire body.
"Woah! Bzzt!" Rotom exclaimed in surprise, "Elio! Grimer hazz learned poison fang!"
"Huh, all right then! Poison fang again!"
Hala looked puzzled, "Mankey, stay alert!"
"Now!" Grimer came right out of the poison gas shroud, attacking directly from behind. The pig monkey was in the midst of turning around when the second attack found its mark.
The fighting type let out a loud agonizing screech, clutching its wounded leg before falling to one knee, wobbling slightly and then finally keeling over. It had fainted.
"Mankey is incapable of battling…Grimer is the winner!"
Elio heard a lot of cheers from the crowd, but he heard Lillie's excited squeals over just about everyone. Looking back over, he was greeted with waves from the blonde alongside his mother, Hau and Professor Kukui. At that point, he felt as if he could take on anything.
Although he felt extremely excited that he was ahead in the race; Sun instead forced himself to breathe out a sigh of relief. He was well aware that the battle could have gone bad quickly right from the start and it was far from over. Mankey's anger point ability and focus energy combo would have been devastating and although Grimer's viscous fluid body had adequate defense to handle tougher attackers, a double combination like that would've been enough to take him out for good.
"That was impressive Sun," The kahuna recalled his fallen pokemon, whispering something to it, "I remember that Grimer struggled against Mankey the last time they battled."
"Thank you kahuna…but the battle isn't over yet. I can't let my guard down,"
"That's what I like to hear from you my boy! Hau has picked a good rival in you!" Hala cackled, throwing out his next pokemon. Unlike mankey, the big circular makuhita was much heavier and bulky. It shook the stage when its feet hit the ground and stomped a couple of times.
"Grimer, come back." Sun switched out and put him away, "Rufflet…you're up!"
As the eaglet pokemon came out, he gave a nervous glance at Sun. The trainer saw the fire in its eyes in anticipation for the fight at the same time, but they had only practiced during the Battle Buffet and he actually hadn't used Rufflet in an official battle like this where the stakes were so high. The type advantage was his this time and Rufflet's stronger power could make things easier, but he didn't know if it was able to crack the makuhita's bulk. Thanks to its thick fat ability; it gave Litten a hard time, shrugging off its ember attacks as if they were nothing.
"New Pokemon detected bzzt! Makuhita…guts pokemon. Despite being brought from Hoenn, makuhita from Alola are now more famous. They have a daily routine of morning training, afternoon rest and eating, followed by more training that increases its fighting spirit every day. Makuhita is a fighting-type. Additional information is available upon catching this pokemon."
"Relax Rufflet," Sun assured him carefully, "We got this." He pointed right at the pokemon, "Use wing attack!"
"Fake out," As he closed the gap with his wings spread wide and ready; makuhita clapped its hands together one millisecond before Rufflet could hit his target, catching it off guard. The move stunned him as Hala took advantage of the flinch. "Now arm thrust!"
With a deep bellow, makuhita struck its imposing arms out at Rufflet, who was still recovering from the flinch and too helpless to move. He took three blows before tumbling back to Sun's side, standing up and examining the new wounds it had received.
"Rufflet! You okay?" He got a bloodthirsty caw in response. "Good!"
"Use arm thrust again!"
"Ka!" Makuhita lunged forward at a very surprising speed for its bulk. Its feet slammed into the platform with loud thuds as it pulled its arms back for another multitude of strikes.
"Dodge and use fury attack!"
Rufflet flapped his wings once to put a sizeable distance between the swinging arms before taking flight again and unleashing a flurry of jabs with his beak into makuhita's side. As it escaped another arm thrust, Sun was surprised that even with Rufflet's strength and hustle ability; it hadn't done any visible damage.
This thing made of metal? He mused. Rufflet just has to stay in the air to avoid its attacks, but they know we have to go in close if we are to do damage ourselves. Really only flying type moves are what really hurting it.
"Now Rufflet, use peck!" His beak glowed as he dived back down, ready to attack.
"Dodge it." With its surprising speed, the makuhita sidestepped the charging bird.
Everyone watching gasped in surprise, including Sun. Rufflet's run down swooped far past, with a huge gap in between the two combatants.
"How in the world does it evade that fast?" He muttered to nobody in particular, "It didn't do that last time!"
