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Chapter 16: Staring at the Sun
After arriving in Alola, it was no surprise that Ash and May wanted to eat first. Unfortunately, the line to get inside Aina's Kitchen turned out to be an unexpected obstacle in Ash and May's journey. The Contest Master hunched over when her stomach rumbled, "The line hasn't budged for 30 minutes."
"I guess that's why Red didn't think the wait was worth it," Ash crossed his arms.
"Well, you can't save the world on an empty stomach," May leaned against the wall. "Although, I understand why he was in a rush to find a plate since there are two of them," May held her chin.
Ash acknowledged, "Hopefully, he has better luck than us."
"Hopefully," May repeated.
"Well, aren't you two a sight for sore eyes," Mallow came up behind the couple.
May's face lit up, "Hi, Mallow!"
"Hey, we thought you were home!" Ash was thrilled to see her.
Mallow flashed a sheepish smile, "I was, but Ulu called and said we were getting slammed. If I'd known you were here, I would've come sooner."
"That's what I told Ash, but he didn't want to bother you," May pouted. Ash laughed off his wife's glare.
Mallow giggled, "Oh, Ash. You know it's always a treat whenever you come to visit. Let me give Ulu a hand and I'll get this line moving for you ASAP!"
"Thank you!" May and Ash cheered. Mallow hurried in to assist Ulu and finally got the line moving. Within 15 minutes, Ash and May were seated and enjoying Aina's Kitchen. May clasped her hands, "Ever since we set sail for Alola, I couldn't stop thinking about having your Berry-topped Poni radish again!"
"Sorry for the wait. Ever since Aina's Kitchen started to serve people and Pokémon, we've blown up and people from all over the world come to visit," Mallow blushed.
May winked, "Good for you. We love to hear it!"
Ash took a bite and his eyes turned into stars, "It's still as awesome as ever!"
"Aw, you're too kind," Mallow said. "It's good to see that both of you have your appetites back. I know things haven't been easy," the Alolan native sympathized.
May squealed after eating some more, "Your cooking definitely helps!"
"I heard you're traveling with someone from the future. Your son, right?" Mallow raised an eyebrow.
"That's right," Ash still found it strange to hear it come from others. "He wasn't hungry, so he went to search for one of the plates. We discovered there are two plates located in Alola," Ash briefed her.
Mallow's eyes grew, "You're kidding! I'm guessing you'll go look for the other plate after this?"
May nodded, "That's right. It looks like the plate we're searching for is situated somewhere on Treasure Island."
"Sounds like fun," Mallow smiled. "I wish I could come with you, but I think Ulu still needs my help here. Do the others know you're here?" the restaurant owner asked.
"I haven't gotten a chance to call them, but we're meeting Red at Professor Kukui's after we go to Treasure Island," Ash told her.
"That sounds like a good idea. I'm sure he'd be happy to see you again. You're always off traveling and you've never been the best at staying in touch, so it's nice when you come home," Mallow raised her finger.
May sneered at Ash, "See, Ash. A Rotom Phone is more than just a Pokédex."
Mallow giggled, "If it weren't for you, May, we'd probably never see or hear from Ash again other than through the TV. Right, Mr. Monarch?"
"Aw, c'mon, you two. You know it's not like that," Ash sweated.
May reached for his hand, "We're just teasing. Once Professor Kukui's students, always Professor Kukui's students."
"For sure!" Ash and Mallow chimed.
"If there's time, I'll have the others come by Professor Kukui's so we can have a little reunion," Mallow collected their empty dishes. "It really is great to see both of you smiling. Pikachu would love this," the girl's eyes gleamed.
Ash returned a warm smile, "He would."
"I should get back to work. I'll stop by after we close, but it was wonderful to have you eat here again," Mallow bowed at them.
"Thank you for having us," May bowed.
"Tell Abe and Ulu that we send our best," Ash gave her a thumbs up.
"I will. Good luck getting the plate!" Mallow waved and ran off to help with other customers.
With their bellies full, Ash and May continued on their way to Treasure Island from Melemele Island. Luckily, a saleswoman rented them a kayak that would get them to Treasure Island. The pair rowed their way through Alolan waters as they ventured toward the uninhabited island. As a sign of their luck, they were also blessed with clear skies and warm weather. It was almost like paradise. "I love coming to Alola," May breathed in the tropical air. "Maybe we can hit the beaches or go scuba diving afterward," the brunette daydreamed when she looked at the turquoise waters. She was in awe of the schools of Alolan Water-type Pokémon swimming under their kayak.