"Now use force palm!" As if moving so quickly hadn't given enough of a wakeup call, the gutsy pokemon jumped up astonishingly high into the air in a move that everyone hadn't thought was remotely possible. It closed its fingers together right in front of it before shoving them forcefully into a wide-eyed Rufflet. They both fell back onto the stage. Makuhita landing with an audible thud but on its feet and holding up a pair of baggy fists in a ready stance to await the next orders. Rufflet wasn't so lucky, stumbling around as he tried to recover from the sudden blow. His body twitched from the sheer shock of the move as he struggled to stay upright.
Yet his eyes continued to glimmer with determination, despite already receiving massive damage from the attack. He moved spastically, as if part of his body was no longer under his control.
"Rufflet!" What's wrong with him? The realization dawned immediately, "Oh no…he's paralyzed."
Sun felt a bit of panic begin to settle into the pit of his stomach. Rufflet had the only typing that was highly effective against fighting and able to outspeed them both on the ground and in the air. With it paralyzed; he was going to be significantly slower and sometimes the stress of the condition would leave him incapable of moving. Hala would have easy prey.
"If you can pull through!" Sun encouraged his pokemon, "Use peck again!"
With a strained cry, Rufflet jumped forward, his beak glowed again before it was driven into its opponent's thick body. The move this time around did a fair amount of damage when it visibly stumbled.
"Use force palm!"
"Watch out!" Since he was up close, there wouldn't be a lot of time to dodge. Rufflet saw it coming and flapped its wings to avoid the blow. As he did, his muscles gave off a brief spasm that halted his flight and he fell right back into the oncoming path of the force palm.
"No!" He was blown away, tumbling back to Sun's side of the platform before slowly rising to his feet.
"I'm taking you out…" He was about to recall him with the great ball in hand when Rufflet cawed in protest, giving a disagreeable glance back at his trainer. "No! Rufflet return now!"
"Makuhita, use arm thrust. Wrap this up!" As they were debating on their next move, Hala had decided to take the initiative.
No time! "You wanna finish this? Wing attack!" Sun yelled, slipping the ball back on his belt. Rufflet continued to struggle moving, but managed to remain on its feet, rising wide and closed the gap between the fighters.
Even with the paralysis crippling it, the bird's wings spread out and they glowed white before he flew forward to slam makuhita right in the center mass. The attack was enough to send it off balance and fall to its arms.
Sun knew that the paralysis could kick in at any time and wanted to maximize Rufflet's potential before it was taken out or had a chance to doom him at the worst opportunity. "Wing attack again!"
"No!" Hala growled, "Makuhita, bulk up!" Makuhita turned around, ready to tense his muscles, just as it got struck again over the chest from above, felling it over on its side. While it collapsed to the ground, Rufflet flew up before descending to stand in front of Sun.
"Makuhita is incapable of battling!" The referee stated after a moment of examination of the fallen pokemon, "Rufflet is the winner!"
"Yeah!" Sun formed a triumphant fist as the crowd cheers returned, "Nice job Rufflet!"
"Ruff! Rufflet!" Rufflet cooed at the praise.
"You deserve a rest," He looked ready to protest the decision again, but Elio held up his great ball, "I may need you later. Okay?"
He seemed satisfied with that and allowed himself to be recalled into the red beam of light that sucked him back inside his home.
"Familiar place huh?" Hala asked as Sun put him away on his belt clip.
"Maybe."
"I have one pokemon left," He took a third ball out, "And you know too well who it is. Crabrawler, let's make this as worthwhile as possible!" The kahuna threw it onto the field.
Crabrawler emerged, swinging its pincer fists and waved them in a taunt to Sun.
"New pokemon detected! Bzzt!" Rotom said, "Crabrawler…boxing pokemon. Crabrawler's pincer fists are powerful enough to break open the hard shells of its primary diet, coconuts and other fleshy berries. When a pincer gets worn, it can break off but can grow back rapidly. This pokemon is competitive in battle with others and with each other, hating to lose. Crabrawler claws and legs are considered a delicacy in Alola. Additional information is available upon catching this pokemon."
I knew this was coming. Sun stared at it; It's definitely gotten stronger since I last battled it. He still had all three of his pokemon, although Grimer was damaged somewhat and Rufflet was paralyzed. Litten had yet to enter the battle, but he wanted to save his starter pokemon in case he needed him.
From the looks of it, I'm going to have to use him sooner or later. Here goes. "Grimer, you're back up! Poison fang!"
"Use bubble!"
Crabrawler shot a short stream of bluish bubbles out of its mouth as Grimer had moved fluidly, wasting no time to cancel his attack and change his irregular direction, ducking easily out of the way.
"Now power-up punch!"
Hala's pokemon moved forward, bobbing and weaving slightly, its left fist glowed as it extended forth, hitting him right in the jaw with a solid hook just as he was coagulating up again. He was still shaking off the bubble when the crabrawler attacked again with its right pincer in a second power-up punch, slugging Grimer again.
"We're not done yet!" Sun shouted, grabbing his pokemon's ball and readying it, "Grimer, return!" Across from him, a visible smirk on the kahuna's face told him that he was just waiting for an opening to present itself to spring a trap. "Pursuit."
As the beam of red light was about to pull him off the battleground; Crabrawler scuttled rapidly over, slamming both its gray glowing pincer fists into Grimer's slimy body. This abrupt interference had halted the recalling process, causing the beam to cut itself short. The poison and dark type hadn't been switched out like he had intended and instead fell over, knocked out of the fight.
"Grimer is incapable of battling!" The referee waved his flag in Hala's direction, "Crabrawler is the winner!"
Murmurs came across the crowd as they continued to talk among themselves of the battle. Although he wanted to minimize losses, the fact that he was down to two pokemon instead of three now put more pressure on him. He glanced over at Hala, who was in the midst of praising Crabrawler for a job well done and Hau, who seemed apprehensive about the whole thing. He was pretty sure that the other boy was torn on who to cheer for. His palms began to feel a little slick from sweat as the thoughts of it being another easy battle were once again pushed out of his mind.
Elaine and Lillie had concerned faces, since they had seen a similar situation last night and were afraid that Elio was about to fall right back into the same hole earlier. Professor Kukui was grinning, since he was enjoying every minute of the intense fight so far. Hau looked torn, with no idea on who he should be pulling for.
Elio considered his options; Rufflet had paralysis, so he was going to be quite slow and another easy picking. But was Litten going to be enough to come out victorious?
"Choose wisely keiki," Hala said, "Crabrawler here has shown me quite a bit of promise."
Screw it. "Let's go Litten, we're going to win this!"
His starter landed on the platform with grace and nonchalantly gazed at his opponent before taking a battle-ready stance on all fours and narrowing his eyes. This was one he was all too familiar with.
"Just like we practiced! Ember!" Sun yelled, pointing at the crabrawler.
Hala countered with a bubble and the two attacks collided, kicking up dust with mist and tiny fiery sparks. Smoke poured from the center before clearing again to reveal both battlers staring intensively at one another each one canceled out.
"Use bite!"
He saw that familiar smirk on Hala's face again. "Power-up punch,"
Litten quickly closed the distance, fangs bared as crabrawler lit its fist once again and swung it in another jab.
"Back off! Ember it again!"
As crabrawler extended its pincer claw, Litten nimbly jumped away, avoiding the blow by mere inches. When they separated, the fire cat blew out another tiny flame that hit its carapace. Crabrawler cried out in pain as the fire briefly coated its entire body before almost collapsing. It used its claws to keep itself standing for a moment before righting up again and swaying in a ready stance.
That ember didn't do much damage.
Hala was about to order another attack when the crabrawler reeled from something that had hurt it. Both trainers glanced closer from their respective ends of the field, seeing a smoldering patch located about midway down its left pincer fist where Litten's ember attack had struck directly. If he remembered correctly, that was part of Crabrawler's weak points.
Litten had scored a burn. Sun couldn't believe his luck.
A burn suppressed a pokemon's physical prowess as well as causing continuous damage, which was good on his side, but that didn't make crabrawler any less dangerous.
"It seems now it's only a matter of time before he falls," Hala said, "I can't remember the last time a different trial-goer had me on the ropes with an intense battle such as this!" He pointed towards Litten, "Use power-up punch!"
Litten shot another ember, but the crab pokemon's fist plowed right through, despite the burn it suffered. The flame was snuffed out, sparks flying onto the platform before quickly dying out.