"It's not a vacation," Ash reminded her.
May snapped out of her infatuation, "Oh yeah. I'm sorry, it's just been a while since we were here." The coordinator looked embarrassed and tried to keep rowing.
Ash softened his voice, "I know. Tell you what. After all this is over, we can come back for a vacation. I could use one."
May's face brightened up, "That'd be great. Thank you, Ash!"
Her husband smiled, "I don't blame you for wishing to have fun. Alola is awesome. It's been like a second home to us, and I want to experience that again."
"Glad we're on the same page," May focused on Treasure Island in the distance. "I remember that's where I caught Goliosopod as a Wimpod. It was such a shy little thing then," the coordinator recalled. Ash admired May when he remembered how she saved Wimpod from a crevice it had fallen into. The more May stared at Treasure Island, the more her eyes started to glisten. "To tell you the truth, Ash. I'm getting goosebumps from going to Treasure Island. It holds a special place in my heart and I'll never forget our time there."
"The same goes for me," Ash's eyes also shined as they reminisced together.
May felt her heart race. "I remember you were overexcited to get to Treasure Island. The only time I'd ever seen you that excited about was arriving at a gym."
"I remember," Ash blushed.
"Good," May giggled. They eyed Treasure Island as they relived their beloved memory of it.
Ash, May, and Pikachu ate their snacks while they sat by the shore. "Pikachuuu!" Pikachu was delighted by the taste of his snack.
"It's so yummy!" May gushed.
"Good, huh?" Ash chuckled. May and Pikachu bobbed in agreement. "It's been a while since it was just us," the trainer focused on his girlfriend and his best friend. "We've been around so many people."
Pikachu stopped licking its paws to look at his trainer. "Pika."
"You're right, Ash," May rested her head on his shoulder.
"Ever since I first met you both, we've done a lot of traveling and battling together," Ash's eyes sparkled. His gaze fixated on the roaring waves that caused a soothing sound when they crashed. "And we came to Alola. We met Professor Kukui, Rotom, Rowlett, Rockruff, Litten, Kiawe, Sophocles, Mallow, and Lana. We met Lillie, Principal Oak as well. We've met so many other people and Pokémon too. You know? I love Alola," Ash stood up. "It's great!" he raised his arms in the air.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu couldn't agree more.
May beamed over his enthusiastic spirit. "I'm with you 100%!"
"Everyone's so warm, like the sun. People and Pokémon live in peace surrounded by nature. May, Pikachu," Ash's stare turned to them. "I want to become even stronger with both of you," he raised his fist. May was surprised by how inspired he looked. "Because we're a team! We've got island kahunas, island guardians, and lots of strong trainers and Pokémon. They've got some amazing stuff right here in Alola, and it's all going to help me become a Pokémon Master!" Ash roared.
"Pikaaachu!" Pikachu's confidence radiated.
"We'll always be a team, and we'll always get stronger together," May's eyes also glowed.
Ash balled both his hands into fists, "Both of you get me. I know I can count on you!"
"Of course!" May stood up, clenching her fist.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu winked.
A confident Ash turned shy, "May, there's only one way I'll know that you and I can continue to grow together." He looked at his best friend. The mouse nodded at him for encouragement. He believed in Ash.
May tried to understand, "What do you mean?"
Ash looked to the ocean. He could smell the salty sea air. A gentle breeze blew through his hair as he contemplated what he would say next. The trainer laughed and blushed, "You know what. I'm not made for this." May saw him reach for something in his swimming trunks. Pikachu's ears perked up when he peeked. The coordinator placed her hand over her mouth when she saw what looked like a small square case. Ash grabbed her hand and placed it in her grip, "Here, you get the idea." Ash gave a sheepish smile when he kneeled. May's eyes started to water as she opened it. She gasped when she saw that it was her mother's engagement ring. "Your family gave me their blessing and had it sent," Ash scratched his cheek. The speechless May lowered the ring to look at him. Her boyfriend remained timid, "What do you say?" Ash flashed a hopeful grin.
"Of course, I will!" May hugged him in tears. "I know I wasn't in your plans when you set out to become a Pokémon Master, but you don't know how happy you've made me. I love you, Ash," May grabbed his face to deliver a passionate kiss.
A pleased Pikachu watched them take the next step, "Pikachu."
They separated to catch a breath. "I love you, too, May," Ash caressed her cheeks. He pulled her in for another kiss as the wind blew and the waves splashed.