"Litten, watch out!" Sun cried, but it was too late. He was slugged again in the face and sent backwards, digging his extended claws into the floor to skid to a halt in front of his trainer.
"You okay?" His fire cat gave a nod to reassure his trainer, baring his teeth at the opposition. Sun knew that the burn had lessened the attack power of crabrawler's power-up punch, but the move also increased its physical attack status every time it successfully hit. It eventually wouldn't matter about its hot status condition, if it kept using power-up punch, Litten and Rufflet would be done for.
Crabrawler took its position next to Hala and Sun noticed that it was hammering its left side. Looking closer, he saw part of a big black scorch mark that was glowing a dull orange.
That part of the burn seems to be hurting it…
"I shall take the initiative then," Hala declared, "Pursuit!"
With a loud hiss, Crabrawler charged forward with its claws glowing dark. Litten fired another ember attack in an attempt to scare it off, but the boxing pokemon was intent on carrying out his trainers' order.
"Litten, ember again…aim for the left side."
He meowed and once again, spat a tiny flicker of flames towards crabrawler. The crab was ready for this, easily swatting the fire away harmlessly as it continued its advance. When they finally closed the gap in between, it swung them rapidly. Litten didn't need to be told what to do, now dodging the recklessly thrown blows.
Elio was about to order another attack when he noticed something peculiar. As Litten continued on the defensive for evading; the crabrawler would push out its pincer fists, giving only an extremely brief moment for a wide open shot of the irritating burn as it overextended its punch on the left fist.
I need to get it to do that again.
As if someone or something was listening to him; Litten's back fur glowed bright in a fiery blaze as it opened its mouth like it was going for a bite attack. His sharp incisor teeth glowed bright orange as the tiny flickers of flame emanated from his mouth.
"Litten has learned fire fang," Elio whispered to himself and hardly paying a sliver of attention to Rotom vocalizing the same thing. He regained his composure and stood up again, "Alright, now use ember!"
With a loud meow; he jumped up and spat another weak flame down at Crabrawler.
"Go through it with power-up punch!" Hala yelled, "Hit it again!"
Litten had landed back on the ground after launching his attack when the crab quickly advanced again, baring its left fist up and ready to jab.
"Get ready," Sun told him, "Wait until it punches." He got a nod in response.
Crabrawler had started to swing its pincer as Litten automatically moved back to avoid the blow. As he dodged, Hala's fighting type did exactly what Sun had thought, overextended his thrust and leaving the burned area wide open.
Perfect. He seized the opportunity, "FIRE FANG NOW!"
Litten knew where it was wanted and wasted no time, powering up his new move and quickly clamping down right on the injured area.
Crabrawler's eyes immediately doubled in size as Elio's pokemon struck it right on its weak point. It hissed loudly, swinging its free fist around and powering up another power-up punch. Litten was hastily slugged in the face with enough force to rip it off his victim. As he tumbled back, the crabrawler spread his arms out and shot a handful of bubbles that splashed him over, doing super-effective damage.
The crowd gasped at the sudden turn of events, although many were still hopeful that Sun would still be able to come up with a win. Litten was a little slow to get up on his feet, firing a warning ember that was aimed way off its intended mark, but it managed to keep the other pokemon at bay.
"Crabrawler…it is time." Hala crossed his arms and activated his Z-Ring. A harsh glow emanated from the top as if it were a lone flaring star that pierced the night. Swirls of energy surrounded it as the Z-Power warmed up and finally activated.
"Oh no," Sun looked over at Litten, who was likely waiting for the same thing, "Stay on your feet and be ready to dodge!" He had no idea if a Z-move was even avoidable.
"Now Crabrawler; unleash the full potential of your Z-Power with my MIND, BODY and SPIRIT!" The kahuna roared as he formed an X with his hands and posed with a fusillade of punches on both arms before rearing back and striking the pose in one final strike, "Channel your power-up punch into ALL-OUT PUMMELING!"
The bright aura of Z-Power surrounded crabrawler, who proceeded to punch forward in mimicking Hala and instead of a single blow; a massive endless barrage of red hot glowing fists that seemingly came out of nowhere, homing right in on Litten sounding a deafening crash in spite of the latter's attempts to dodge them. He managed to jump out of the way on the first few, but one had crashed into his side and the rest were quick to follow suit. Crabrawler unleashed one final ultimate superpowered strike, hitting him again with immense force that sent big shockwaves across the whole area. The force was enough to send Sun's starter shooting away and crashing into the platform floor, shattering several wooden boards and cracked the foundation underneath to a significant degree. There were cries of worry and amazement from many of the townsfolk around them at the awesome display of power.