May snickered, "Then those Wimpod showed up and startled us."
"They did," Ash recollected.
"Before you pulled out the ring, you were trying to get yourself psyched up so you wouldn't get nervous. Were you?" May joked.
Ash closed his eyes and rubbed the back of his head guiltily, "Something like that." The couple shared a laugh. "I told Pikachu about it before we set out to Treasure Island that day. To tell you the truth, I might've chickened out if it weren't for him."
"I believe it. That Pikachu," May looked at the sky as she thought about their yellow friend.
Ash also looked to the blue sky, "I miss him every day."
"Me too, Ash. Me too," May murmured. They owed Pikachu a great deal for the growth of their relationship, but it pained them to know they never got a chance to thank him.
"One day," Ash believed.
Soon enough, the couple reached the shores of Treasure Island. The quiet island remained as peaceful as ever. There were no signs of trouble, and the native Pokémon relaxed on the sand. "It never changes here. I love it," May looked around during their walk.
"Who knew we'd come back here for a plate? It's almost like fate," Ash checked the plate reading on Treasure Island.
"Maybe it was. You never know? We made friends here. We bonded here. And you proposed to me here, kind of," May reached for Ash's hand.
Ash agreed, "I think you're right, May. It's magical here." He gave his wife's hand an affectionate squeeze. Suddenly, pink sparkles showered over them. They stopped when they felt them and looked up. "It's Tapu Lele!" Ash was ecstatic to see the island guardian.
"Hi, Tapu Lele!" May was also joyful to see the pink-colored guardian.
"Tapu," Tapu Lele hovered down. The curious guardian eyed and circled them, leaving a trail of sparkles. "Lele," the Legendary Pokémon could sense their intention.
May and Ash welcomed her. "Tapu Lele, are you here to help us find the plate?" Ash wondered.
Tapu Lele nodded, "Tapu lele." She moved away from the trainers. The Land Spirit Pokémon started to glow pink from energy she gathered. The wild Pokémon on the island gathered to watch it summon strength.
May stepped back, "I think Tapu Lele wants to battle."
"Yeah, something tells me that it won't help us if we don't," Ash decided. He smirked at the Legendary Pokémon. "Well, I'm never one to turn down a challenge."
"Bulu," Tapu Bulu descended to join Tapu Lele.
May smirked. "And Tapu Bulu, too. Looks like they want to make it a double battle." Tapu Bulu and Tapu Lele nodded. "Well, I'm not one to turn down a challenge either."
"Let's show them what we're made of, May," Ash said. He had a Pokéball on hand.
"All set," May acknowledged.
Ash threw his ball. "Infernape, I choose you!"
May also had her Pokémon join. "Goliosopod, take the stage!"
Goliosopod bellowed when it appeared on the battlefield with Infernape. "Nape!" Infernape raised its fists in the air.
Tapu Bulu and Tapu Lele fired Solar Beam and Psybeam at the duo. "Here they come!" Ash punched the air. "Use Flamethrower!" Ash's Infernape countered.
"Use First Impression!" May's Goliosopod surprised the island guardians when it vanished into thin air. It reappeared near the beams and canceled them out with one strike. Tapu Bulu and Tapu Lele braced themselves when Infernape's Flamethrower scorched them.
Ash praised his wife. "Awesome job, you two!"
"It's not over yet," May saw that Tapu Bulu and Tapu Lele had already recovered. Tapu Lele unleashed Dazzling Gleam and Tapu Bulu readied Wood Hammer. "Cover each other!" Ash and May commanded at the same time. Goliosopod used Razor Shell to defend against Dazzling Gleam while Infernape used Fire Punch against Wood Hammer. To their shock, the guardians dodged their counterstrikes and switched attacks. Tapu Lele swerved away from Razor Shell and fired Psybeam at the unsuspecting Infernape while Tapu Bulu pulled back to fire Solar Beam at Goliosopod. Ash and May's Pokémon were knocked back by the clever counterattack.
Ash smirked, "That was good."
"But we can do better. Show them, Goliosopod!" May raised her arm in the air. Goliosopod roared into the air when it performed Swords Dance, raising its power.
"Infernape, Fire Punch!" Ash pumped his fist. Infernape jumped, then slammed its fiery fist on the ground. Rows of fire burst from the ground that targeted the pair of Legendary Pokémon. Tapu Bulu and Tapu Lele avoided Infernape's attack, but they were far from safe. May's Goliosopod used Razor Shell to create a sword made of water that spun through Infernape's fire like a disc. The speed from the Water-type attack gathered flames to form a ring of fire around Razor Shell. Both guardians got caught off guard by the fire-water combination when they were struck. "That's a classic from yours truly," May winked.