When the dust finally cleared, Elio's heart sank when Litten lay in a heap at the stage's edge with many visible grievous injuries from the relentless Z-Move. The referee stepped onstage and waited a few moments before he extended his flag to crabrawler, who landed back on his own side and swung his fists in intimidation and in triumph, "Litten is unable to battle! Crabrawler is the winner!"
No! Sun gritted his teeth in frustration as he returned Litten back to his pokeball and hung his head low, "I'm sorry buddy." Last battle on the previous occasion; he had fared even better against Hala's Crabrawler, but it seemed to regard him as a pushover tonight. Again he had been taken down by that Z-Move.
"I'll make sure your effort didn't go to waste. Both of you." He slowly took out Litten's pokeball and returned him back inside. You deserve a rest and I'll make sure you're stronger than ever!
Elio was both frustrated and unsure of what to do. He had to send out the last pokemon he had…Ruffet. Now panic was really starting to creep into his veins as the fear of failing a second time consecutively was very real. He didn't want to embarrass himself all over again, not in front of all these expectant eyes.
Rufflet's flying type moves had it at an advantage, but the hustle ability being possible to miss some of those moves plus his exhaustion could conspire to bring him down.
Just stay calm. Sun reminded himself as he threw out his last pokemon. You can do this.
The referee waved his hands to resume the battle.
"Rufflet, use wing attack!"
The eaglet slowly raised his wings before shaking again and stumbling.
"Oh no," He had forgotten all about the paralysis.
"Crabrawler…finish this with pursuit!" Hala shouted. Despite his command being clearly heard by everyone else, his pokemon seemed to ignore it. "Crabrawler?"
Sun was still shaken over the fact that he was going to lose again, that he failed to notice that Hala was struggling to maintain things on his own end.
The ember he had used earlier on the burn had sped up its damaging process, thanks to Litten's fire fanged efforts. The kahuna had been so focused on taking down Litten that he failed to notice how severe the status ailment was until too late.
Crabrawler drunkenly swayed on its feet as if it were confused, sporting several marked bruises of damage before falling backwards with a loud thud to faint upside down on its blackened carapace at Hala's feet.
The referee waved his hand towards Sun's side, "Crabrawler is unable to continue battling! Rufflet is the winner and the victory goes to Elio, who has completed the Grand Trial of Melemele Island!"
The crowd started clapping and quickly gave way to loud cheering and a couple approving whistles. Sun stood there in disbelief, still not getting the fact that he had won.
"I won?..." It hit him full force, "I won!" His face broke out into a huge grin as he jumped up and down excitedly, raising both arms in the air and letting out a victorious cry, "Yes!" Despite their tiredness, all three of his pokemon came out of their thrown balls and joined in on his celebration, crowding around their trainer with tired cries and nuzzles of affection. After all, they were the ones who made it possible. "Thank you guys so much for putting your all into it!"
Hala recalled his crabrawler back into its ball, muttering a thanks and strode over across the platform. His stoic expression gave way to a quick smile, "The results of your rematch on the Grand Trial come as no surprise to me."
"KOKO!" A loud screech abruptly came from above, echoing throughout Iki Town. All eyes looked up to search for the guardian deity; however it was already quite dark to discern anything. A bright golden surge of electricity arced across the sky, lasting only for a blink of an eye before vanishing, allowing the darkness to take over once more.
"Ho!" Hala throatily laughed again, "And our mighty Tapu Koko agrees! Perhaps it is hoping that one day you will become strong enough to battle it as well! In the meantime, accept this Z-Crystal! It allows trainers to share their power with their partner pokemon!"
Sun felt the tiny stone fall into his hands before kneeling down, holding it close to his chest while spinning around in a circle and striking a pose with his fist skyward as the crowd let out another round of applause. "Yes! Grand Trial, complete!"
Just below him, his three pokemon had all recovered enough to jump for joy. He broke his stance and knelt down to their level, "Thanks for all the work you put in to this! I am so proud of you all right now! Couldn't have done it without you guys!"
In response, the team members rushed forward and practically jumped into his arms, giving off soft cries of affection. Grimer had caught his legs, causing him to fall over on his back into the ground while Rufflet and Litten dove right for his chest. Elio wrapped his arms around his pokemon and hugged them as tight as he could.
"Aww," Just about everyone cooed at the sight.
"Observe Sun," Hala hated to break the touching moment between pokemon and trainer, but he wanted to conclude the trial ceremony sooner since it was getting late. "If you wish to use the new fighting-type Z-Power, move your arms like this…." He crossed his arms in an X stance, opening them out before unleashing a flurry of punches with his arms, "Bend your hips like this and pose!" He stomped forward and performed one final punch with his opposite arm. "With this victory, you will have cleared all of Melemele's trials thanks to the Melemele stamp, the first of Alola's islands and now can move on to the second island at will!"
"Yes!"
Hala chuckled thoughtfully, "The moon in the daytime…the sun at night. Now to see if you can pour your heart…your uhane into something that cannot be seen, but is very much real. As you continue on your island challenge, consider what makes up the people and Pokémon that you meet and how they will influence you on your hana komo pae; both in what you can see and what you cannot. You will surely meet Tapu Koko again someday."
He thanked everyone for coming and the crowd began to disperse shortly thereafter. In stark contrast to yesterday; Sun got a lot of compliments…ho'omaika'i from many of the people for completing Hala's grand trial while others wished him luck on the rest of his island challenge.
"Aweome!" Hau jumped up and down excitedly as Sun stepped off the platform, "One island down! Three to go!"
"Aww yeah!" The two boys shook hands with a nod and grin on their faces before they fist bumped, raised their arms up waving and moving their hips as if dancing and finally clasping hands once again in a "bro" hug that was completed with a loud slap on one another's back.
"Woah!" Professor Kukui was clearly impressed by their little ritual, "That's one stylin' handshake if I saw one!"
They heard a squeal as Sun turned around, only to get crushed in a big hug by his mother. Chuckles were shared around the small circle of friends as the boy began to gasp for air.
"I'm so proud of you sweetie!"
"Th-thanks mom," He looked quite flustered and pointed to his three team members, "But it was my pokemon team that really won the battle,"
"Of course. I just can't stop thinking back to my days as a trainer! You remind me so much of myself when I was your age!"
"That was such an intense battle cousin!" Kukui said next and he held up his hand for an open high five, "Wish I could borrow your pokemon because I just got a new research breakthrough!"
"Yeah sure," Elio looked down at his team, "Would you guys like that?"
They let out quiet affectionate cries, seeming to agree wholeheartedly.
"As much as I want to get going to the second island…I'm tired," He declared, "How about we head out another day?"
"Whatever works for you yeah?"
"MOOO RAR!" A loud bellow interrupted the commotion. Sun turned to it, facing a wildly galloping tauros that looked dead set on flattening him over, kicking up a fair amount of dust as it charged down the trail towards them.
"Holy-!" He started, but stopped in mid surprise when he saw kahuna Hala stand in front and bent his knees.
The tauros showed no sign of slowing down and right before he would've been gored; Hala moved with surprising agility, grabbing it by its horns and although he was being forced back somewhat, he let out a loud yell of force and seemed to effortlessly flip the half-ton beast onto the ground.
"Ho!" He bellowed, scratching more of the pokemon's fur, causing it to huff and finally relax, "You sure were excited there weren't you?"
Elio's mouth dropped open as he was not expecting what had just happened at all.
The kahuna is like four or five times my age! How the HELL did he do that without suffering a scratch?!
Hau glanced over at everyone else with similar aghast expressions on their faces and chuckled as he got up. Professor Kukui smiled and shook his head.
"Whoa there Tauros! I see you were eager to say ho'omaika'i to Elio here after completing his grand trial! That gives me an idea! How about I set you up so that you can ride Tauros here whenever you like? No reason why he should not get to enjoy the island challenge too!"
"Uh sure," Elio's mind went right back to when he had pet it in Hau'oli City a couple of weeks ago. He had seen Tauros riding on television and the riders who were thrown off their bucking mounts had suffered some painful looking injuries, "He's not rowdy is he?"