Tapu Lele concentrated its power to use Dazzling Gleam again. Once enveloped in a sphere of fairy energy, Tapu Lele charged at Ash and May's Pokémon. "Sorry, that won't work again," Ash had Infernape confront Tapu Lele with Fire Punch. To his surprise, Tapu Lele didn't dodge and clashed against Fire Punch.
May pointed at Tapu Lele, "Goliosopod, lend a hand with Razor Shell!" Goliosopod lunged toward them, but Tapu Bulu intervened with Wood Hammer. Unlike before, Tapu Bulu threw a projectile version of its bell that knocked Goliosopod off course. Infernape got distracted by the setback and was bashed by Dazzling Gleam.
"They're just full of surprises," Ash noted. He clenched his fists and knew they couldn't risk another hit. "We've dragged this on for too long. Let's wrap it up, May."
"You're right," May frowned. Tapu Bulu and Tapu Lele spun around each other as they anticipated another flurry of attacks.
May stomped forward, "Goliosopod, use First Impression!"
Ash threw his arm in the air, "Infernape, use Mach Punch!"
Tapu Bulu and Tapu Lele saw the two Pokémon disappear and reappear in midair thanks to their speed. The Land Spirit Pokémon dodged their punches with relative ease despite how fast they were. "No way!" Ash and May gasped. They were nearly hit by Tapu Lele's Draining Kiss and Tapu Bulu's Horn Leech but were forced to retreat. Goliosopod and Infernape panted as their energy drained. Once more, the guardians fired Psybeam and Solar Beam.
"There's one more thing we can try," Ash scowled.
"Let's do it then," May demonstrated her fiery resolve. "Goliosopod, grab Infernape and spin him," the coordinator instructed.
Ash's determination sparked, "Infernape, Flare Blitz!" May's Goliosopod grabbed Infernape and spun him until they built up enough momentum to launch the monkey in the air.
"Infernape!" the Fire-type Pokémon growled when it flew toward the beam combination. It placed its fists forward as its body got engulfed in flames. Infernape's Flare Blitz mustered up enough power to break through the Legendary Pokémon's attacks and delivered a devastating blow to the Fairy-type Pokémon.
"Lele," Tapu Lele dropped.
"Bulu," Tapu Bulu also fell.
Infernape dropped to its knees with a smirk. The starter looked back at Ash, May, and Goliosopod with a smirk. "We won!" May celebrated.
"Great work!" Ash beamed. The trainers recognized their Pokémon for their efforts until they found themselves surrounded by Tapu Lele's sparkles as she floated above them to heal their Pokémon. Goliosopod and Infernape's injuries healed and their bodies were soothed. Ash and May's Pokémon thanked the guardian deity of Akala Island.
May clasped her hands behind her waist, "We appreciate that, Tapu Lele."
The couple returned their Pokémon and watched the deities ascend. An anxious Ash ran up to them, "So will you help us?"
"Please, the fate of everything we know depends on it!" May pleaded.
Tapu Lele and Tapu Bulu glowed again as their energy linked. The Legendary Pokémon moaned as a bright light formed between them. Ash, May, and the island Pokémon observed in awe as sparkles emitted from the concentrated energy. Following an abrupt flash of light, a plate appeared and floated over to the couple. Ash received the plate, "It's the Earth Plate!"
May understood what the island guardians wanted, "Now I get it. Our battle was a trial, wasn't it? To see if we were worthy." The Land Spirit Pokémon bowed at them.
"Thank you, Tapu Bulu, Tapu Lele," Ash bowed in return.
Tapu Lele neared May to also reward her with one of its scales. "What for Tapu Lele?" May was confused by the gift. Her sparkling eyes looked into Tapu Lele's to read them. The coordinator had a gentle grin, "I understand. You know what we're up against."
"I'm sure it'll come in handy," Ash held his waist. Tapu Lele agreed with their remarks. It rejoined Tapu Bulu in the sky. The island guardians took another look at the pair then departed. "So long," Ash admired them.
May treasured Tapu Lele's scale in her hands. She placed the scale in her fanny pack, "It'll get dark soon. We should head to Professor Kukui's now."
"I was about to say that," Ash chuckled. They couldn't wait to reunite with their second family.