"Rowdy?! Ha!" The kahuna let out another deep laugh, "This rascal loves you! So he's especially gentle with those he likes. I will take care of the things you will need in order to ride a pokemon Sun!" He reached into his pocket and pulled out a flat device, turning it on and handing it over.
"This is a ride pager," Elio glanced at it in his hand, "You can use it to call upon any ride pokemon that is registered to you."
"Here you go tutu!" Hau said as he came out from the direction of the kahuna's house and carried a large box. "This is the ride gear right?"
"Yes." Hala glanced over at Elio, "So why don't you hop on up there? Be sure to put on your gear first so you don't get hurt!"
"Yeah sure,"
The ride gear consisted of a few parts. First there was the sleek bodysuit that barely managed to fit over his clothes. It took a minute of stretching parts of it out to put his legs through and when he was finished, it felt very stiff, limiting his range of movement.
"This is the basic ride gear," Hau explained when he saw his best friend's discomfort, "There's a company called Alola Transit downtown in Hau'oli that manages all the ride pokemon here in Alola and you can also customize your ride wear to something more likeable."
"Okay," Sun didn't look too interested in the design of the bulky looking helmet, but he slipped it on his head nonetheless, "Because I want to see what else there is. Reminds me of my old football gear. I'll go tomorrow and check it out!"
"All right!" He pumped a fist and jumped up, "You're a hundred times braver than me Elio! I could never try and ride one of those!"
Elio looked back at Tauros, who was just being fitted with a harness himself by Hala, "Well wish me luck then."
Lillie hadn't said a thing since, but the look of concern on her face was unsettling, especially when they had come face to face with it earlier. She wasn't entirely sure about the idea. Tauros was certainly a dangerous pokemon if it was angered.
Just be careful Elio.
With a grunt; Sun approached his side, grabbed ahold of the handlebars atop the harness and pulled himself up on Tauros' back in one smooth motion.
The place where he was supposed to sit was a bit odd, being humped and slightly uncomfortable, but the handlebars were easily accessible and it required him to lean forward slightly. He figured that his butt would become numb after a half hour of riding or so.
"Here in Alola, our pokemon will lend us their strength and let us ride about on them! Controlling Tauros here is fairly intuitive and easy to figure out. In fact, he had bust some of those big piles of rocks that can sometimes block pathways. Why don't you have a little romp around Alola with Tauros here? I'm sure you'll be charmed by him! Hit whatever you want on the ride pager and the requested pokemon will kindly come to your side in minutes whenever you may be!"
Sun nodded, "Easy enough,"
After practicing moving the beast around a little and taking off the ride gear to stowing it away in his pack, Hala led Tauros away, allowing the others to congregate around. He saw the familiar face of trial captain Ilima approach him with a thin smile on his face.
"Congratulations Elio," He shook the boy's hand, "I hope you find the ride pager useful. I worked on developing it with a friend of mine. You know," The captain smiled again, "I am very impressed that you managed to win even without having to use your Z-Power. How about we have another battle next time we meet and I won't hold back this time!"
"Yeah that sounds good," Elio said as they shook on it, "You have a good night."
"To you as well. Alola!"
With that, the young man turned and walked off into the night.
"Elio!" His attention was grabbed once more as Leilani bounded up to them and threw her arms around his shoulders in an affectionate hug that made even Lillie fume slightly. Hau noticed the change in her normally passive expression, but he was too shocked himself at seeing one of his crushes hug his best friend so hard, "You did it! You beat the kahuna!"
"I can't take all the credit for it," He said, laughing and returning the embrace, "My pokemon did a lot of the work and you showed us the way."
"Yeah, well this is what I wanted to tell you!" Moving so that only the two of them could see, she opened up a tiny brochure, "This is happening tomorrow. You should go see it!"
Sun stared at it, already earning his interest, "Huh, you're right. I should!"
"You should bring a friend. Maybe even ask a certain someone if she can go with you!"
As everyone began to head back home, Sun noticed Lillie trailing behind Professor Kukui, who was deep in conversation with his mother. Hau had bade everyone goodnight, promising to meet up with everyone tomorrow sometime. They were planning to head out to Akala Island in a couple of days, since Elio wanted to relax, go find that ride gear shop and then take up Leilani's suggestion. She had left the brochure in his care.
Stargazing at Ten Carat Hill. I wonder if Lillie would be alright to come with me on that.
"That was a really good battle Sun," She stopped and turned back to him, "I was afraid you might lose. It was already hard enough seeing your pokemon in pain."
"Pew!" From the bag at her side, they heard Nebby offer its own congratulations.
"For a moment I thought I might lose too. As for the pain…well Rufflet likes getting hit as long as he gets a chance to hit back." Sun paused, "And thank you Nebby."
"Pew!"
"Can't wait to go to Akala Island in a couple days." He glanced up at her, "Are you coming with us too?"
"Of course! Even though I've already been to Akala, I go wherever the professor needs me."
"All right!" Sun exclaimed, finding himself a little too excited to hear she would be tagging along. "Although it's getting late and we're not heading out tomorrow. Do you want to meet up with me, Hau or Leilani to do something?"
"It's kind of hard to tell when I wake up. Kind of a heavy sleeper," She sheepishly smiled at the fact, "Well um. I want to ask a favor of you first. If that's all right?"
"More time to sleep in?"
Lillie giggled, a soft sound that sounded like fine china clinking together that completely enthralled the young boy, "No silly!" She turned serious, "You see, Nebby. Um…Nebby's came from a place really far from here and I want to help it get home."
Elio reached over, hesitant, but zipping open Lillie's bag and cradling the tiny pokemon in his hands, "Okay. So do you know where it came from?"
She nodded slightly, "It's like I told you before. Nebby once saved me when I was in trouble."
"Trouble?" His face immediately turned into concern and he felt quite a bit of worry flooding through his veins, "Lillie is everything okay?"
"Elio!" His mother called from the edge of town, "Are you coming sweetheart?"
"Yes Mom!" He shouted back, "Just talking to Lillie!"
"Okay." She exchanged a knowing smirk with Professor Kukui, "Try not to kiss too early!"
"Yes Sun, I'm okay." They both hadn't heard what Elaine had just said, "But Nebby once was there for me when I needed it, now I want to save it!"
"Save it? From what? From who?" He paused as a thought just manifested in his head, "Team Skull?"
Another nod, "Team Skull wants to take Nebby because of the power it used to save me! I feel like there's not much I can do on my own since I'm not a pokemon trainer. But if I had a real trainer like you…Elio helping me then maybe…y'know what? I probably shouldn't be asking this of you. It's too much right? I know it's just me being selfish and nothing to do with you."
Elio gave her a quizzical look, "Lillie, where are you thinking that it's too much of a burden or being selfish? Nebby clearly needs your help if it wants to go back home and you're doing everything you possibly can to help it," He stroked the top of the cosmog's strange skin, earning him a coo of happiness, "Besides, of course I'll help in whatever it needs! You're my friend after all and there's no need to give me anything in return. That's what friends are for!"
"Really?!" He saw that the pupils in her emerald eyes had dilated as she broke out into another grateful smile, "Oh thank you Elio! Thank you so much! I'm so glad because I really didn't know what else to do!"
"Well now you do. You know Nebby is as much of a friend to me as you are Lillie," He said, smiling again and placing it back inside the open duffel, "I mean it. C'mon, let's get going. I'll walk you back home."
How did I get so lucky with a friend like Elio? Lillie thought to herself as they made the trip downhill in thoughtful silence, He's such talented trainer and an amazing person!
"Yes. Yes I would love to come with you back to that ride pager store." She answered finally, "But I'm really tired. See you tomorrow?"
"Yeah of course. I'll come by the lab in the morning!"
Lillie smiled, now feeling that she could really count on someone being in her corner when she needed him, "Okay Elio. Goodnight."
"Goodnight Lillie."
Closing out this chapter. Hope it was enjoyable granted that I managed to get it out right on my schedule. Next one isn't so lucky, but I promise there will be at least one more before I jump out of town, provided nothing else crops up either. I'll see everyone next time!
Translations:
Uhane - Soul, spirit
Kaikamahine - Girl
Ho'omaika'i'ana - Congratulations
Waeia kekahi - Chosen one
A'ohe pu'u ki'eik'e ke ho'ao 'ia e pii - No cliff is tall enough it cannot be climbed
Mauna - Mountain
Owau no ke aʻo 'ana - I am learning
Hana komo pae - Rite of passage
As always, mahalo for reading and reviewing, you give my writing purpose.
Brav